In a poignant sign of changing times, Ferozepur has witnessed the closure of its cherished English Book Depot, a cornerstone of the town’s literary and social scene since 1923. Founded by Lala Narain Dass during the British colonial era, the bookstore once served as a vibrant meeting point for diverse communities, including British officers in the pre-Partition days.
The English Book Depot, affectionately remembered by many as more than just a retail space, was a sanctuary for bibliophiles seeking the latest novels, magazines, and literary classics. “It wasn’t just a bookstore; it was a hub for social interaction,” recalls AS Rai, a senior police official whose father frequented the store during his tenure in Ferozepur. “Even after retirement, many of us never missed an opportunity to visit.”
The closure marks the end of an era not only for the English Book Depot but also for other longstanding establishments in the town. Prem Book Depot, another landmark founded by Lala Narain Dass and managed by Jagdish Arora, succumbed to declining business pressures despite relocating to the outskirts in a last-ditch effort to survive. Similarly, Nutan Dass & Co, established in 1943 by Deepak Bhagat, had to shut its doors as dwindling readership and changing consumer habits took their toll.
Siddhant Arora, the great-grandson of Lala Narain Dass and current owner of a bookstore in Dehradun, attributes the decline to the digital revolution. “The digital boom has significantly impacted traditional bookstores. The rise of social media and OTT platforms has shifted people’s attention away from reading,” he explains.
The English Book Depot has now been transformed into Kewal Book Depot under the ownership of local businessman Rakesh Bansal, who has pivoted the business to focus on stationery sales. This shift reflects a broader trend in Ferozepur, where many former bookshop owners have transitioned to selling mobile phones or other stationery items to sustain their livelihoods.
Harish Monga, a lifelong reader, laments the erosion of the town’s once-thriving reading culture. “People are moving away from books, preferring the convenience and affordability of online retailers. Brick-and-mortar shops simply can’t compete with the lower prices and vast selections available online,” he observes.
The decline of these iconic bookstores is a stark reminder of Ferozepur’s transformation from a bustling colonial garrison town to a modern urban center. Once home to numerous bookshops catering to British officers and local elites, the town’s literary landscape has dramatically shifted, leaving behind memories of a bygone era.
Deepak Bhagat, now operating a stationery store, reflects on the changing times. “We used to supply books to British army officers and residents of the cantonment area. Now, the habit of reading is fading, and it’s been tough to keep up,” he shares.
As Ferozepur moves forward, the legacy of its historic bookshops remains a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. While the physical presence of these bookstores may have vanished, their impact on generations of readers and the community endures.
