Kolkata, 23 July (H.S.) -
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday paid heartfelt tribute to legendary Bengali litterateur Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay on his birth anniversary, describing his contributions to Bengali literature as “immortal and invaluable.”
In her message, the Chief Minister said that the works of Bandyopadhyay will always remain etched in the memory of Bengali-speaking people. She highlighted several of his notable creations, including Ganadebata, Panchagram, Dhatridebata, Hansuli Banker Upakatha, and Kavi, as timeless classics that enriched Bengali literature.
Banerjee also pointed out that since the Trinamool Congress came to power, the state government undertook the restoration of Bandyopadhyay’s ancestral residence ‘Dhatridebata’ located in Labhpur, Birbhum district. “On the birth anniversary of the great litterateur Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay, I pay my heartfelt homage for his immense contribution to the Bengali language and literature,” she said.
To further honour his legacy, the Chief Minister announced that a bridge over the Mayurakshi river connecting Labhpur and Mayureswar-II block has been named ‘Tarashankar Setu’. She noted that this was done so that future generations continue to remember and celebrate his literary achievements.
In addition, Banerjee informed that the West Bengal Bangla Academy has re-published Bandyopadhyay’s autobiography Amar Sahitya Jibon (My Literary Life), giving readers renewed access to the author's reflections on his journey in literature.
Born in 1898, Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay authored an astounding body of work including 65 novels, 53 short story collections, 12 plays, four autobiographies, and numerous songs. His monumental contribution to literature earned him some of the nation’s highest accolades including the Rabindra Puraskar, Sahitya Akademi Award, Jnanpith Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.
“Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay’s name will forever remain in the collective memory of Bengali-speaking people,” Banerjee affirmed. “The wealth he brought to Bengali literature is truly priceless.”
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
