‘Secret Santa is not religious’: Cubbon Reads refutes Bengaluru park authority’s allegations

Latest update:24 Dec 2024, 20:10 IST

With Christmas just around the corner, organizers of the 101st Cubbon Reads invited people to bring a wrapped book to participate in the Secret Santa Book Swap.

The incident sparked a heated debate on social media, with many backing the move to mark Cubbon Park as the city’s favorite reading spot from March 2023. (Image: Instagram)

The use of the word “Santa” during the meeting does not make it religious, the organizers of “Cubbon Reads” defend, as their “Secret Santa Saturday” organized on December 21 in Cubbon Park ended with the confiscation of books by the park administration.

One of the reasons given by the authorities for confiscating the books is that “religious activities are prohibited in the park”.

From March 2023, every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., people come in with a mat and a book, joining others and reading. Founded by Harsh Shehanshu and Shruti Sah, the community called itself Cubbon Reads.

This spawned not only many reading groups in other parks in Bengaluru, such as Lalbagh Reads, but also communities such as Cubbon Paints and Cubbon Runs. The book reading movement has also spread to other cities – Juhu Reads in Mumbai and Lodhi Reads in Delhi. According to information provided on social media platforms, the movement has gone global and has now reached more than 70 cities.

With Christmas just around the corner, organizers of the 101st Cubbon Reads invited people to bring a wrapped book to participate in the Secret Santa Book Swap. But the horticultural authorities stepped in, thinking they were selling books. The hot dispute ended with the authorities walking away with the books wrapped up.

“As is customary at our meetings every Saturday, there was nothing more extraordinary than our usual publications, except for gift-wrapped books,” the organizers said in a press release.

Community organizers have also denied allegations that more than 1,000 people gathered on December 21.

“We have documentary evidence that the last numbered book was 351, as we counted the gift-wrapped books. Assuming a few more park-goers joined in to see what was going on, the maximum was 450 odd people, which is normal for Cubbon Reads,” the press release said.

The organizers claimed that the authorities initially took two of their curators to the horticulture department.

“Department officials were hostile and believed that Cubbon Reads was selling books to the public and using public space to make money. The security guards were talking about imposing fines ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000,” the press release said. .

The incident sparked heated debate on social media, with many backing the move to mark Cubbon Park as the city’s favorite reading spot from March 2023.

Former Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai added his experience at the park, saying the guards are rude and push citizens.

Marking Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumara, Pai said on his X account, “Cubbon Park officials should not harass citizens quietly enjoying their park. I was also insulted during a walk.” He also advised the deputy prime minister to instruct officials not to harass citizens.

BJP LS Member of Parliament from Bangalore Central PC Mohan, who had also previously written about Cubbon Reads in June 2023, hailing the initiative, also spoke in favor of the community.

“The Cubbon Park incident highlights the need for a balance between community action and regulatory responsibilities. Public spaces are vital for facilitating communication, but organizers must ensure proper permissions and accountability. Officials must also act professionally,” he wrote on X on Tuesday. .

Incidentally, Lalbagh Reads also had a run-in with the authorities in September last year. According to news reports, the horticulture department has issued a directive to stop the reading club at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, saying that mats on the grass are hindering the growth of natural fauna and flora.

(This story was not edited by News18 staff and was published from the syndicated news agency channel – PTI)