Every Thursday, We Read Together

Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., a meaningful reading session takes place, open to all. Narrated by Brinda ma’am, we come together to read Every Last Girl by Safeena Husain. These sessions are not merely about reading a text, but about collectively engaging with ideas, emotions, and lived realities.

Last week, we began with Part 1: Antimbala’s World, and one particular aspect left a lasting impression on me.

The name “Antimbala” itself carries a depth that I had not initially noticed. While reading the chapter independently, it appeared as just a name. However, hearing it articulated during the session brought out its layered meaning. “Bala” can be understood as a girl, but it may also signify a burden or weight. When combined with “Antim,” meaning “last,” the name takes on a more profound meaning.

It can be interpreted as “the last girl,” but also, more poignantly, as the “final burden” associated with the birth of a girl child in certain societal contexts. This dual meaning transforms the name into a reflection of deeply rooted social attitudes.

This realisation was significant for me not only for its meaning, but also for how it emerged. It made me understand the importance of shared reading. Listening to the narration, observing the nuances of pronunciation, and collectively experiencing the text added a dimension that solitary reading might not have.

It highlighted how literature is not only read but also heard, interpreted, and felt. Through this, a chapter extends beyond its pages and begins to resonate with real-life perspectives and social realities.

A fellow participant, Akanksha Rai, shared a similar sense of connection. She reflected on how listening to the narration made the stories feel more real, emphasising the power of voice and the comfort of a shared space. She also noted that the reading highlighted the weight of illiteracy and the importance of not taking education for granted.

Reading helps us understand,

But reading together helps us feel.

See you again, Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Copies of Every Last Girl are available at English Book Depot, Dehradun.

Sneha
The English Book Depot

An Afternoon with Dr. Supriya Bansal

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, I had the opportunity to meet Dr Supriya Bansal, author of Mysteries, Mountains, and Mythology, at The English Book Depot. It was a thoughtful and engaging interaction, during which I had the chance to learn more about her book and the ideas that inspired it. Dr Bansal spoke about the interesting concept behind the title of her book. She highlighted how the letter M connects the three central themes of her work - Mystery, Mountains, and Mythology. According to her, each of these elements carries a kind of magic. Mountains often hold hidden stories, mystery keeps readers curious, and mythology connects us with the deeper cultural roots of a place.

When asked about bringing together mystery, mountains, and mythology, she explained that mountains are full of untold stories waiting to be discovered. Being in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, a place deeply connected with mythology, naturally inspires narratives rooted in legends, culture, and the landscapes around us.

I also asked her about the idea that a story truly lives only when it is told. Dr Bansal shared that storytelling plays an important role in keeping cultural traditions alive. She spoke about how stories and folklore need to be passed forward so that younger generations remain connected to their heritage and traditions.

Another unique element of her book is the way it brings food and storytelling together. When asked what inspired this combination, she explained that food creates a strong sensory connection within stories. When readers imagine what the characters are eating, they can almost feel the taste, smell, and atmosphere of the place. This adds depth to the narrative and helps readers experience the place’s taste and the story’s vibrance.

The interaction was thoughtful and inspiring, offering a glimpse into how stories can connect nature, culture, and everyday experiences. The meet-and-greet at EBD was a memorable opportunity to hear directly from an author who beautifully blends imagination with the landscapes and traditions around us.

Sneha