What began as a humble gathering of seven book enthusiasts in Pune has now transformed into one of the city's most beloved literary institutions. The Book Club, established by Satish Khot and his wife Mohini in 2001, recently celebrated its remarkable 25-year journey, marking over two decades of unwavering dedication to literature and community building.
From Humble Beginnings to Literary Hub
Satish Khot vividly recalls the early challenges of building the literary community. "I had to practically persuade people to visit Poona Club for book discussions," he remembers. The persistence paid off handsomely. From those initial seven members, the club has grown exponentially, now attracting nearly 250 readers every alternate Sunday through its hybrid model of meetings.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced numerous organizations to shut down, surprisingly became a turning point for The Book Club. By transitioning to online platforms, they unexpectedly expanded their reach globally. The digital shift allowed literature enthusiasts from around the world to join their discussions, transforming a local Pune initiative into an international literary community.
A Democratic Space for Literature Lovers
The Khots have maintained three fundamental principles since the club's inception: it remains completely free, operates democratically, and functions without hierarchy. Their sessions explore diverse world literature with particular emphasis on translated works.
Mohini Khot emphasizes the crucial role of translators, stating, "A translator's contribution is invaluable—they open doors to literary worlds we might otherwise never discover." This philosophy has created a unique intergenerational bond among members, bringing together literature lovers across age groups and backgrounds.
Anna Dragonate, a seven-year member, appreciates the club's comprehensive approach: "The founders have established an infrastructure that embraces all genres, historical periods, and literary forms. The presenters range from young enthusiasts to post-Independence idealists... It's truly a remarkable experience."
Building Community Across Generations
For younger participants like Friyana Munshi, the club provides a rare sense of belonging. "As a young person, you often worry about fitting in. But here, that concern simply vanished," Munshi shares. She fondly remembers a touching online session discussing Wordsworth: "We collectively recited 'Daffodils' during a Zoom meeting, feeling as connected as if we were in the same physical space. I felt I truly belonged among people from diverse backgrounds and faiths."
Reflecting on literature's enduring power, Satish recalls reading George Orwell's 1984 at fifteen. "The novel profoundly moved me... My grandson read it with complete concentration six months ago, demonstrating how great literature transcends generations."
To ensure this literary legacy continues, the club has established 'The Inheritors,' an administrative group tasked with carrying forward their mission. The club celebrated its silver jubilee on December 1 with a film screening, followed by their regular session themed "My Favourite Poem."
Through twenty-five years of literary dedication, The Book Club Pune has proven that the love for reading not only survives but thrives when shared within a compassionate, inclusive community.
