The English Book Shop – Chandigarh Visit

Chandigarh, known for its serene gardens, auditoriums, museums and punctilious planning, played host to a different kind of emotion. This time it introduced the magic of words. I had the distinct pleasure of spending a day in the city, not as a sightseer but as an author connecting with the heart and soul of the megacity through its popular literary hubs and compendiums, and my destination—The English Book Shop, a fascinating bookstore nestled in the vibrant Sector 17.

Stepping into the store was like entering a surreal world where characters from thousands of works beckoned me to listen to their tales. If that was not enough, the smell of paper and ink which hung in the air like a rare perfume pushed my adrenaline further … a scent which every book nut recognizes, apart from authors. Outside, the sun raced down from the ether while chilly wind meandered around the plaza, bouncing off the well maintained, titled arcade, illuminating the shops with its majestic luminance.

My visit was not just a casual browse; it was an occasion to check out the erudite community of Chandigarh as well as catch up with the partner / owner of the shop, Mr Sanjeev. The English Book Shop is not just the soul of Chandigarh it is also the launching pad for many authors—new and established. The crowd inside was a pleasurable blend of periods and backgrounds. They belonged to assorted age groups; from eager Gen Z’s to cool 30’s folks and of course the omnipresent seniors, scattered in every direction, seeking their literary poison. It was an exemplification of the reading world, all gathered in one place.

Mr Sanjeev, a passionate bookman himself offered intriguing history surrounding The English Book Shop. He spoke about the significance of bookstores as community spaces, as places where ideas changed and imaginations burned. I could not agree more. In a world increasingly dominated by digital products, bookstores offer a palpable connection to the world of literature, a physical space where stories come to life and a sanctuary for those who find solace in the written word—literally.

What I found touching was his commitment to the legacy. His family has remained in book selling business for almost seven decades and continues to contribute to this exciting domain with the same commitment, the same passion. To boost sales, the brothers, Mr Sanjeev and Mr Rajeev have opened a stationery section within the same premises. It somehow enhances the decor, the ambience further. I loved the idea!

Gradually, my conversation with Mr Sanjeev moved to book launch and author book-signing events. The topic triggered yet another string of nostalgic moments. He talked about a young girl, no more than ten years old, asking the author about “How he came up with his characters”. The author replied, “I draw inspiration from real people, from my own experiences, and from my imagination, weaving them together to create fictional individuals who feel real and relatable”. The answer it seems turned the young girl joyous lighting the spark of creativity in her. Another incident which he remembered was about a middle-aged gentleman. He told this visiting author that one of his books had helped him through a difficult time in his life. This man spoke of the comfort and solace he found in the story, and how it had given him a new perspective.

“It was a humbling moment, a reminder of the profound impact that books can have on people’s lives,” Sanjeev said ending the topic on a sombre note.

I felt a sense of fulfilment, gratitude as I stepped out from this temple of books. It was like a celebration of literature, a testament to the enduring power of stories. Of course, the most exciting part of this visit was Mr Sanjeev’s promise to offer my books, THE LAST CANVAS and PLAY PAUSE to the wonderful readers of Chandigarh. What I loved about The English Book Shop … well, it’s wide range of books, relaxed ambience, fantastic location and helpful staff.

Psst! Did I mention that there are several coffee shops nearby?