Vadodara’s favourite book collector ‘Chhotubhai’ turns a final page

Vadodara: For more than two decades, a modest footpath near the Maharaja Sayajirao University campus was much more than a stretch of pavement. It was a haven for book lovers, students and curious readers, thanks to Pradip Agrawal, fondly known as 'Chhotubhai'.The man who introduced generations of students to the joy of reading passed away after suffering a heart attack on Monday evening. He was in his Fatehgunj library when he suffered the attack.

For countless students, a visit to Chhotubhai's roadside library was a ritual. Whether searching for novels, competitive examination guides or rare titles, they would often stop by and ask, "Uncle, ye book milegi kya?" or "Aap books ka kitna rent lete ho?" Those conversations have now fallen silent.Jagmohan Agrawal, owner of Popular Bookstore in Sayajigunj and a longtime associate, said Pradip had not been keeping well for some time. "I informed his family member, Sikandar Yadav, who lives in Delhi. He came to Vadodara and performed the last rites on Tuesday. Not many know that Pradip had once taken a loan to support Yadav's education. His death is a huge loss for the city's readers and students. He was a treasure trove of knowledge," Agrawal said.

According to Agrawal, Pradip came to Vadodara from Bihar in the 1990s. Initially, he worked at a small hotel and would frequently visit Agrawal's book cabin to help arrange books."I was impressed by his knowledge and offered him a job. A few years later, he decided to start his own library with the aim of promoting reading among students," Agrawal recalled.What began as a small collection of books in a makeshift shanty on a footpath in Fatehgunj gradually grew into a well-known destination for readers.

Pradip rented books at nominal rates and often guided students in selecting titles.Speaking to TOI two years ago, he had said, "I started with just a few books. Gradually, students began visiting regularly. I tried to encourage reading by keeping charges minimal and sharing insights about books. To some extent, I believe I succeeded."Among those touched by his passion was Saumya Gehlot, a BBA student at MS University."I first met Pradip uncle around seven years ago when I was new to Vadodara and looking for a library. Someone directed me to his roadside collection. I was amazed by his knowledge. From literature and fiction to history and biographies, he had read almost everything. We ended up discussing books for hours, and I bought 10 books that very day. We will miss him deeply," Gehlot said.Despite his popularity among readers, Pradip struggled financially in recent years.

For the past year, he had been sleeping on the footpath beside his library because he could not afford rented accommodation."He was a recluse and spent most of his time surrounded by books," said Jayesh Parmar, who runs a tea stall in Fatehgunj.Pradip's library housed more than 1,000 books. Following his death, the collection has been safely stored by Agrawal.Though Chhotubhai is gone, the memories he created and the love for reading he nurtured in thousands of students will continue to live on, one page at a time.