Bangalore, Aug 3 (IANS): Infosys Technologies Ltd chairman and chief mentor N.R. Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murthy late Tuesday inspired hundreds of book lovers by opening PageTurners, an exclusive Penguin bookstore in the heart of Bangalore.

"Reading and preserving books are an essential part of our culture. In this technology era, we should encourage the younger generation to cultivate the habit of reading books and imbibe the spirit behind the art of writing," Murthy said after unveiling the 2,500 square feet retail store spanning four floors on upscale M.G. Road.

Penguin Books India collaborated with Surya Infotainment Products of the country's oldest booksellers LB Publishers & Distributors to set up one of the largest bookstores in the city, with books on varied subjects from the world over.

Lauding Penguin and Surya for the joint initiative, Murthy advised the partners to open more such bookstores across the country to ensure that reading books became an integral part of learning.

"An exclusive space for our books was only possible till now at book fairs. If we put all our books under one roof, it becomes a destination," Penguin India marketing vice-president Hemali Sodhi said on the occasion.

Besides displaying hundreds of books ranging from classics to fiction, non-fiction, including literature, philosophy, science and other subjects, the bookstore will stage cultural events, group reading sessions and book launches as well.

"We also have a vibrant children's section to catch them young with a wide variety of books and other study material," Sodhi added.