Bookselling in India – where heritage meets innovation

We recently celebrated the World Book Day 2025, where UNESCO highlighted “The role of literature in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” emphasizing how literature can inspire action and awareness across key global issues such as poverty, hunger, and inequality. Concurrently, the campaign “Read your way: diverse books for every mind” encouraged readers to explore different voices and cultures through literature, promoting empathy and global understanding. Besides, Rio de Janeiro is the World Book Capital for 2025, recognizing the city’s commitment to promoting books and reading for all age groups and across all sectors of society.

Booksellers play an important role in bridging the gap between publishers and readers. The Indian bookselling landscape is undergoing a transformation, as bookstores redefine their roles from mere retail outlets to immersive cultural destinations. At the forefront is Crossword Bookstores, where Aakash Gupta’s leadership has fused digital efficiency with experiential engagement. “Our outlets are cultural hotspots… events like open mics and cosplay contests create communities where literature thrives,” shares Aakash. With an AI-powered recommendation engine and a seamless online-offline integration, Crossword is demonstrating that technology, when used thoughtfully, can enhance the joy of reading without eroding its essence.

Across the country, booksellers are adopting distinct models, each deeply rooted in purpose, identity, and innovation. Kunzum Books, helmed by Ajay Jain, positions itself as a sanctuary for serious readers, offering curated bundles, reading certifications, and thoughtfully selected lists under the #TimeToRead initiative. “We offer something others cannot,” Ajay says. Meanwhile, Walking BookFairs is literally taking literature to the people—by road, rail, and air. “We seek out diverse and marginalised voices,” co-founder Akshaya Bahibala affirms, describing initiatives like the Flying Library and Railway Literary Festivals that have taken literature to the remotest corners of India.

What unites these diverse enterprises, is a call for equity and community in publishing. “If corrective measures are not taken, the small bookseller will soon perish,” warns Rohit Jerajani of Express Book Service, urging publishers to reconsider steep discounting practices that favour large chains. Divya Kapur of Literati echoes the need for independent bookstores to be recognised as equal partners. In an era of AI-driven content, these bookstores remind us that human curation, community engagement, and literary passion are irreplaceable pillars of a healthy publishing ecosystem.

Happy publishing and happy reading!

Shweta
shweta@allaboutbookpublishing.com