A publishing company called Gita Press has sold 417 million books overall. The Bhagavad Gita, which served as inspiration for starting the publishing company, has been the subject of 162.1 million sales.

A publishing enterprise that was established in Gorakhpur a century ago by Marwari businessmen with a religious fervor has developed into arguably India’s most significant publisher in terms of volume. Without the use of any aggressive sales techniques, the publisher’s success has been made possible by its affordable prices and the unwavering dedication of its founders and managers.

The government has awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 to Gita Press, a nonprofit publishing firm that provides inexpensive Hindu religious literature in appreciation for their community work. Gita Press has declined to accept a reward of Rs 1 crore despite being offered one due to its policy of not accepting contributions.

Gita Press has released more books than any other Indian publishing business, according to information on its website. It has produced 41.7 crore books in its 100 years, or almost one Gita Press book for every three Indians. Gita Press’ books have become common household items among Hindi-speaking people, with many possessing at least one, even if not every third Indian may have bought one.

A publishing company called Gita Press has sold 417 million books overall. The Bhagavad Gita, which served as inspiration for starting the publishing company, has been the subject of 162.1 million sales. The Ramcharitmanas, the Ramayana in Awadhi, and the Hanuman Chalisa, among other works by Goswami Tulsidas, have sold 117.3 million copies, with the cheapest copy going for Rs 2. Additionally, 110 million children’s books have been released by the publishing business. With over 3,000 books available on its website, it now sells books online and provides publications in 14 different languages.

Gita Press is able to keep its costs low by buying its raw materials directly from businesses, doing away with the need for additional expenses like infrastructure. Additionally, they don’t take donations, accept commercials for their publications, or use the media to promote their company. They use word-of-mouth advertising as their main marketing tactic.

The majority of their managers and employees are committed to promoting Hinduism. Popular evangelists, known as katha vachak, who promote books in villages without payment have been engaged by Gita Press. Gita Press, however, is unable to recoup all of its manufacturing costs through book sales alone because of their incredibly low prices. At Geeta Vastra Vibhag, where they sell clothing, and Gita Ayurveda, where they sell medications, they make up their losses by doing business.