In this age, when online e-commerce is threatening the existence of bookstores, Ahmedabad University is launching a major initiative to build a University Bookstore. There is a large population of people in the society who are unable to discover authentic material that is researched well, that is factual, and that help builds advanced knowledge on issues and ideas more than what newspaper articles or popular writings provide. The Ahmedabad University Bookstore is an attempt to fill this gap. The Ahmedabad University Bookstore is designed as a space where thoughtful citizens and visitors of the city gets to engage with the university and its intellectual culture. The Bookstore is purported to provide a backdrop against which the society at large gets to discuss, debate and exchange thoughts, ideas and literary discourses with utmost freedom laden with sensitivity. It is at once conceived to be a stage (for book launches, workshops, and intimate conclaves) as well as a lounge (for quiet and reflective reading and writing).

The thoughtfully crafted space at Ahmedabad University hosts an impressive array of books by well-known publishers, university presses, academics and thought leaders by virtue of their deep expertise in niche fields. From Gandhi to Marx, from Pinker to Diamond, from algorithms to aesthetics, there are books straddling multiple disciplines in this unique Bookstore. To gaze across the shelves is like considering a world of opportunities. Professor Chandra, speaking about the exclusive collection of books in the store said, “The bookstore will get young people to read broadly and read deeply. It’s a must-visit place for reflective citizens of the city as well as visitors, who look for a reflective oasis in this wonderful city, to indulge in the world of words and ideas.”

The key people who played an important role in designing this interesting space are Professor Neelkanth Chayya, former Professor at CEPT and Ms Ami Gokani. The bookstore is set up in partnership with the Biblioteca group represented by Mr Shekhar Puttu and Mr Biju Pillai. Mr Yogesh Shah will be managing the bookstore and will be responsible for its development.