Crossword’s Nidhi Gupta on why reading will never die
Nidhi Gupta, Executive Director of Crossword, expresses strong optimism about the enduring future of books and bookstores, despite the rise of AI, believing people will always value the original human voice in literature. She highlights Crossword's expansion to 133 outlets and its 20th annual Book Awards, which celebrate diverse Indian writing.
Why it matters
This article offers a positive perspective on the resilience of traditional publishing and retail in the face of technological advancements, emphasizing the cultural significance of books and reading in an increasingly digital world.
Nidhi Gupta, the executive director of Crossword, remains remarkably optimistic about the future of books and bookstores, despite the spectre of AI looming over the industry. “I believe people continue to crave a personal point of view, and a book meets that need in a way few other formats can.”
This craving, Nidhi believes, comes from the intrinsic value we bestow on an original human voice. “When it comes to books, I think readers will continue to value the originality and perspective of a human voice,” believes Nidhi, an avid reader herself. “I don’t think books are going anywhere. There will always be readers.”
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