In a World of Screens, Bengaluru Bookies Fosters a Silent Reading Revolution
Bengaluru: In the heart of India’s tech capital, where digital screens often dominate attention, a quiet revolution is unfolding every Sunday morning. Bengaluru Bookies, a silent reading movement, is turning the solitary act of reading into a powerful collective experience. Affiliated to Mumbai Bookies founded in August 2024 by Shantanu Naidu, Pritesh and Gargi Sandhu, the reading movement in Mumbai was later expanded out to Pune and Bengaluru. Sowmya Ramesh, Kavya Digge are the Hosts for Bengaluru Bookies, the group brings people together in parks and quiet corners of South Bengaluru for one simple purpose: to read in silence, together
.
ಸ್ಕ್ರೀನ್ಗಳಿಗೆ ಆಲ್ಟಾ? ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಮೌನವಾಗಿ ಹರಡುತ್ತಿದೆ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ವಾಚನದ ಕ್ರಾಂತಿ
What started as a small gathering has, in just ten months, blossomed into a movement of over 4,000 registered readers. Their rapid growth is a testament to a city craving genuine connection and a respite from the noise of modern life. The founders and Hosts, all working professionals with demanding jobs, never imagined their passion project would strike such a chord.
“Reading a book is a deeply personal experience, but doing it in a community amplifies the joy,” explains Sowmya. “It’s like seeing people run in a park; their energy motivates you to join. We’ve created a space where seeing others immersed in a book encourages you to open your own.”
A Historic Partnership for a Modern Movement
The group’s impact was recently recognized in a significant way. Marking 110 years since the inception of the Seshadri Memorial Hall, the iconic building that houses the State Central Library, the Government of Karnataka’s Department of Public Libraries has partnered with Bengaluru Bookies. This collaboration will open the historic hall’s doors to the silent reading movement, bridging a cherished past with a vibrant future.
The hosts attribute this milestone to their clear mission and community-focused approach. “We focused on doing things the right way, with a genuine agenda to make a difference,” says Kavya. “The Commissioner of Public Libraries saw the value in what we are building—a movement that goes beyond just reading and actively strengthens the city’s cultural fabric. This partnership is a dream realized for our community.”
Fostering Creativity and Commitment
In an age of shortening attention spans, Bengaluru Bookies employs creative strategies to keep readers engaged. Sessions often incorporate activities like doodling, book swaps, and collaborative story creation, emphasizing that reading is a springboard for imagination.
To reward dedication, they created ‘Cloak and Quil, event’ an exclusive, invite-only event for members who have attended at least ten sessions. These special gatherings feature unique social and creative activities, providing an incentive for consistent participation without any pressure.
“We are constantly thinking of ways to show that a book is a gateway to countless
worlds” they say. “The goal is to nurture a lifelong habit.”
Fueled by Passion, Not Profit
Despite organizing weekly events for a growing community, the initiative remains resolutely non-commercial. This commitment to accessibility is central to their ethos.
“We explicitly tell people that no money is involved. This isn’t about profit; it’s about creating a priceless experience,” Sowmya states. The real reward, she adds, is the feedback from readers. “Hearing that someone picked up a book for the first time in years, or that they’ve reconnected with a core part of their identity—that is what fuels us. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”
The community itself is the engine of the movement. The hosts are quick to deflect praise, emphasizing that it is the readers who show up every week, rain or shine, that make Bengaluru Bookies a success.
Looking ahead, the group plans to launch a book drive to channel the community’s desire to donate old books. It’s the next step in their mission to ensure the culture of reading not only survives but thrives for everyone.
“This is more than a club; it’s a discipline, it’s a community, it’s a movement,”
the hosts reflect. “It proves that despite all technological advancements, there
is a growing population—young and old—that wants to hold onto the simple,
profound culture of reading physical books together.
Quotes from the Hosts:
Sowmya: “The most beautiful part is the community that has formed. We started this, but it is the people who come every Sunday who have built its heart and soul. Their stories of rediscovering reading are what keep us going.”
Kavya: “Our partnership with the State Central Library is a validation that our city believes in the power of reading. It shows that when you approach a goal with sincerity and a desire to contribute, institutions will listen and collaborate.”
Key Quotes
Sowmya:
-
On community: “We didn’t build this community; the people who show up every Sunday did. Their stories are our fuel.”
-
On the experience: “Reading is personal, but doing it together amplifies the joy. The shared energy is contagious.”
Kavya:
-
On the library partnership: “This collaboration proves that a sincere agenda to make a difference can open historic doors.”
-
On motivation: “Hearing that someone picked up a book for the first time in years—that is what makes it all worthwhile.”
Sanjay:
-
“Bengaluru Bookies is not a book club, it’s a discipline, a community and a silent movement for the digital age.”
From a Member:
Subhashree: “Bengaluru Bookies helped me reconnect with my core identity. I used to read a lot of books growing up, and this brought me back.”
Q&A – FAQ
Q: What exactly is Bengaluru Bookies?
A: It’s a community group that hosts silent, collective reading sessions every Sunday morning in parks around South Bengaluru. It’s about reading your own book in a quiet, shared space.
Q: Do I have to pay to join?
A: No. The events are completely free to attend. The initiative is non-profit.
Q: Do I have to talk or discuss books?
A: No. The focus is on silent reading. The social and creative activities are optional add-ons, not the main event..
Q: How can I get involved?
A: You can follow them on Instagram (@bengaluru_bookies) for event details and simply show up with a book.
