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In a city as fast-paced and diverse as Mumbai, where digital distractions dominate daily life, Granth Book Store stands as a sanctuary for book lovers, quietly fostering a community of readers for over two decades. At the heart of this thriving literary haven is Paresh Baua, a passionate bookseller with a vision to keep the joy of reading alive. In this exclusive interview, Baua takes us through his inspiring journey, the evolution of Granth, and his steadfast belief in the power of books to bring people together in an ever-changing world.
Excerpts:
Can you tell us about your journey into the world of books and how Granth Book Store came to life?
My journey into the world of books has been deeply personal and somewhat unexpected. Growing up, I was always surrounded by books at home. My parents were avid readers, and I would often find myself lost in the pages of a good story. However, it wasn’t until much later that I realized I wanted to turn my love for books into something more.
Granth was born out of a passion for reading and a desire to create a space where people could explore new ideas and connect with literature in a meaningful way. It wasn’t just about selling books; it was about cultivating a community of readers. In 2004, I made the leap and opened Granth Book Store in Juhu, Mumbai, with the vision of making it a destination for book lovers. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to build a space where people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome, where books are celebrated, and conversations flourish.
What were some of the challenges you faced when starting Granth, and how did you overcome them?
Starting Granth was both exciting and challenging. One of the biggest challenges was simply standing out in a city as bustling as Mumbai, where people are constantly on the move and digital distractions are everywhere. I had to think deeply about what would make Granth unique and how to attract customers in an era when physical bookstores were facing stiff competition from online retailers.
Another challenge was curating a collection that would appeal to a diverse audience. Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures, and we wanted to cater to everyone—from children to scholars, from casual readers to literary enthusiasts. Over time, we learned to listen closely to our customers, adapting our selection based on their interests and needs.
We also faced the challenge of changing reading habits. With the rise of e-books and smartphones, many people moved away from reading physical books. To overcome this, we focused on creating an experience that goes beyond just selling books. We host author events, discussions, workshops, and even storytelling sessions for kids, all aimed at making Granth a cultural hub as much as a bookstore. It’s this sense of community that has kept us going.
Speaking of the evolution of reading habits, how do you perceive the current state of readership in the country?
The reading landscape has certainly evolved over the years. There was a time when physical books were the only option, but now with the rise of digital media, people have more choices than ever. However, I believe that the joy of reading a physical book is still very much alive.
In cities like Mumbai, we see a very diverse readership. While there’s a strong preference for popular fiction, self-help, and business books, there is also a growing interest in literary fiction, non-fiction, and regional language books. The younger generation is showing a renewed interest in Indian authors, especially in genres like historical fiction, crime thrillers, and even graphic novels. I think this is a very positive trend.
On a broader scale, India has a rich tradition of storytelling, and I feel that reading, in whatever form—whether physical, digital, or even audiobooks—will always have a place in our culture. What we are seeing now is a resurgence of interest in local languages and a more conscious effort to preserve and promote regional literature. This gives me hope for the future of reading in India.
What is your vision for Granth Book Store from here on?
My vision for Granth is simple: I want it to continue being a space where books and ideas thrive. I believe bookstores have the power to bring people together, and I want to foster that sense of community even more in the years to come.
In terms of expansion, I’m always exploring new ways to reach out to more people, but it’s important to me that we retain the personal touch that Granth is known for. Whether it’s through launching a dedicated children’s section, expanding our curated collection of rare and independent publications, or hosting more interactive events, I want Granth to continue evolving.
One of my key goals is to further engage with local schools and educational institutions to promote reading among young people. I believe that instilling a love for reading at an early age can have a profound impact on an individual’s intellectual and emotional development. We’ve already begun working with schools to organize book fairs and reading sessions, and I’d like to see that grow in the future.
What advice would you give to young readers and aspiring bookstore owners?
For young readers, my advice is simple: keep exploring. Don’t limit yourself to one genre or one type of book. There’s a whole world of literature out there waiting to be discovered, and each book you read broadens your horizons. Make reading a habit, and let it be your window into different cultures, ideas, and perspectives.
As for aspiring bookstore owners, I’d say passion is key. The bookstore business can be challenging, especially in today’s digital age, but if you’re truly passionate about books, it’s incredibly rewarding. Understand your audience, build relationships with your customers, and always be open to adapting to new trends and technologies. Most importantly, focus on creating a space where people feel inspired to read, learn, and grow.
Finally, what do you think makes Granth unique among other bookstores in Mumbai?
I think what sets Granth apart is our commitment to creating a personalized experience for our customers. We’re not just selling books; we’re curating stories, experiences, and conversations. Our events, the diversity of our collection, and the relationships we’ve built with authors and readers alike have made Granth a space where people feel connected to the world of books. That’s something I’m very proud of.
We also put a strong emphasis on promoting Indian authors and literature, particularly works that might not be widely available elsewhere. In doing so, we try to keep alive the rich literary heritage of our country while also embracing new voices and trends in global literature.
Granth is more than just a bookstore—it’s a celebration of the written word, and that’s what makes it special.
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