In the wake of Ratan Tata’s passing, his trusted millennial manager, Shantanu Naidu, has embarked on a mission to bring the joy of reading back into the limelight. Known for his close association with the industrialist, Naidu recently announced the launch of the Jaipur edition of Bookies, a unique community-driven reading initiative.
Reviving the Love for Reading
Bookies started as a passion project in Mumbai, where readers gathered in public spaces to enjoy the simple yet profound act of reading in silence. Over time, it expanded to Pune and Bengaluru, attracting book lovers of all ages. This week, Naidu took to LinkedIn to unveil the Jaipur chapter, inviting residents to participate in the event scheduled for Sunday, December 8.
“Jaipur, it’s time. We will see you on Sunday the 8th at Jaipur Bookies. Sign up for the launch below. So excited!” he wrote, sharing a sign-up form for book enthusiasts.
During a recent session in Bengaluru, Naidu emphasized the importance of reconnecting with reading in a world dominated by short-form content. “Reading is central to the human experience, but it has faded into the background,” he remarked, reflecting on the modern-day challenges of sustaining attention spans in the digital age.
Naidu envisions Bookies as a nationwide initiative, with plans to expand to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Surat in the coming months.
A Rare Friendship with Ratan Tata
Naidu’s relationship with Ratan Tata went beyond professional bounds, evolving into a deep and enduring friendship. Tata even named Naidu in his will, a testament to their rare bond. Reports suggest Tata relinquished his stake in Naidu’s companionship venture, Goodfellows, and waived his education loans as a gesture of trust and affection.
Following Tata’s demise in October, Naidu shared an emotional tribute that encapsulated the profound impact of their connection.
“The hole that this friendship has now left with me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill. Grief is the price to pay for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse,” Naidu wrote, accompanied by a heartfelt photograph of the duo.
Building a Legacy Beyond Grief
While mourning the loss of his mentor, Naidu has channeled his grief into meaningful action. His efforts with Bookies not only honor his passion for literature but also reflect Tata’s philosophy of enriching lives through community initiatives.
As Jaipur gears up for its first Bookies session, Naidu’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of readers remains unwavering. Through this initiative, he continues to nurture a legacy of love, learning, and human connection, embodying the values instilled in him by one of India’s greatest visionaries.