PVLF 2026

Romita Khurana Sahni, Founder of “ Avidreaders Club Delhi”

Romita shares how Avidreaders Club Delhi inspires readers in the digital age, builds a vibrant reading community, and nurtures meaningful conversations around books and authors.
on Mar 09, 2026

Frontlist: In an age dominated by screens and short attention spans, how does Avidreaders Club encourage a genuine love for reading among young and adult readers?

Romita: At Avidreaders Club Delhi, we gently replace endless phone scrolling with the timeless joy of turning pages. My intent has always been simple yet powerful…to choose one book that resonates with all of us. A few members begin discussing it on our WhatsApp group, sparking conversations, insights, and curiosity. Soon, that curiosity be comes contagious. Those who haven’t started reading feel the pull; not out of pressure, but out of excitement. Everyone wants to be part of the dialogue.

And before we meet the author, the magic has already happened - we’ve all ordered the book, eager to belong to the shared experience, not to feel left out, but to feel included.

Frontlist: As an educator, what changes have you observed in readers who actively participate in reading communities like Avidreaders Club?

Romita: As an educator, I’ve observed a profound transformation in readers who actively engage in communities like ours. Members develop a broader, more inclusive perspective on life. Reading together and engaging in meaningful discussions doesn’t just make them more informed..it makes them wiser in their life choices.

I’ve seen many step beyond the confines of their homes and redefine their roles in society with renewed confidence. Their knowledge reflects in their conversations;they speak with clarity, depth, and assurance, standing at par in any intellectual exchange. What moves me most is when women share that their children notice the change too.They’ve shared that - Avidreaders Club has exposed them to narratives that were unknown to them.Together, we now celebrate diverse human experiences, creating a richer, more empathetic ecosystem for all of us.

Frontlist: Can you share how the club goes beyond reading perhaps through discussions, reflections, or community engagement to deepen literary understanding?

Romita: In the beginning, our sessions were largely limited to question & answer interactions and book signings with authors. However, as Avidreaders Club grew into a stronger, more connected community, our approach evolved.

Today, we strive to represent each book distinctively. We actively engage our members through creative expressions like - enacting powerful scenes from the book, composing songs or raps as musical interpretations, and even narrating storylines through dance and expressive movement.

Each of these elements is thoughtfully planned as a tribute to the author, honouring the hard work behind the written word. This is Avid’s way of expressing gratitude while also making every session more immersive, meaningful, and memorable.

Frontlist: From your experience as an author, how important is reading in shaping a writer’s voice, creativity, and critical thinking?

Romita: From my experience as an author, reading is fundamental to shaping a writer’s voice, creativity, and critical thinking. As my mentor Kanchana Banerjee wisely says, those who don’t read cannot truly write a book. Reading is essential to stimulate the mind and rekindle imagination. Without it, a writer risks being confined to a limited, personal viewpoint.

Reading exposes us to diverse perspectives, narrative styles, and thought processes, naturally sharpening our critical thinking. It allows writers to question, reflect, and evolve. Legendary authors such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Shakespeare have inspired generations of writers, motivating them to embrace their craft and deepen their passion for storytelling.

Frontlist: What challenges did you face while building a reading community in a city like Delhi, and how did you overcome them?

Romita: I first had to work on myself..to cultivate patience and understand that every individual is different(so are their choices).The intent was never to lead a group, but to walk in harmony with it.

Our meetings were consciously held in public spaces, free of obligations, which meant every detail.from funding to logistics;had to be thoughtfully planned. I had to ask myself how to invite authors and truly bridge the gap between writers and readers.

Slowly and steadily, a brand took shape- one built on trust, authenticity, and shared values.A place where members genuinely wanted to belong to. In Model Town, a place known for its kitty culture, we managed to create a community that speaks only the language of books.

Frontlist: Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Avidreaders Club, and

Romita: It is my dream to connect and promote international authors, while also taking our remarkable Indian authors to global audiences. Alongside this, I’ve been contemplating the creation of two new communities-one that brings youth (age group 16 to 20s)together through reading, empowering them to create meaningful change in society, and another women-centric readers’ community in Noida. I envision growth rooted in hope…building strong, inclusive communities that not only focuses on reading in this digital age but also evolve into a truly empathetic society.