At a time when most hobby-oriented communities are built around networking and constant interaction, a more understated alternative has found its place in Nagpur. Nagpur Reads, a silent reading community, is gradually reshaping how people engage with both reading and public spaces. Inspired by Cubbon Reads, which began in Cubbon Park in Bengaluru, the Nagpur chapter was introduced in June 2023 by Rasika Durge. Currently managed by Samiran Ghodmare, the initiative is based on a simple yet increasingly relevant idea of creating accessible, pressure-free spaces where people can just read. 

 

“One of the primary motivations behind Nagpur Reads was the visible decline of leisure spaces in the city where individuals can sit undisturbed with a book. Dedicated reading-friendly environments are limited, and the need for open, free, interest-based spaces has become more drastic,” said Samiran. Unlike traditional book clubs, Nagpur Reads does not involve discussions, assigned readings, or any expectations. It is, at its core, a shared reading space. Participants gather in public spaces and bring along whatever they wish to read: books, magazines, newspapers, or even e-books, and their own mats and water bottles, and spend a couple of hours reading quietly. There is no requirement to introduce oneself, no obligation to interact, and no structured agenda. While conversations are by no means banned, they remain entirely optional.

 

this approach has made the space particularly meaningful for introverts. It allows individuals to step out, be around others, and still retain their personal boundaries. The experience challenges the assumption that being an introvert means being lonely. Here, participants often find a subtle sense of belonging simply by reading alongside others. “If I have to be part of a book club and sit and explain why I like a particular book, it completely takes the joy away. Rather, sitting and reading with Nagpur Reads, and maybe making a friend or two along the way, has helped me rediscover the attachment I felt with books,” said Hrishika, a member. 

 

“The core of Nagpur Reads is the same as Cubbon Reads, there are a few small differences in the format. Unlike Cubbon Reads, which is held at a fixed location, Nagpur Reads is mobile. Initially conducted at Shivaji Park near Ram Nagar in West Nagpur, the sessions now rotate across different neighborhoods,” Samiran explained. “For some participants living in East and South Nagpur, it became difficult to commute every weekend. We wanted Nagpur Reads to be as accessible as possible, so we ask participants for suggestions on where we could hold the sessions. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has built a lot of small public parks across the city, so we can move around each week and explore new places as well. The place should have proper shade and adequate light so we can hold sessions during evenings. Once those criterion are met, we hold sessions there.” A session typically lasts for two hours, and people simply come equipped with their reading material, settle down and read quietly.

 

“Most importantly, I think it has made reading more visible in everyday life. Think about it; when was the last time you saw someone read peacefully in a public place?” said Samiran. In its current form, Nagpur Reads typically sees around 12 to 15 participants at each session. The scale remains intentionally modest, preserving the calm and unobtrusive nature of the experience. In essence, Nagpur Reads is not about reading as a solitary act. Rather, it means to reclaim belonging in shared spaces. It offers a sense of community in a way where one’s presence does not demand performance or social energy, and community does not require conversation.