What is Books on the Delhi Metro (BODM)?

BODM is an initiative started over a decade ago where passengers leave books in metro coaches or stations for others to find, read, and pass on, fostering a unique reading culture.

How do 'book fairies' operate within BODM?

Volunteer 'book fairies' discreetly place a 'book of the day' at metro stations daily after security checks, carefully choosing genres to avoid controversy.

How has BODM adapted to the digital age?

Despite the prevalence of digital content, BODM continues to thrive by emphasizing the unique joy of physical books and their affordability, aiming to bridge accessibility gaps.

Home / Lifestyle / Metro Rides Transform into Literary Journeys

Metro Rides Transform into Literary Journeys

11 Apr

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Summary

Books are left behind in metro coaches for others to read.
The initiative encourages reading and sharing physical books.
Volunteer 'book fairies' discreetly place books daily.

Metro Rides Transform into Literary Journeys

A decade-old initiative, Books on the Delhi Metro (BODM), has turned ordinary commutes into a vibrant reading culture. The concept involves passengers leaving books in metro coaches or at stations for others to find, read, and pass on. This self-sustaining movement, inspired by global book-sharing efforts, relies on the trust and goodwill of its participants.

Shruti Sharma founded BODM in 2017 after being inspired by similar projects abroad. Volunteers, called 'book fairies,' place a 'book of the day' daily after security checks, carefully selecting genres to avoid controversy. While an estimated 20-30% of books find new readers, the community remains active with requests and shared experiences.