Once Upon a Time Bookshop
Cultural landmark in Aluva, featured by Paulo Coelho — a space where stories find readers.
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adiniru
One Vision.Six Ventures.Countless LivesTransformed.
Entrepreneur, educator, author, and chess promoter — building access to literature, learning, and lifelong growth across Kerala and beyond.
Dr. Manju Adiniru
Founder & Vision
Empowering minds. Inspiring futures. Building a better tomorrow.
0+ Books Authored
0+ Books Published
0K+ Students Impacted
0+ Awards
0 Ventures
Legacy
“Create access.
Build confidence.
Normalize excellence.”
Dr. Manju Adiniru’s work is defined by institution-building that fills systemic gaps — whether an engineering student on the verge of quitting, a child without access to books, a new author without a publisher, or a school lacking chess infrastructure.
Read her story →Create Access
Open doors to books, language, engineering support, and competitive chess.
Build Confidence
Mentor students, first-time authors, and young players into self-belief.
Normalize Excellence
Make high standards ordinary — in classrooms, libraries, and tournaments.
Six ventures, one mission
Choose your journey
Once Upon a Time Library
One of the largest private libraries in the region, with free access programmes.
Explore Library
Once Upon a Time Publishing House
Democratizing publishing for regional and first-time authors — 200+ titles in year one.
Learn More
Once Upon a Time Chess Academy
FIDE-rated tournament organizing and Chess in Schools programmes.
Join Academy
Adiniru English Academy
Proprietary fluency methodology adopted across Kerala schools and teacher training.
Start Learning
Adiniru Academy of B.Tech Studies
Creating engineers from dropouts — academic rehabilitation for struggling B.Tech students.
Get SupportOr explore the Adiniru Group holding company.
Recognition
Seen across the world — trusted at home
Global recognition
Paulo Coelho
Featured the Aluva bookshop façade repeatedly on social media.
Cultural Landmark
Once Upon a Time Bookshop drew global attention for its architecture.
FIDE First
First woman in Kerala to conduct an international FIDE-rated tournament.
Featured in regional media
- The Hindu
- Indian Express
- Mathrubhumi
- Manorama
- Asianet
- Times of India
Collaborators
Schools & colleges that trust the method
English methodology and academic programmes adopted across Kerala institutions — from classroom fluency to teacher training.
Collaborating schools
- Nirmala Higher Secondary School, Aluva
- Mahilalayam School, Aluva
- Ranimatha Public School, Ernakulam
- Vyasa Vidhyanikethan, Perumbavoor
- Saraswathi Vidhyapeedam, Kattappana
- Eden Public School, Kodungoor
- Bethsadha School, Ernakulam
Collaborating colleges
- Sienna College, Ernakulam
- BCM College, Kottayam
- Assumption College, Changanassery
- CMS College, Kottayam
- International Fire and Safety, Kottayam
- St. Joseph’s Public School, Kanjirappally
“A space where stories find readers.”
Once Upon a Time Bookshop · Aluva
Connect
Ready to explore a venture — or start a conversation?
Reach the Adiniru team for bookshop visits, publishing, English programmes, chess events, or engineering support.