Sahitya Akademi opens bookshop at Kashmere Gate Metro

Sahitya Akademi opened its first book shop on Delhi Metro premises in Kashmere Gate station as a part of joint initiative between the DMRC and the Akademi.

“The aim is to promote the Indian literature by providing quality books in regional vernacular published by the Akademi and also to cultivate reading habits among Metro commuters and employees,” said Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a statement.

“The Kashmere Gate Metro bookshop, located at the elevated section of the station, is first ever bookshop in the country which is opened by Sahitya Akademi outside their premises,” added the DMRC.

Metro passengers can avail 15 per cent discount on the books by showing their Smart Card. Limited edition of the DMRC publications will also be made available for sale at this bookshop.

It was formally inaugurated by Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, chairman of Sahitya Akademi in the presence of K Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi and other senior officials of the DMRC.

“A similar bookshop will also be opened shortly at Vishwavidyalaya Metro station, which sees scores of students and academicians besides general public daily,” it said.

“The DMRC in recent times has taken up the initiative of tying up with various government organisations like National Book Trust, Delhi Tourism, Sahitya Akademi, India Habitat Centre and Ministry of Textiles authorising them to use the Metro premises in such a way that they are treated as a hub for promotion of Indian art, culture, literature and craft as well as tourism,” it added.

Stations like INA having ‘Art and Craft Gallery’, Jorbagh’s Painting Exhibition, Mandi House depicts work of art and Patel Chowk having Museum-Tourism are a testimony to these associations and offer commuters an altogether different experience while travelling by the Metro, said the DMRC.

The DMRC had opened two bookshops in association with National Book Trust at Kashmere Gate and Vishwavidyalaya Metro stations in 2014.