With the Books and the Shoes

 Today, I spent a few hours in one of Pune’s iconic neighborhoods – Appa Balwant Chowk. Known affectionately as "ABC" by the locals, this bustling junction has been a go-to destination for book lovers for decades. From academic textbooks to timeless literature, the footpaths here are lined with piles of books, whispering stories of knowledge, learning, and growth.

But as I walked through the area today, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of sadness. There they were – books, the very soul of education and the cornerstone of a thinking society – scattered along the pavement. Some covered in plastic, others gathering dust. These weren’t just items for sale; they were symbols of wisdom, stacked carelessly on the ground, stepped over, and often ignored in the daily rush.

Just a few steps away, I passed gleaming glass showrooms proudly displaying rows of branded shoes under bright lights and air conditioning. People walked in and out, admiring and purchasing them with ease and admiration. It was a stark contrast — shoes, a symbol of material possession, elevated and protected, while books, the bearers of ideas and imagination, lay on the ground, exposed and overlooked.

This contrast wasn't just physical — it was philosophical.

How have we come to a place where shoes are showcased in pristine glass shelves, while books lie vulnerable on the footpath? In a society where knowledge literally lies on the road and materialism is celebrated, are we losing sight of what truly matters?

Books are not just printed pages; they are tools of empowerment. They challenge our thoughts, broaden our horizons, and shape the minds of future generations. When they are treated as roadside commodities, it reflects not just on commerce, but on culture.

This experience left me with more questions than answers. Is this how we now value knowledge? Is comfort and appearance gaining precedence over substance and intellect?

Appa Balwant Chowk remains a treasure trove for anyone in search of knowledge, but it’s time we reconsider how we value and preserve these treasures. Books deserve better. They deserve respect, space, and celebration — not just from readers, but from society at large.

Let’s not allow knowledge to gather dust on the pavement while consumerism polishes its brand-new shoes in a glass case.