by Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur: The 146th birth anniversary of noted litterateur Sarat Chandra Chattopadhya yesterday was marked by inauguration of newly constructed memorial in his name at his alma mater Durga Charan Primary School here. The Sarat Chandra memorial was inaugurated last evening by DM Subrat Kumar Sen at a function organized by local unit of Bihar Bengali Association (BBA).
In order to preserve memory of the litterateur the memorial has been constructed by BBA. Association of Sarat Chandra with this city is matter of pride for people here particularly for members of local literary circle. Name of noted litterateur figure prominently whenever there is mention of rich literary and cultural history of city.
The BBA initiative of preserving memory of Sarat Chandra received support of local populace. The members of local literary circle feel there should be similar efforts for preserving memory of Sarat Chandra also at government level.
Joyjeet Ghosh, secretary of local unit of BBA said taking note of popular sentiment, construction of Sarat memorial was planned at Durga Charan Primary School. Donations received for the purpose was utilized for construction of the memorial.
As per information Sarat Chandra Chattopadhaya was born in Devanandpur village in Hoogly district of West Bengal in 1876. He came here in 1884 to stay with his relatives from maternal side. After his early education in Durga Charan Primary School, he shifted to local Zila School while in Class seven.
After discontinuing his studies for few years during which he went back to Devanandpur, he came back here again in 1893 and got himself enrolled in Class 10 at local TNJ Collegiate School. He had knack for writing short stories and novels from his early age.
During his stay here he organized a group of young writers for publishing a hand written monthly magazine Chaaya. As per members of local literary circle during his stay here he wrote novels Shubhada, Barodidi, Deavdas, Chandranath, Abhiman and Charirtrahin.
He also wrote first part of his autobiography Srikanto during his stay here. As per members of local literary world he served as assistant settlement officer in Benaili estate here between 1900-1901 before he went to Burma in search of livelihood. Some of his major literary creations were written in backdrop of social life here.
While inaugurating Sarat Chandra memorial DM said prevailing situation in contemporary society is vividly reflected in Sarat Sahitya. He felt Sarat Sahitya still continues to remain relevant. The speakers on the occasion included members of literary and academic circle. A cultural presentation formed part of the inaugural function.
Dr Ratna Mukherjee, president of local unit of BBA, presided over the function. Earlier under banner of “Bhasha Krishter Milan Mela” and Champanagar unit of BBA, lovers of Sarat Sahitya visited house of maternal uncle of litterateur where he lived during his stay here. The visitors consisting people from different walks of life paid respect to Sarat Chandra by garlanding his portrait during their visit to house of his maternal uncle.
