Dear Friends,
This weekend has been full of excitement for us here at SouthSide Books. Our newest release, “Understanding Fascism: Writings on Caste, Class and the State” by K Balagopal and curated by V Geetha was launched at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram, Hyderabad, on the 8th of October. We were all so happy to have seen so many place orders and buy this remarkable collection.
Check out our website to order this book and others for yourself and your near and dear!
Since we had the chance to see the support of so many of you, we think it's time you got to see us!
In this issue, we decided that you, our readers and friends, must be introduced to our team. It is our vision that this newsletter will have pieces from various contributors from both within the office and outside, but before that, you must know who (and how many) we are!
Some of you may know Sashi and Gita as it is their tireless effort that brought SouthSide to life. And it doesn’t stop there! Using their experience running Hyderabad Book Trust for a successful 43 years, they've created an efficient system for SouthSide to flourish. They also put together a team that is able to thrive in the nurturing environment of its offices and it’s time, now, to meet them!
Suneha has been our executive assistant here at SouthSide Books since June 2023. She enjoys reading books with themes of social relevance and watching web series in her free time. When she is at work, Suneha sits nestled comfortably at the centre of the office. Her table is perpendicular to the rest and she alone faces the wall of books. “I always dreamt of having a job where they paid me to read.” she grins, “Add that in also no? It’s true and I want people to know.” She may be comfortable describing herself as an avid reader today but those of us who have seen her contributions to SouthSide’s social media know that one day, hopefully soon, she’ll call herself a writer too! For now, she gazes at the books, and they gaze at her in anticipation.
Ravi is our office executive. He has been a part of SouthSide’s extended family since 2019. Like Suneha, he enjoys watching web series and is a fan of movies of all languages. I asked him because I couldn’t resist the question, “Who is your favourite of them all?” and the answer came haltingly: “Kamal Hassan.” Ravi enjoys travelling and sampling local cuisines but his heart lies in the Srisailam forests and with mutton biryani.
Kumar joined the office in November of 2022 as an office assistant. He can be seen every morning at the desk opposite the door greeting everyone as he packs up the orders for the day. I interrupted a particularly complicated packing session to ask my questions and he kindly obliged. He shares his love for mutton biryani with Ravi and they both joke about the other’s love for going out. He took the initiative and volunteered his favourite actor promptly at the close of our conversation: “Mahesh Babu.”
Suresh has been with us since 2001 and his work extends in all directions. If he is not making runs to the post office, he is rushing off to meet the publishers. As the day winds down, he does a silent headcount and comes back bearing hot chai and gently admonishes those who decline the offer.
Bhasker is an Accountant (part-time). He has been associating with Hyderabad Book Trust for seven years. He carries over 12 years of experience in Accounting, Finance, and Statutory compliance. He likes to maintain a cool temperament and is an avid practitioner of Yoga and meditation. His contribution towards the accounting & auditing of the organization is very helpful.
Finally, dear readers, I am Sivani. I joined SouthSide Books in early September of 2023 as an executive assistant. I share my post with Suneha and the two of us share responsibilities. I am an avid watcher of movies and enjoy a lot of quiz shows. Books have been a huge part of my life and so has language. I am happy to have found a place that weds the two so harmoniously
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