Nazia Rahman, Journalist:
The word “adda” (casual gathering or friendly conversation) holds a deep connection with Bengalis. And when it comes to discussing and debating over books, Bengalis are unmatched. However, this space is gradually being overtaken by mobile phones and laptops.
Especially mobile phones, which have brought the world into the palm of our hands, have become one of humanity’s closest companions. Yet, alongside their benefits, mobile phones have also distanced people from social interaction and group conversations. In fact, with the rise of e-books, the habit of flipping through the pages of physical books is also diminishing.
In an effort to bring people back from screens to books, a small bookstore in South Kolkata has taken an initiative. Although the store’s name is in English, its spirit is entirely Bengali.
From Rabindranath Tagore to Satyajit Ray, from Feluda to Byomkesh, from Uttam Kumar to Soumitra Chatterjee — all find a place here, whether in books, coasters, cutouts, or bookmarks. Under one roof, the store blends Bengali culture, friendly gatherings, and books together.
There’s one important rule for visitors:
“Sit and read as long as you like, chat and share stories — but not with a laptop!”
Mobile Book
The most attractive feature of the store is the Mobile Book or Pocket-Friendly Book.
With the changing times and the rise of technology, people’s attraction to gadgets has grown. Many years ago, author Syed Mustafa Siraj humorously remarked, “No one ever went bankrupt buying books.”
Similarly, Kabir Humayun had said about reading,
“Read books while traveling by bus or train, in the lazy afternoons, and whenever life demands it, lying down or sitting.”
One Bengali has now turned that thought into reality by launching a quick-read series of pocket books for readers — books sized 3 by 6 inches, roughly the size of a mobile phone.
The idea is simple: if people mistake the book for a mobile, maybe they’ll end up reading it!
Mobile Book
While a smartphone brings the world to your fingertips with the click of a button, nothing can match the unique joy of flipping through the pages of a physical book. These small, smartphone-sized books can easily fit into a pocket.
The aim is to rekindle the habit of reading printed books among the new generation — and to bring back the joy of turning pages, one pocket-sized book at a time.
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