Vizag’s Reading Culture Gains Fresh Momentum

Reading clubs are steadily gaining popularity across Visakhapatnam, reflecting a growing interest in books, literary discussions, knowledge-sharing, and community learning among people of different age-groups.

Both organisers and participants say the trend is being driven by a desire to spend time away from screens, explore new ideas and connect with like-minded readers. These clubs offer welcoming spaces where people can read individually, exchange opinions and engage in conversations on literature and wider social issues.

Several reading communities have emerged across the city in recent years, each with its own distinct format.

Vizag Reads, modelled on Bengaluru’s Cubbon Reads movement, hosts quiet reading sessions every week at VMRDA Central Park. Meanwhile, the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, guided by the ideas of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, conducts reading clubs and study circles across the city, where participants collectively explore literature and discuss social issues.

Another community, Vizag Reads, inspired by Bengaluru’s Cubbon Reads movement, meets every Sunday at VMRDA Central Park. Participants bring books of their choice and spend time reading quietly in the open air. A separate monthly reading gathering is also held at Kudu Cafe, providing readers with another opportunity to meet and share their interest in books.

Members of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha believe the growing appeal of reading circles is closely linked to the pressures young people face today.

“With increasing uncertainty over careers and lack of time for themselves, youths are seeking some quiet time away from screens. As a result, more people are picking up books. Reading clubs are providing a much-needed sense of community in these times of severe competition. One can also attribute the rise in volunteering to these conditions,” a member said.

For many young readers, the clubs are also broadening perspectives and sparking interest in subjects beyond the classroom. G Janya, a Class X student who attends a reading club every week, said reading exposes her to new ways of thinking. Her favourite book is ‘Wages, Prices’ and Profit by Karl Marx, which she described as a comprehensive introduction to economic ideas.

Che Bhagat, an Intermediate first-year student, said reading had become an enjoyable learning experience for him. He particularly admires ‘How the Steel Was Tempered’ by Nikolai Ostrovsky, saying the novel offers insights into society, its challenges and the search for solutions.

The city’s growing reading culture is also attracting working people and migrants. S Poojahasini, a 25-year-old migrant worker, regularly participates in the Open Study Circle held at Shivaji Park. She said the discussions and debates conducted during the gatherings have helped her understand social issues more clearly.

After moving to Visakhapatnam from Telangana, Poojahasini developed a regular reading habit through local reading circles. Books that influenced her include ‘Pelli’ by Tapi Dharma Rao, ‘Janaki Vimukthi’ and ‘Sweet Home’ by Ranganayakamma, ‘Spartacus’ by Howard Fast, and ‘Manishi Samajam’ by Rao Krishna Rao.

She said these books encouraged her to question social practices and develop a deeper understanding of history, equality and society. The reading circle also gave her a platform to discuss these ideas with people from different backgrounds.

Beyond introducing participants to new authors and subjects, the clubs are helping make reading a shared social activity. Their gatherings create space for quiet reflection and discussion, allowing readers to learn from one another while building a consistent reading habit.