Why this bookseller at Bhayander hopes more railway stations in Mumbai keep books for commuters

"This stall used to be filled with books all around - from one side to the other. There was not a single spot that used to be empty," says a proud Nandalal Prasad, who sits comfortably at his stall on platform number 6 of Bhayander railway station. He talks of the time when the stall used to boast of 1,000 - 1,500 books. Even though train horns blare and announcements are heard on the speakers on a busy working day in Mumbai, Prasad seems more mesmerised and less distracted with the daily hustle and bustle with the trains, when we meet him on a busy working day, as a light summer breeze passes us indicating a train has just left the platform.

Unfortunately, today the book stall functions as a multipurpose stall with cold drinks, chips, biscuits and stationery, but books in sections of the stall are a mainstay and reminder of a not-so-distant past. "I have been able to convert this stall into a multipurpose stall only because of books and newspapers. I have made a life out of this, so if I neglect them, then there is no meaning in keeping the stall," shares Prasad, who clearly doesn't forget his roots.

Prasad has been manning the stall for roughly 30 years after coming to Mumbai a little over three decades ago from Uttar Pradesh. The Bhayandar resident, who is fondly called ‘Nandu' started at what used to be a fully functional bookstall as a part-timer but was soon handed over the reins by the owner to man it full-time. "I did try other jobs like working in a factory close by when I came to Mumbai but somehow, I didn't take to it. So, when the owner of this stall told me to take it up and said he would pay me the same amount I was earning there, I happily took it up and have been here ever since," says the happy 57-year-old. Today, he not only has a house but has also managed to educate his children, who now have jobs. While Prasad used to get a salary earlier, he became a contractor over the years, and doesn't miss a day except when he visits his village. "My children do handle the stall when I go back to my village but otherwise, I like sitting here because I get to meet so many people every day and have different conversations with them," he adds.

Is the Mumbai commuter reading?
The stall, which has many different English, Hindi and Marathi magazines stacked behind Prasad on a section of the stall, also has over 250-300 books on the right side - inside and on display through a glass case. They are mostly Hindi and Marathi language books about subjects such as literature that include poems by Rabindranath Tagore along with works by Premchand as well as popular stories from Panchatantra. There are also books on science, magic and religion with catchy book covers that are sure to intrigue passersby. While these are the lighter reads, the stall also has books on the Indian Constitution, along with study books for college students and those preparing for government exams adorn the glass cabinet but have very few takers.

Prasad has over 250-300 books and magazines at his stall including literary works by Rabindranath Tagore and Premchand (left) as well as academic books (right). Photo Courtesy: Nascimento Pinto

"Earlier, there used to be many people who used to come to buy these books, but the numbers have reduced a lot over time. Today, small children don't come at all, and youngsters aren't interested in reading books because they are with their mobile phones. It is a stark contrast from over 20 years ago," says Prasad matter-of-factly. The stall is frequented only by adults who have been coming over the years and pick up newspapers and magazines and some books before they board the train. He adds, "Nowadays, there are people who come but after showing them the books, they say they will buy them online or read online." While he is not a reader, Prasad flips through the pages a little to see why people must have asked for it at such times. Among the many different languages, it is the Hindi books and magazines that are most popular. Readers come for the likes of Grihashoba, Meri Saheli, Sarita, Satya Katha and Manohar Kahaniyan, which are really popular.

How Covid-19 pandemic affected the bookstall
As if the lack of enough readers wasn't hard hitting, the Covid-19 pandemic came along and decided to play spoilsport for the Mumbaikar, who opens the shop at 6:30 am and closes it by 9:30 pm every day. "After the lockdown, people stopped reading and buying books or newspapers like they used to before. So, I was forced to make it a full-fledged multipurpose stall to sustain it." Unsurprisingly, the change seems to have attracted more customers to the stall than when it had books. Prasad barely has any time from attending to commuters looking to buy a quick bottle of water or chilled flavoured milk bottles to quench their thirst while waiting to board their train to town. "Earlier, when there were books, there was a time this stall was so busy, people couldn't stand for even two minutes here," he adds. Today, that has visibly changed.

Interestingly, Prasad's stall is one of few on the Western line that still have books, the other being at Mumbai Central railway station, he tells us. However, the Mumbaikar says he has heard that there is a stall coming up at Vasai station but wonders whether it will be a canteen or book stall-multipurpose stall. He explains, "There should be book stalls at railway stations because a lot of people do complain that newspapers are not easily available online and neither are magazines as much and they depend on this every day, apart from those who read."

Even though the demand for books is less, it is clear Prasad hopes there are more book stalls at railway stations in Mumbai. After all, he has managed to make one survive for 30 years. "You can call it public service or a business, whatever you like, but it's been like that at this stall," he shares. So, it is no surprise when he tells us that if things get better, he will change it back to a book stall. "Then, I will only keep books here. Even now, I make sure to get books for commuters who don't find them here," he concludes.

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