Illuminating Pages: From Old Bookstores to Digital Horizons—A Diwali Reflection
Ode to the old bookstore childhood
Childhood is a treasure trove of memories, some of which stand out with incredible clarity. It is such memories that make us want to go back to childhood sometimes and relive our childhoods, protected from the various vices the world could throw at us.
Among my most cherished recollections is the time spent perched on a humble stool outside the second-hand bookstores that dotted the street near the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple. There, I (a six year old) would immerse myself in the vibrant pages of every issue of 'Amar Chitra Katha' that I could lay my hands on. Perhaps my incredible love for Indian Mythology started in one of those seats. This particular street seemed to be a sanctuary for bibliophiles, with rows of book dealers whose stands overflowed with literary gems. This is quite literal actually. These book stores used the roads as a sort of extended retail area and put their books out in perfect order every time. There were police men stationed to ensure that there was no theft. Parents, leading their eager children by hand, would browse through an amazing mix of fiction, non-fiction, romance, comic books, and encyclopedias. The air was rich with the scent of paper and ink, a blend of languages like Tamil, English, Hindi, and even the occasional Marathi and German title whispered stories waiting to be told.
In this quaint corner, distractions lost their power. I still remember the times my father had been relieved to find me after searching around for some time. I think I had conditioned him quite well in the years since, and the joy I derived from reading reigned supreme. The book vendors, with their knowing smiles, seemed less like salespeople and more like guardians of knowledge, always encouraging young minds to embark on adventures between the covers of their well-thumbed wares. It was not just a street but a haven where imaginations could spread their wings and allow us to fly from one interesting world to another.
This was not something that was characteristic of Madurai alone. Every sizable town at the time had something similar. I have been to the markets in Chennai and in Bangalore when I was a teenager. I had read about college road in Calcutta and its famous book stalls as well.
A glimpse into the past
The quality of a society can often be gauged by its ability to provide avenues to creative pursuits. We revere the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro not solely for its architectural wonders but also for its cultural artifacts, like the Dancing Girl statue. This small figure represents a civilization that, over 2,500 years ago, placed a high value on creativity and joy for their children—a clear indication of their advanced societal priorities. The same can be said about 17th century Florence, Victorian England, or even Mughal India. In a modern parallel, the presence of bookstores is perhaps the testament to a society's appreciation for knowledge and lifelong learning. We have to admit, there is a profound statement that would echo through the games in the simple act of sustaining oneself by selling old books.
However, consumer behavior has evolved. The tactile pleasure of turning pages has largely been replaced by the convenience of digital 'recommended readings' provided by the likes of Google and Apple. As a result of this shift, the charming streets lined with bookstores are disappearing, a change I've observed firsthand in Kolkata. The few bookshops that remain have pivoted to cater to a market focused on academic and competitive exam preparation (JEE, NEET, and the UPSC). Right around IIM Ahmedabad and Bangalore, you can buy all sorts of used (however sparingly) MBA books that have been left behind by students after their term breaks. With the decline of reading libraries and inadequate public funding for such libraries, the joy of reading for pleasure is at risk of becoming a forgotten pastime.
Mr. Karu Palaniappan, an accomplished actor, director, and political activist, eloquently addressed this issue several years ago. He argued that a good bookstore doesn't narrow your journey with the question 'What do you want?' upon entry, recognizing the broad spectrum of individual interests beyond the best-sellers. If given the chance, I would tell him that if a bookstore is asking “what do you want?” That's perhaps a desperate cry for help to understand what the market realities are so that he or she can make a living with something that they felt so passionate about.
Exploring the present
Just last Sunday, my visit to the Crossword store in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, was a wake up call. The store has shrunk to a third of its former size. Among the remaining space, a significant portion is dedicated to toys, stationery, and gifts, with 'half price' deals prominently displayed. A mere four shelves held books that weren't bestsellers. It's easy to point fingers at e-commerce and piracy, but are these the only culprits? Or is there a more fundamental issue at play? This is a question we must ponder over.
One possible explanation is perhaps the fact that there are many modern avenues for people to read. For instance, today it is easily possible for us to read on iPads and tablet devices. There are plenty of books available for very affordable prices. Apps such as Amazon’s Kindle have revolutionized reading. Why would consumers go to bookstores (and that too old book stores) to get access to books that they could get access to from the comfort of their living rooms. The apps are also available on phones these days. In addition to providing readers a more comfortable reading experience, it appears they also are able to provide access to a much, much wider library of content.
Data from the Association of American Publishers suggests something interesting. It appears that print books are the most sold with ebooks contributing only 11.3% by value (see exhibit below). This, despite the surge in Digital Literacy and Accessibility is a very interesting step. In the context of India however, such data is not available. There are plenty of books that are pirated in our country, and we never really can track their sales accurately.
The eBook sales has been primarily led by services such as Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription plan. Interestingly, there has also been a surge in users choosing audiobooks as the primary source of learning. This is something that is new, and possibly very useful to some segments of book consumers (I’m going ahead with a term that I think is more apt in this context). Many firms are trying to tap into this growing niche. Content is available not only in English, but also in regional languages. It’s really heart warming to see how regional writers are able to reach such a large audience in recent years.
Into the future
Maybe the old book stores are vanishing, and that may not be such a bad thing after all. It’s important that old things make way for new things. Perhaps there is some old world charm in sitting on a stool in a crowded street and digging through books and jumping from one world to another. Perhaps that is something that the next generation will never experience. But then, I am sure the next generation will be able to experience their own unique joys and discoveries in the world of reading. The digital age has opened up endless possibilities – virtual book clubs, interactive eBooks, and audiobooks that bring stories to life in vivid detail. These new experiences offer convenience and a different kind of engagement with literature that was unimaginable in the past.
Moreover, the accessibility of reading material has dramatically increased. Children in remote areas, people with visual impairments, and those who cannot afford physical books now have the world of literature at their fingertips. This democratization of knowledge is a significant leap forward, one that should be celebrated.
It's also worth noting that the essence of a bookstore - the sense of community, the exchange of ideas, the personal recommendations - doesn't have to disappear. These can be replicated in online forums and communities, where book lovers from all over the world can connect, discuss, and share.
Yes, we may lose something tangible as old bookstores fade away, but what we gain is equally valuable. A new chapter in the world of reading is unfolding, one that is inclusive, diverse, and adaptive to the changing times. The love for stories, the thirst for knowledge, and the joy of discovering new worlds remain constant, even as the ways we access these joys evolve.
While we cherish the memories of old bookstores, we must also embrace the new avenues of reading that are opening up. It's a transition, not an end – a transformation that ensures the magic of reading continues to thrive, evolve, and reach even more people than ever before.
As the pages of our reading habits turn, much like the old bookstores giving way to digital platforms, we are reminded of the timeless essence of Diwali. This festival, with its luminous diyas and heartwarming gatherings, mirrors the enduring light of knowledge and community that books have always provided. As we celebrate Diwali, let us embrace the new beginnings in the world of reading, carrying forward the legacy of our cherished bookstores into the expansive digital universe. May the joyous lights of Diwali illuminate our hearts and minds, guiding us to explore new worlds in our reading adventures.
With that, I think I should say Happy Diwali!!
