Kolkata, 20 February (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of eminent Bengali writer Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay (Shankar). In a condolence message posted on social media platform X, she said that with his demise, the Bengali literary world has lost one of its brightest stars.

In her message, the Chief Minister said that his timeless works, from Chowringhee to Kato Ajanare, Seemabaddha to Jana Aranya, have captivated and inspired Bengali readers for generations. His writings vividly bring to life the untold pain and truth of the struggles of ordinary people.

Mamata Banerjee said that Shankar's extensive research on Swami Vivekananda and his books are invaluable assets to society and literature. She described this as an irreparable loss to the cultural world of Bengal.

The Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and his countless readers and fans.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey