Prayagraj: The city of Prayagraj, a city long known for its literary legacy and association with famous writers like Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Mahadevi Verma, and Suryakant Tripathi ‘Nirala’, is now witnessing a quiet tradition taking shape in one of its oldest public parks, the Chandra Shekhar Azad Park. Every Sunday, book lovers of the city gather at Azad Park (formerly Company Bagh) for a unique event called ‘Azad Reads’. The idea is simple: bring a book, sit in silence, and read for two uninterrupted hours in the open air. Mobile phones stay away, and conversation begins only after reading time ends.The gathering, which started as an open invitation on Instagram, has grown into a weekly habit for many. Around 40 participants, often more, come each week carrying everything from novels and poetry to academic work. People of all ages join in — students, professionals, and retirees alike — creating a peaceful, focused atmosphere. The brainchild of Raghav Mimani, a 29-year-old Major of the territorial army and an alumnus of Boys’ High School and BTech from BITS Pilani, said, “I had in my mind that the city lacks an avenue for meeting new and interesting people with whom one can discuss things.” After the reading session, participants often stay back to discuss books, ideas, and life — conversations that cross genres, languages, and backgrounds. In addition to the weekly reading, Azad Reads has also started organising monthly events to keep the group engaged in different ways. The upcoming highlight this August is a special workshop titled ‘The Neuroscience of Finding Purpose’. “I never had a space where silence felt so welcoming, and strangers smiled just because you were holding a book. I feel that Prayagraj always needed Azad Reads,” said Garima, a local and student of Delhi University.
