For over 30 years, Joginder Yadav, based in Mahim, has been vending books outside Churchgate railway station. Throughout this period, he has witnessed numerous changes among both young and old readers. He expresses a desire for increased government support not only to obtain his licence but also for his fellow roadside booksellers
Joginder Yadav has been running the bookstall near Churchgate railway station since 1986. Photo Courtesy: Joginder Yadav
Like many others, Joginder Yadav came to Mumbai from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh when he was 16 years old to make a living. Initially, he sold channa along Marine Drive but soon realised that the income was insufficient to sustain his livelihood, especially with the responsibility of supporting his family. Roaming the streets of Churchgate at that time, he observed many booksellers who were selling books along the roadside. He explains, “One day, I saw an uneducated man from my village screaming and selling international books for Rs 2. So, I thought this was a good business. It was much more than what I was earning from selling channa, promoting me to switch and start selling books obtained from the raddiwala (scrap dealers).”
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