Since Forever

Certain people do not enter our bookstore, EBD, as customers alone. They return as familiar presences, carrying years, memories, and quiet loyalty. They have been coming here for decades. Time has moved on, the shelves have changed, faces behind the counter have changed, yet they continue to walk in with the same ease. Many of them are older now, but their connection to this place remains unchanged. Almost instinctively, they ask for the 10 per cent discount—something they were once offered without question, and that has become a small but meaningful symbol of trust.

This gesture was introduced by the late Snehlata Ma’am, whose presence shaped the bookstore’s shape. She is no longer with us; her influence continues to live on through those who remember her.

They share stories with us.

Stories of conversations she held, of books she recommended with care, of how this bookstore once felt like an extension of her own personality. To many, she was not just the person behind the counter; she was the heart of the space. When they speak of her, it becomes evident that her absence has not erased her presence.

Among these long-standing patrons is Ratna Manucha (author, columnist and someone whose association with the bookstore goes beyond routine visits). She has her own memories here in ebd and has also been part of our Brewing Knowledge Session, attending the meet-and-greet. Her continued involvement reflects what this space has always aimed to be—a place of reading, reflection, and relationships.

At EBD, relationships have never been transactional. People return not only for books, but for familiarity, recognition, and the comfort of a place that has grown alongside them.

So when someone who has been coming here for years asks for that small discount, it is never viewed as a request—it is understood as continuity. A reminder that some bonds are built quietly over time and are sustained through shared respect and memory.

This bookstore stands today not only for the books it holds, but also for the people who continue to return to it, carrying its history forward.

This photograph is from Ratna Manucha’s meetManucha’sat EBD. The gentleman seen here has also been part of EBD for a long time.

Sneha
Intern at The English Book Depot

Meet Neha Negi author When Birds Talked: Folklore of the Hills

Brewing Knowledge Friday

To explore the power of observation and storytelling with author Neha Negi.

Key Takeaways

• Observation is the gateway to care. Slowing down to observe our immediate surroundings—a skill often lost in adulthood—builds attention, which fosters care and ultimately leads to protection.

• Folklore transmits reverence, not just information. Neha Negi's book uses imagined folklore to communicate a feeling of shraddha (reverence) for nature, a feeling she learned from her grandfathers.

• The session's goal is to rekindle this wonder. Participants want to relearn the art of observation for themselves and to teach it to children, viewing it as the foundation for experiential learning and critical thinking.

• A writing challenge was set. Participants will write a 10–15-line story based on an object from the initial observation exercise, with no pressure to include a plot or to be perfect.

The Problem: Overlooking Our Immediate World

• Neha Negi's book prologue highlights a common paradox: we often know more about distant lands than about the birds, animals, and trees in our daily lives.

• Why does this happen?

  • Fast-paced modern life discourages slowing down to observe.

  • Adults lose the natural curiosity of childhood.

• The consequence: A lack of attention prevents us from developing care for and a desire to protect our local environment.

The Solution: Rekindling Wonder Through Observation

• The session began with a "lightning thought" exercise to practice rapid observation.

  • Task: Choose an object and write 5 adjectives describing it.

  • Rule: No self-correction; write the first thoughts that come to mind.

• Participant Examples:

  • Mahesh: A glass bottle → glass, transparent, fragile, blue.

  • Sneha: Figs → ancient sweetness, timeless, Sylvia Plath.

  • Jobanjeet: A German car → quality, shape, German-made.

  • Jasvinder: Wheat crop (kanak) → farmer's backbone, India's economy.

  • Jugjiv: A porcelain duck → blue, chirpy, mother, looking upwards.

  • Akanksha: A bag → books, pen, green, load.

  • Ranjana: A pet dog (Roxy) → brown, sweet, joyful, smart.

• The outcome: Participants shared how observation creates wonder and a sense of calm.

  • Jugjiv: Close observation of nature is calming and reveals its wonder.

  • Sunita: Nature speaks to us, offering peace and a sense of connection.

  • Reena: Watching pigeons in the morning is a comforting ritual.

The Medium: Folklore as a Vehicle for Reverence

• Neha Negi's book uses imagined folklore to transmit a feeling of shraddha (reverence) for nature.

• Origin of the book:

  • Neha's grandfathers were avid birdwatchers whose infectious joy inspired her.

  • They told her whimsical origin stories (e.g., why monkeys have red bottoms), which became the book's model.

• Example Story: "The Green Pigeon"

  • A young green pigeon feels ugly and leaves its nest to find a new colour.

  • Significance: The story explores self-acceptance and the idea that true beauty comes from within, not from external appearance.

Next Steps

• Participants: Write a 10–15 line story based on an object from the observation exercise.

• Neha Negi: Lead future sessions on the second Friday of each month, featuring more artistic activities and stories.
  
  - Notes courtesy Fathom AI

  
  

  
  
  
  Thank you, Mahesh Wanole, for the beautiful reflection! 
  Mahesh is a Visual Designer and Brand Strategist