A look back into one of the city’s favourite book shops as it celebrates its Silver Jubilee.

After just relishing Henry David Thoreau’s ‘Walden’ as part of Literature syllabus in college, a book store with that name was suffice to lure me inside, 25 years ago. A ‘supermarket kind of feel’ where you touch, feel and browse a book as you walk along the aisles before you pick up your favourite was a unique experience. That stretch of road connecting Begumpet and Punjagutta was thinly populated and almost had nil traffic then. There was no reason for people to meander into that road... yes, maybe for a cheese tart at Bakers Inn down the road, just that. But that made little difference to us as we started our long association with this newly found hangout place.

Twenty five years down the line, with a second branch at Banjara Hills, Walden is still a favourite and a quick one-stop shop for son’s stationery needs or to pick up the latest bestseller.

Choosing a last-minute gift item to grabbing a tub of moisturiser on your way to the bill counter was all part of the Walden shopping.

John Siddham, a Hyderabadi who now lives in Melbourne, makes it a part of his itinerary every time he visits Hyderabad. He confesses that it usually takes three to four visits each trip to satisfy his appetite.

“It is an enticing place; one easily loses sense of time conveniently wandering through the aisles of books ranging from diverse topics.

The fact that they cater for all ages has worked for us as family,” he says and adds, “The usual regret is at the airport check-in when we end up with excess baggage of books. But, hey, books in our bookshelf has been a talking point with most of our visitors.”

One of the exciting events that youngsters remember at Walden are the pre-dawn launch of Harry Potter books. Much as it gave a whole new fillip to the reading habits of a new generation, the experience gave much to remember for a long time.

Recollecting the experience of coming all the way from Miyapur at 5 a.m. with her sister, Swetha Sidotam says, “I think it was in 2005 and I had come to collect the 5th part of the Harry Potter series. It was kind of self reward for me for getting into JNTU for architecture. We reached the store around 6 a.m. and were welcomed by the smiling staff. Since I had pre-booked my copy I was handed over my book in an attractive carry bag. It was an exciting memory.”

Having successfully delivered memories and good times to so many customers, Walden, despite a shrunken parking space, remains a booklovers’ paradise.

‘Walden will not be shut’

Frequent visits to a spacious book store in Chennai and his fondness for reading inspired Electrical Engineer professional V. Ram Prasad to start a book store in Hyderabad. A natural at designing, he personally monitored the entire décor of all his stores.

His wife Shobha Prasad who shares his passion for books, says, “We wanted to develop this concept where customers can select what they want while walking around the book shelves. Unlike in other shops where one has to ask for a specific book, here we gave options. A book lover can see what’s available and take his pick.”

Recollecting the journey of 25 years, Shobha says, “People were of the opinion that Hyderabad was not ready for such kind of an exclusive book store and added to that this area was so secluded. There were many apprehensions. But we went ahead and launched it and by God’s grace it clicked instantly with the customers.” And the name Walden? Whose choice was that? “My husband’s. He was a voracious reader and he particularly like this book by Henry David Throeau and decided to name after its title. Also, we wanted a name that people could pronounce,” she smiles.

The obvious challenge for Walden now is facing competition from online market. Agrees Shobha and emphasises the need to be choosy and careful about the selection of books.

“Apart from books we have expanded the space that has good mix of products as well. Stationery, gift articles and a few beauty products have always been an integral part of our store. Rare household articles that are latest addition also keep our customers happy,” smiles Shobha.

With popular book shops shutting down one by one, will Walden go the same way? “Walden will not be shut… never,” assures Shobha and informs about the third branch being opened in Gachibowli this month.

That’s some good news indeed, for book lovers!