Authors often describe writing as a lonely process and while that might be true, reading is sharing, borrowing and knowing each other through language. Recently, the readers of Avid Readers Club Delhi were joined by award-winning Indian Author Sutapa Basu. Basu has written over ten books across genres like historical fiction, anthology, non-fiction and more.

The gathering consisted of twenty enthusiastic readers, with Eureka as the event’s bookstore partner. Everyone was curious to engage with the author. In that coffee shop, one could see how fiction and history remain relevant in every age. Avid Readers Club is unlike a regular book club. Readers shared poetry inspired by Basu’s book on Parvatibai, many asked questions on what the research looked like for this book. Before the conversation began, the hosts presented us with a spirited enactment of a powerful scene from the book itself.

Readers were also interested in Basu’s recent book, The Constitution of India: An Illustrated Book for Children. Basu shared that this book came into being after she noticed that the Constitution of India, arguably the most fundamental rulebook on citizenship in the country was labeled as “boring” by children. With “do-you-know” and “search it yourself” sections, Basu wrote this book, keeping children first.

Both Basu and Avid Readers Club are promoting something crucial – reading. The act of reading has the power to change how one thinks, and acts. Eureka has been instilling the power of reading in children for over two decades now.

Eureka believes that there should be more spaces to promote reading. In this effort, we have started various initiatives like the beloved Bookaroo Festival of Children’s Literature that brings together notable children’s authors, readers, storytellers and parents. Our bookstore in Delhi sees reading circles, birthday celebrations and workshops for children – all centered around the joys of reading. Our efforts to support reading practices remind us of how powerful stories can be.

If you’re someone promoting the culture of reading in children, we would come to hear from you! Write to us at contactus@eurekabookstore.com