There is an irreplaceable magic in a brick-and-mortar bookstore that no digital format can replicate

Educated at institutions that shape global thought—MIT, Harvard University, the Architectural Association School of Architecture, and the Royal Institute of British Architects—Priti Paul brings a rare synthesis of design intelligence, cultural sensitivity and business acumen to everything she undertakes.

As Director of the century-old Apeejay Surrendra Group, she has steered diverse initiatives across real estate, shipping, new media art and publishing, while transforming the much-loved Oxford Bookstore into a national cultural institution.

The creative force behind Oxford Bookstore’s modern incarnation, Paul reimagined the heritage brand not merely as a retail destination, but as a living, breathing space for ideas, dialogue and discovery.

In conversation with Bizz Buzz, Priti Paul, Director, Apeejay Surrendra Group, reflects on the evolution of the book business, the enduring appeal of physical bookstores, and the larger social responsibility that literature must shoulder in contemporary India.

How have you seen the book business evolve in India, particularly in comparison with global trends?

The book business today exists in a hybrid ecosystem. While print continues to remain stable, growth is increasingly driven by e-books, audiobooks, subscription platforms and self-publishing models. Globally, we have moved from one-time purchases to recurring, experience-led consumption, supported by data-driven marketing and digital access.

India’s journey, however, has its own distinctive rhythm. We are shaped by a multilingual reading culture, a strong education-driven market, and a deeply emotional relationship with physical books. Unlike many Western markets where digital formats have overtaken physical retail, India continues to witness a coexistence of print and digital.

Bookstores here are evolving into cultural hubs—spaces for conversation, curation and community. At Oxford Bookstore, this shift has been central to our philosophy: readers today seek experiences, not just transactions.

Oxford Bookstore has a remarkable legacy. What have been the key turning points in its journey?

Oxford Bookstore’s journey has always been guided by an unwavering commitment to books and reading. One of the most significant shifts was moving from simply stocking titles to thoughtfully curating collections that respond to reader interests across generations. Curation today is both intuitive and informed—it reflects emerging trends while honouring timeless literature.

Another major milestone was expanding our role beyond retail. We became large-scale distributors for schools, active participants in book fairs, and hosts of literary conversations, launches and festivals.

These initiatives helped reposition Oxford Bookstore as a cultural interlocutor—bridging readers and writers—true to our motto, “Much more than a bookstore.” Our digital presence through oxfordbookstore.com further extends this curated experience to readers across geographies.

How extensive is Oxford Bookstore’s physical presence today, and how do you see it growing?

We currently operate flagship stores in New Delhi, Bhubaneswar and our iconic, century-old heritage store in Kolkata. Each functions as a cultural nucleus, hosting literary events alongside carefully curated book collections.

While the industry is diversifying through online platforms and digital formats, we remain deeply committed to physical bookstores. Going forward, we plan to expand thoughtfully across major cities, ensuring that each store reflects the cultural and literary ethos of its location. Scale is important, but authenticity matters more.

There is a popular belief that printed books are losing relevance in the digital age. Do you agree?

Not at all. There is an irreplaceable magic in a brick-and-mortar bookstore—the tactile pleasure of turning pages, the scent of paper, the serendipity of discovery—that no digital format can replicate.

Our everyday experience tells a very different story. Footfalls across generations continue to grow. Large-scale events such as the New Delhi World Book Fair and the International Kolkata Book Fair attract thousands year after year.

Oxford Bookstore’s consistent presence at these fairs reinforces the enduring appeal of physical books. Beyond our stores, we engage with schools, regional fairs and exhibitions to ensure that access to quality reading material extends well beyond metropolitan centres.

You have often described Oxford Bookstore as a cultural space rather than a commercial one. How do you balance culture and commerce?

I don’t see culture and commerce as opposing forces. When approached with integrity, they can reinforce each other. A bookstore that respects its readers, curates thoughtfully and contributes meaningfully to cultural life will also build loyalty and sustainability.

Our aim has never been to chase short-term trends. Instead, we invest in relationships—with authors, publishers, educators and readers. Cultural credibility, once earned, becomes your strongest business asset. Commerce, in that sense, follows culture.

What inspired the Oxford Bookstore-Gallery and the literary festivals you curate?

Growing up in Kolkata, I always experienced the city as a vibrant conversation between culture and intellect. When the heritage store approached its platinum anniversary in 1995, I wanted to give something back to the city that shaped me.

The idea was to evolve the traditional bookstore into a multidimensional cultural space—one that aligned with international practices while honouring its past.

The Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival emerged from the same sense of responsibility and gratitude. It is a tribute to a city that lives and breathes literature.

Today, Oxford Bookstore is the only bookstore in India that curates and hosts large-scale literary festivals across multiple languages, including the Apeejay Bangla Sahitya Utsob, Hindi Sahitya Utsav, Apeejay Language Festival and Aadaab, celebrating Urdu.

These initiatives strengthen our cultural authority, deepen relationships with writers and readers, and create sustained engagement with new audiences—all while celebrating the written word.

In an age of shrinking attention spans, what role do literary festivals and conversations play?

They are more important than ever. Festivals slow us down. They create spaces for listening, reflection and disagreement—qualities that are increasingly rare. A literary conversation is not about instant gratification; it is about nuance.

For younger audiences especially, festivals can be transformative. They humanise authors, demystify books and show that ideas are meant to be debated, not consumed passively. In many ways, these platforms keep the democratic spirit of literature alive.

Could you tell us about your initiatives to promote reading among street children?

One of our most meaningful initiatives is the Apeejay Anand Children’s Library, which began in 1992 as a small reading room near Park Street, Kolkata. The idea was simple yet transformative —to draw children from neighbouring slum communities into a safe, intellectually stimulating environment through books.

Over time, this initiative has grown across India. We curate diverse collections in both mother tongues and English, helping children build language skills, confidence and a genuine love for reading. For many, this is their first meaningful interaction with books.

Our belief is simple: education must never be a privilege. By placing books in the hands of children on the streets, we affirm that reading—and opportunity—belongs to everyone.

How important is language diversity in India’s reading culture?

Language is the soul of a culture. India’s literary richness lies in its plurality. Promoting reading only in English would be a grave disservice to our intellectual heritage. That is why we actively support regional languages through festivals, translations and curated sections in our stores.

A reader who begins in her mother tongue often becomes a lifelong reader. Our responsibility is to nurture that first connection with language and storytelling.

Finally, what is your vision for Oxford Bookstore and the larger literary ecosystem in India?

My vision is for Oxford Bookstore to continue being a trusted cultural institution—one that adapts without losing its soul. I would like bookstores to be places where curiosity is welcomed, young voices are encouraged and difficult conversations are not avoided.

For India, I hope we recognise reading as a civic act. A society that reads deeply is more empathetic, more questioning and more resilient. If Oxford Bookstore can play even a small role in nurturing that spirit, then we would have honoured our legacy well.