How one man sparked a reading revolution in Dumka | Fusion - WeRIndia

In many small towns, access to literary spaces remains limited. Yet, in Dumka, Jharkhand, a quiet revolution is unfolding.

IFS officer Satwik Vyas, currently the DFO of Dumka, launched Book Baithak, a fortnightly book discussion in Dumka Park.

This initiative has reshaped how the local community connects with books and ideas.

The idea stemmed from Vyas’s habit of reading with his wife. Wanting a more engaging space than online book clubs, he envisioned a public gathering.

With support from local professor Yadavan, Book Baithak was born. Held in Dumka Park, the sessions are free and informal.

Participants bring any book they’ve read, old or new, fiction or nonfiction. Each person shares their thoughts in 4-5 minutes, creating an inclusive and time-bound format. The park’s calm surroundings enhance the experience.

At first, attendees mostly brought religious or self-help books. Over time, the range has grown to include authors like Sudha Murthy, Krishna Sobti, and Bertolt Brecht.

More women now participate, including a young girl who once came with her mother but now attends alone.

The initiative also led to a small community library inside the park. It houses 300-400 books and allows free borrowing.

Those who can’t afford books now have access to a wide range of titles. Vyas stresses that the focus must remain on literature.

A sign in the library reads: “Fight with books, not WhatsApp forwards.” Personal debates are discouraged to maintain literary value.

Despite weather changes and varying attendance, 10-15 regulars keep the momentum going. Some even form smaller groups to exchange books and ideas.

Looking ahead, Vyas aims to make the Baithak self-sustaining. He hopes others replicate this model.

For him, books are more than stories; they’re bridges between people and ideas.

In a town once without a literary space, Book Baithak proves that all it takes is a spark and a good book.

Image Credit: Ashish itct, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dumka_Rly._St.jpg