Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Abhishek Kumar, COO, Apeejay Oxford Bookstores Pvt. Ltd. said, ‘Bengaluru is well recognized for its cosmopolitan character, and is rated the fourth best IT hub in the world. We will, therefore, cater to reading preferences across the board, while offering all our customers the widest range of titles and a consistently courteous and informed service. We believe that reading is a great stress buster and is a habit that must be encouraged in children and youth’.
In addition to the popular sections of Fiction, Literature, Travel, Cookery, there are well-researched sections dealing with Health, Yoga, Tantra and Reiki. Other important sections include Business, Indian writing in English, Reference, Vernaculars and a section dedicated to Information Technology. A large collection of Indian and International magazines is systematically organized for easy accessibility.
To celebrate the launch of Oxford Bookstore, MG Mall, a specially formatted event was held in the presence of a packed audience of Bengaluru’s literati and cultural community. Addressing the audience Maina Bhagat, Director Apeejay Oxford Bookstores Pvt. Limited said ‘We are delighted to consolidate our presence in Bengaluru, with this, our third bookstore in the city. With this initiative, we celebrate the city of Bengaluru, its authors and readers, and greatly appreciate the support we have received from them over the years. I thank our valued associate, Rupa Publishers for partnering us today, with the special preview of Shashi Deshpande’s new title ‘Ships that Pass’.
A major literary event signaled the official launch of the bookstore at 6.00 p.m. Guest of Honour, Padmabhushan Prof. U.R.Ananthamurthy cut the ribbon while Padmashri Shashi Deshpande, Sahitya Akademi Award winning author, along with several other authors lit the auspicious lamp. The bookstore then resounded with spiritual energy as Vikram Sampath, author and winner of the Yuva Sahitya Akademi Puraskar, performed the traditional vandana. This was followed by a special exclusive preview of ‘Ships that Pass’ by Shashi Deshpande, hosted by Rupa Publishers and Oxford Bookstore.
A meet and greet session was then initiated with Bangalore-based authors and their readers. Among them were Jahnavi Barua, who is shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize 2012, Shinie Antony, Ammu Joseph, Gita Aravamudan, and others. This was followed by the signing of their respective titles by the authors - titles which represent major publishing houses in India and abroad - as readers availed of the opportunity to have their copies signed by their favourite authors, an informal interaction and bonhomie among all present over tea and refreshment brought the celebration to an end – heralding a new beginning at the Oxford Bookstore MG Road!
Comments:
I need scarcely say how delighted I am to know that a new Oxford Bookstore is being launched in Bangalore in May. The new store is much needed and I am sure will be a huge success. – Girish Karnad
How anyone can imagine anything can equal the pleasure of browsing through a book store is beyond me. All the more because we hear of bookshops closing down. – Shashi Deshpande
About Oxford Bookstore
Oxford Bookstore is India’s leading bookstore chain. The 90 years old store on Park Street, Kolkata is a near iconic institution offering a contemporary, multidimensional interactive experience with a unique product mix of books, music, gifts; stationery items and CHA BAR. It is the only completely integrated online offline bookstore in the country with access to 6 million titles worldwide and is only one of its kind hosted out of India and provides special online shopping benefits. At present, there are 26 stores in the country including metros Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore. First dedicated bookstore for children in India, Oxford Junior is located on Park Street, Kolkata.
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