The all-new NBT store draws booklovers

After a six-month planning, the Government-run National Book Trust (NBT), re-opened on Sunday after a makeover worth Rs 15 lakh, at the BDA complex in Banashankari.

With more than 10,000 books in seven different languages, the store, once a drab place, is now competing with private bookstores.

The recently appointed director of NBT, M A Sikandar said, “The place had no activity at all till now. We are planning to hold a series of seminars by scientists and intellectuals in various locations of the City. This is just the beginning.”

In order to widen its reach, internationally acclaimed scientist C N R Rao was called to inaugurate the store.

He urged the intellectuals and scientists to come forward and publish their writings under the NBT. He hoped that the revamped store might bring in more booklovers.

On day one, the store was over-crowded with booklovers and the counters were full. CNR Rao’s series on science has been given a special space in the store. Students from the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya School in Bangalore Rural attended the inauguration.

As part of the inaugural week and the Teacher’s Day, the store has declared 20 per cent discount on all books, till September 10. The office, above the store, is also being revamped. On the occasion Regional Manager of NBT, Amit Karki explained his vision. He challenged that no publisher can match the NBT with regard to price.

The store will remain on closed on Sundays and holidays. The membership is a nominal Rs 100 for a lifetime, for every individual. NBT also plans to open its second branch in south India in Chennai, in the coming months.