A couple's 36-year journey running Kolkata's beloved bookstore
And how it's a literary landmark!
"Are you involved in some form of activism?" — Vinita Mansata, the founder of Earthcare Books, asked me while browsing the store.Â
Nestled quietly on Russell Street, Kolkata, Earthcare Books shares its space with a drive-in but is notoriously known for its incredible book curation. From books on environment and sustainability to women's issues and children's books, Vinita tells me she's particular about what and who she curates.
She has been running this bookstore for over 36 years with her husband, Bharat Mansata, who writes on farming and the organic farming revolution.
Complementing its literary offerings, the store features handcrafted toys and organic skincare products primarily from women-led brands. The space itself is an artistic sanctuary, adorned with hand-painted doors and walls, showcasing framed photographs by local artists alongside thoughtfully placed sculptures.
The bookstore is a work of art, and it shows.
"I personally read and select nearly every book on these shelves," Vinita explains. "Though after establishing solid relationships with certain publishers, I've come to trust the quality of their selections," she notes, gesturing toward a Tara Books’ edition I'd been examining.
Books occupy the shelves in a charmingly unstructured way, with new releases mingling alongside well-loved secondhand volumes, classic works by Tagore and Kundera, and children's coloring books. The atmosphere evokes the warm familiarity of a neighborhood library. And that’s how it creates an essential stop for any reader in Kolkata.
I took my time to explore the bookstore, and that’s the only way you should check this store out. The store is divided into three rooms — two small rooms with shelves and tables covered with books and artefacts, and the main hall with more books, a billing counter, and framed photographs and art.
When you walk around the place, you'll understand it's run down but has stood the test of time. In fact, Vinita tells me they were located in a different part of the city before eventually moving here.
My conversation with Vinita gave me more insight into the couple's life. Bharat, now about 70, and Vinita, 67, remain deeply engaged with organic farming and environmental advocacy. Besides running the bookstore, they also publish and distribute books aligning with these causes.
If you ever find yourself in Kolkata, I hope you spend some time here. And while you’re there, don’t forget to pick an indie zine or two that you’ll find on their billing counter.
What an experience to visit this bookstore! I wish we had a store like this in Hyderabad, but until then, I'll pick from their curation online. And so should you! 👇
Also, follow Earthcare on Instagram.
I’ll be back with another story soon. 👋