The Bookswaala Book Fair began in Wokha on August 22. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | August 22
The Bookswaala Book Fair has commenced in Wokha today, August 22, following successful events in Kohima, Dimapur, and Mokokchung. The fair, hosted at Likya Community Hall near Mother Church, will run daily until August 24.
Visitors are welcome from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM each day. With a staggering collection of over 100,000 books available, the fair offers a unique opportunity for book enthusiasts. Prices are set at just Rs. 400 per kilogram. Additionally, mangas and new releases are available at a 50% discount.
In an exclusive interview with The Morung Express, Apoorva Mayank revealed the story behind Bookswaala. The initiative was launched by Mayank and his colleague Rajesh Kumar Choudhary, both from Delhi, who left their jobs to travel through the Northeast. Mayank explained, "We did not have a job and we were facing financial security. Given our love for reading, we conceived the idea of organising book fairs."
The duo’s strategy involves two key elements. "First, we decided to visit every city, whether it is a two-tier city, three-tier city, or a metro," Mayank said. "Our aim is to reach every town in the Northeast." The second innovation is their unique pricing model. "We recognised that students often cannot afford expensive book boxes costing 1500, 2000, or 2500 Rupees at once. So, we introduced a pricing system based on weight, allowing people to purchase books by the gram."
This approach has been well-received, particularly among college students. "The positive feedback from students in every city we visit is very encouraging," Mayank noted. To date, Bookswaala has held successful fairs in Meghalaya, Assam, and several locations in Nagaland, including Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, and Wokha. Their upcoming plans include visiting Shillong and Aizawl, continuing their journey through the Northeast.
