ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: From libraries to independent bookstores, Bhubaneswar’s vibrant book culture continues to thrive, nurturing inclusive spaces that keep the love for reading alive and accessible across generations.
At the heart of this culture stands Modern Book Depot (MBD), an iconic bookstore that serves as a reminder of the city’s long-standing literary tradition.
Established in 1970, it has catered to generations of readers and remains a trusted destination despite evolving reading habits and the growing shift toward digital platforms.
Alongside such legacy institutions, community-driven initiatives like Bakul Foundation’s Bakul Library movement and Walking BookFairs are helping revitalise reading habits, particularly among younger audiences.
On the occasion of World Book Day, book lovers and literary advocates shared with Orissa POST their perspectives on the evolving reading culture in the city.
Sujit Mahapatra of the Bakul Foundation emphasised the urgent need to cultivate new readers in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“In an age where AI increasingly shapes our lives, cultivating a reading habit has become more important than ever,” he said.
Quoting futurist Michio Kaku, he added, “The future belongs to those who can do what robots cannot.”
Mahapatra also highlighted the importance of fiction in nurturing imagination, recalling Albert Einstein’s belief that fairy tales play a crucial role in shaping scientific minds.
At Walking BookFairs, founder Satabdi Mishra stressed the need for active participation in sustaining reading culture.
“We need continued support from people who walk into bookstores, attend events, and engage with reading—not just consume digital content,” she said.
Announcing a silent reading session April 23, she added, “On this World Book Day, pick a book, gift a book, read a book.
The transformative power of reading can empower, heal, and connect us.”
Veteran bookseller Om Prakash of MBD observed a clear shift in reading patterns.
“Reading continues, but it has moved from printed books to screens, bringing new challenges for traditional bookstores,” he noted.
Noted author and academician Devdas Chhotray invoked Franz Kafka’s philosophy, stating that books should not merely comfort but challenge readers.
Kafka believed literature should “wound and stab” the reader—serving as a necessary disruption that transforms thought.
Avid reader Swikruti Mishra highlighted the importance of encouraging younger generations to explore the region’s history and its sustainable, nature-aligned legacy through books.
As Bhubaneswar marks World Book Day, its enduring literary spaces, both traditional and community-driven, stand as a testament to the City’s evolving yet resilient reading culture, where the printed page continues to inspire even in a digital age.
