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Founder of Pune’s “Popular Book House”, Madhav Gadgil, no more
PUNE Madhav Laxman Gadgil, founder of the Popular Book house, what was once a book lovers’ paradise in Pune, passed away on Sunday
PUNE Madhav Laxman Gadgil, founder of the Popular Book house, what was once a book lovers’ paradise in Pune, passed away on Sunday. He was 92 years old. His son Sunil Gadgil said, “With grief, I wish to inform you that my father, Madhav Laxman Gadgil, aged 92, left for his heavenly abode.”
Popular Book House permanently closed down in 2018 as the Gadgils faced business challenges from e-tailers.
Madhav Gadgil established Popular Book House in 1954 near Deccan Gymkhana. After graduating from the University of Pune, Madhav Gadgil worked at the university as a librarian.
Later, he pursued a diploma in library sciences from England. In the floods of 1961 caused by the breakage of Panshet dam, his small shop was washed away. Madhav Gadgil started the book shop again in the basement of Poonam hotel and in the matter of a few years, the shop became well known.
“The Popular Book House had become an institution. Gadgil could find any book. His personal library was also enriched by the collection of several rare books. He was a prominent figure in the city’s book business. He was a very social person and maintained amicable friendships. He was an inspirational figure for all of us,” said Suresh Natu, nephew of the late Madhav Gadgil.
