These lines from rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam dint only ignited the Bangladesh Liberation war, but also unite two nations living across the Teesta. This was quite evident at the 45th International Kolkata Book fair that took place from 28th February to 13th March 2022 in Central Park, Kolkata. It is world’s third largest annual book conglomeration and an intergal part of Bengal’ culture. The theme of this year was – “Bangladesh”, commemorating the birth centenary of Bangladesh’s Founding father – Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and celebrating the 50th Year of liberation for the country. The book fair was…
Author: Mousumi Diyasi
Legendary Bengali comic book artist and writer Narayan Debnath bid adieu to a rich legacy on 18th January 2022 after prolonged ailment. He was 96. The story of his life and works traces the rise of comic book culture and the subtle art of sketching and storytelling that contributed immensely to Bengali literature.Bengal is artistically plural with hues of literature, art, music and intellectual expressions. The ‘Para’ (Lane) culture led to the evolution of many a literary ‘Adda’ that shaped new imaginations and milestones of creativity.One such lane of Shibpur, Howrah witnessed the birth of Bantul the Great created by…
Not very long ago, the advent of Durga Puja used to be marked by clear blue skies with fluffy cotton clouds. Kolkata markets used to buzz with Pujo fever under pleasant temperatures – the right amount of humidity with the late-autumn nip in the air. Temperate days have always drawn a fairy-tale vibe from poets and writers through the colours of autumn and the blossoms of Spring. Alas, these days, the lived experience of the people of Kolkata is quite different – autumns have turned intensely hot and humid, not to speak of the rather frequent unseasonal downpour. On the…
Right in the middle of the third wave COVID-19 mayhem, an outbreak of a mysterious fever has gripped parts of West Bengal. Hundreds of children are being hospitalised with symptoms of a viral infection. Mainly from several districts of North Bengal, majorly in Darjeeling, Alipurduar, North and South Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Malda. At least nine children are reported dead between 11th to 30th of September triggering panic across the State. Similar cases have also been found in central Kolkata, filling up government and private pediatric Intensive care units rapidly across the city. The prominent symptoms range from runny nose, high…
In a Facebook post on 31st July 2021 BJP Leader Supriyo announced his decision to quit Lok Sabha and politics. He also denied the speculations about switching over to rival political parties. But after a meeting with BJP President JP Nadda in New Delhi on 2nd August 2021, Supriyo surprised observers by saying he will continue as the Member of Parliament of Asansol.While interacting with the media after the meeting with JP Nadda, the 50-year old singer turned politician said “I have constitutional responsibility. I will continue as MP. People of Asansol have asked me to stay as their MP.”…
Neeraj Chopra the 23-year-old athlete created history with an Olympic Gold Medal in Javelin throw at Tokyo Olympics. Chopra earmarked the first-ever athletics medal for India and the second-ever individual Olympic gold medal after Abhinav Bindra’s gold in shooting in Beijing 2008, defeating Johannes Vetter of Germany’s throw of 82.52m. He kicked off with 87.03m and then achieved the 87.58m mark in the second attempt to win the gold medal. Meanwhile, Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic earned a silver marking of 86.67m while Vitezslav Vesele earned bronze marking at 85.44m. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “History has been scripted…
There is a saying in Bengali – “Kecho Khurte keute Ber kora” (meaning finding a snake unexpectedly while digging for worms). This seems pretty apt for the current situation in West Bengal as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor Jagdeep Dhankar continue to be at loggerheads since the violence that had erupted all over the state post the declaration of results in the high voltage assembly elections. Governor Dhankar had been highly critical of the West Bengal Government’s handling of the situation. Political observers said he visited the national capital complaining over state’s post poll law and order situation. His…
2021 Nandigram’s Seat – A Battle of Ego or Masterstroke of Mamata Banerjee TMC Leader SuvenduAdhikari cut off all ties with TMC and joins BJP in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah at a public rally organized at West Midnapore on 19th December 2020. Retaliating in her classical style, West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee surprises by announcing herself as the contestant from Nandigram along with South Kolkata’s Bhawanipore for 2021 State Assembly poll at Nandigram rally. This has popped up a high voltage question as to why Nandigram? Suvendu Adhikari – who himself and his entire family…