How appealing is the idea of just going through dozens of your favorite books without having to step into an actual library but a make shift one at a specially designed bus stand while waiting for your bus! If you think the idea is fantastic then you should thank Anoop Khanna from Guwahati who did just that to welcome dozens of writers and artists at Assam’s first ever literary festival.
“We live in an age where most of our time is utilized on phones and other gadgets. People have forgotten about reading and books. We thought of a setting where people of every generation visit and usually have some time,” said Khanna. The idea flourished in the backdrop of Brahmaputra Literature Festival organized by the National Book Trust (NBT) and the Assam government. He further added that he couldn’t think of a better spot for his campaign than a bus stop.
He put up a board ‘the world belongs to those who read’ on the top of a bus stop and put few shelves for books decorated with multi-colored lights. The literary festival witnessed 60 panel discussions; book releases, readings and cultural events, including film screenings based on books, Khanna was struck by the curiosity his bus stop-turned-book stall had evoked among old and young. “We kept around 200-250 books in the library. And most of them have been exchanged. There’s has been an overwhelming response,” said Khanna after the event.
The concept of a huge hit and many curious people visited the bus stop who appreciated the initiative hugely.
