SHantanu Naidu is widely known as a close friend and colleague of industrialist Ratan Tata.

 

 and has made great strides in promoting the culture of reading across India. After Tata’s death in October 2024, Naidu devoted his energy to a community initiative called Bookies, which aims to revive the love of reading in public places. 

 Origin of âBookiesâ

 

 Bookies is a reading movement that encourages people to gather in public places and spend time reading silently. The initiative was first introduced in Mumbai and has since expanded to Pune and Bangalore. Aiduâs vision is to create a community where reading is a shared and respected activity, and to bring back the joy of immersing oneself in a book even amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. 

 Expansion to Jaipur

 

 In December 2024, Naidu announced the launch of the Jaipur edition of Bookies. He shared his excitement on LinkedIn, saying, “Jaipur, it’s time.” See you at Jaipur Bookies on Sunday the 8th. Register for the launch below. “I can’t wait!”  The event was scheduled for December 8, and invited readers from Jaipur to come together and participate in this unique reading experience. 

 Future Ambition

 

 aidu has announced plans to expand Bookies to other cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Surat. The aim of the book is to revive the importance of reading in today fast-moving world, where digital distractions take precedence over traditional reading habits. Naidu hopes that these silent reading sessions will foster a sense of community among readers and help more people rediscover the joy of reading. 

 A Tribute to Ratan Tata

 

 The bond between Shantanu Naidu and Ratan Tata was well known, and Naidu often accompanied Tata on his public appearances after his death in October 2024. Naidoo said, “I will dedicate my life to filling the void this friendship has left in me. Sadness is the price one pays for love. Goodbye, my beloved lighthouse. His heartfelt message reflects the deep bond they shared and Naidu commitment to honouring the Tata legacy through meaningful initiatives like Bookies. 

 Bookmakers Impact

 

 The Bookmakers initiative has received positive feedback from both participants and observers. By providing a quiet space for reading, it not only promotes literacy but also creates a sense of community among participants. In a world dominated by digital media, Bookmakers offers a refreshing opportunity to return to the simple pleasure of reading a physical book. 

Conclusion

 

 SHantanj Naidu dedication to promoting reading through the Bookies initiative is an example of his commitment to social betterment, a value he shared with his mentor Ratan Tata. As Bookies expands to more cities, it is expected to foster a community united by a love of literature, thereby reviving the passion for reading across the country.