Event: Books over Chai - A Thank You Note
I have been meaning
to write this blog post for the longest time. In fact, I wanted to write the
blog post right after the very first successful Books, Monsoon and Chai meet.
The rain had played a spoilsport and made a lot of people miss that event. But
it had been my favourite. Don’t ask me why. Because I wouldn’t be able to tell
you or give you an answer that is satisfactory enough!
This was Pradipta’s
idea. She had lived in Delhi for two years and she wanted to create an event
that involved books. Back in 2016, she and another friend had conducted the
first ever book event. Back then, it wasn’t called Books over Chai.
When she moved back
to Kolkata in early 2017 she shared that she would like to take up hosting the
event again. And because I was working in a job that involved me deeply in the
world of books and literature, I agreed to help her. I cannot tell you exactly
when the helping turned into collaborating with her fulltime on the project.
Because even though Books over Chai is her brainchild, I feel just as
responsible for it and just as proud of the events we have successfully
conducted so far.
I am the poster child
of an introvert – with books and cats and notebooks for company. This event, I
have personally felt, is a place where people are allowed to be themselves
without any apologies. I have found people who I know to be introverts become
okay with speaking and voicing their opinions. While they have sought the
comfort of hiding behind their books, I love how Books over Chai gives them
just enough encouragement to raise their heads a little and tell you what they
think – of both books and this world.
In all the meets that
have happened till date, I have found myself very systematically sticking to my
Young Adult novels. Though I barely meet people who share the same enthusiasm
for this particular genre. At the same time, I constantly meet people who read
books of different genres, and I learn about books and characters I would have
perhaps never come cross!
So if you happen to
be in Kolkata, please do come to the next meet. I cannot guarantee that you’ll
absolutely love it. But I can promise you good conversations about books,
authors, stories and characters over cups of piping hot chai!
Initially this meet
was held at The Chaiwala. We moved
the location to Purple Cat Studios at
Dipanwita Apartments from December. We sincerely hope that this location
remains constant over the many, many more sessions to come.
Pradipta and I are
both humbled and proud of how far we have come with Books over Chai. Do help us
take this beautiful journey forward! Ping either of us if you happen to have
any queries regarding this. And follow our Facebook Page - Book Lovers and Readers - for more updates!
