What an enlightening evening it turned out to be, My Lady! Glad that you overheard the writer comment about attending a session on independent bookstores at the Durbar Hall. Your vantage position at the pedestal has its benefits. All I get to hear, sadly, are squeals and abuses from commuters who are either entering or rushing to the railway terminus,” uttered Sir PM. He and Lady Flora were recapping their visit to the prestigious Asiatic Society of Mumbai a few weeks ago. They witnessed an interesting session where two founders of independent bookstores discussed the present-day scenario, and the road ahead.

“Honestly, I was expecting better attendance. This was essential for members of the publishing industry, especially for R&D, sales, marketing and distribution employees, who are responsible for a book to reach its rightful owner in a bookstore. Even city authors and members of the book reading community should have been present in the audience. It was their loss really, to understand reading habits and the bookstore ecosystem here,” shared Lady Flora. Sir PM liked how both bookstore owners recalled their challenges without hesitation. “It offered a window into the dynamics of running a bookstore in a city with hectic timelines, long commutes and countless distractions.”