“This is my sixth year visiting the Annual Book Fair in Hyderabad. I’ve grown up here, and it’s been amazing to see how the city’s interest in books has grown. This year, the fair feels lively—there are so many young people in their late teens and early twenties checking out stalls. It’s also nice to see parents bringing their kids along, introducing them to the habit of reading.
In my family, I’m the only one who’s into books. My love for reading began back in school at Cal Public. We were introduced to classics like Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, and Julius Caesar. Those stories made me get into literature.
Over the years, Hyderabad has started embracing art and literature more. Even with the rise of audiobooks and e-books, I feel there’s nothing quite like holding a physical book in your hands. There’s something special about turning the pages and just losing yourself in the words.
Last year, we started Secunderabad Reads, a reading community inspired by Bengaluru’s Cubbon Reads. We meet every Saturday evening at AS Rao Nagar Park. It’s simple—people come, bring whatever they’re reading, and sit together in silence. Students, professionals, book lovers, or even people preparing for exams—everyone is welcome. What started as a small group has now grown into a regular gathering. Some people even travel from Himayat Nagar to join us, which always amazes me.
Reading can feel like a personal journey, but being part of a community makes it more enjoyable. The friendships we’ve built and the conversations we’ve had around books have made this experience truly special.
For anyone wondering how to get into reading, my advice is to start with something that genuinely interests you. Don’t worry about genres or big names—just find a book that clicks with you. And if you’re in Secunderabad, come join us on Saturday evenings at AS Rao Nagar Park. Secunderabad Reads is for anyone who loves books or wants to start. It’s a space where we can all slow down and enjoy the joy of reading together.”
- Mieraj, Literature Enthusiast