Mumbai bookseller urges for increased government aid to roadside sellers

Updated On: 14 January, 2024 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto

For over 30 years, Joginder Yadav, based in Mahim, has been vending books outside Churchgate railway station. Throughout this period, he has witnessed numerous changes among both young and old readers. He expresses a desire for increased government support not only to obtain his licence but also for his fellow roadside booksellers

Listen to this article :

Joginder Yadav has been running the bookstall near Churchgate railway station since 1986. Photo Courtesy: Joginder Yadav

Like many others, Joginder Yadav came to Mumbai from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh when he was 16 years old to make a living. Initially, he sold channa along Marine Drive but soon realised that the income was insufficient to sustain his livelihood, especially with the responsibility of supporting his family. Roaming the streets of Churchgate at that time, he observed many booksellers who were selling books along the roadside. He explains, “One day, I saw an uneducated man from my village screaming and selling international books for Rs 2. So, I thought this was a good business. It was much more than what I was earning from selling channa, promoting me to switch and start selling books obtained from the raddiwala (scrap dealers).”

Hardly having studied till the first grade and being new to the business, Yadav had to work really hard over the years to learn the tricks of trade – where to source the books, which books work and which don’t, and everything else. “Sometimes when the stock of books was not good or torn, I had to go back to selling channa few times a day to sustain my livelihood,” adds the 53-year-old, who came in Mumbai in 1986. It has been 38 years since. Yadav’s bookstall, which has close to 1,000 books now, is a permanent fixture behind the bus stop as soon as you get off the subway at Churchgate station on the other side of the road.

Buy now to read the full story.

For just ₹/-

Already a member? Login

For any queries please contact us: E-mail: support@mid-day.com

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

;

Home / Lifestyle / Culture / Article / Mumbai bookseller urges for increased government aid to roadside sellers