The past few years have been a mixed bag of experiences for the publishing industry in India. While there has been an increase in the number of books being published and literary festivals to showcase authors and their titles, financial crunch and popularity of e-stores have led to brick and mortar bookstores shutting shop. A lack of physical bookstores coupled with an inefficient distribution system results in books not reaching people beyond some urban centers. While the building boom across urban India has created pockets of luxury, and residential complexes boast of gyms, restaurants and meeting halls, libraries or reading spaces are inadequate.

Satabdi Misra (right) and Akshaya Rautaray (second, right) with the Walking Bookfairs Book Truck in Kerala. They arrive in Mumbai later this month