This winter in Kolkata, a literary seed planted eight years ago by a passionate group of Jadavpur University students finally bore fruit in a tangible, printed form. The bilingual magazine they once imagined has evolved into a significant anthology of selected Bangla works, curated from years of writing across campuses in West Bengal.
An Evening of Literature, Memory, and Celebration
The compilation, titled Jhorapatar Rupkotha, was officially released on December 14 at the Science City Convention Centre in Kolkata. The title, drawing on the poignant metaphor of fallen leaves that nourish the soil for future growth, symbolically brought together both established and new writers. Edited by Samik Lahiri and Anirban Bhattacharyya, with a cover designed by Abhinandan Banerjee, the book marks a conscious return to print in an era dominated by digital screens.
The launch event was conceived as a holistic celebration of books and ideas, seamlessly weaving together literature, memory, music, and conversation. The evening commenced with a soulful Rabindrasangeet rendition, setting a reflective tone for the gathering. A visual montage followed, tracing years of literary engagement and evoking a powerful sense of shared memory among the attendees.
Panels on Legacy and the Digital Age
Veteran author Swapnamoy Chakraborty delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a lifelong relationship with literature. The book was formally inaugurated by Chakraborty and actor-writer Barun Chanda, both of whom are contributors to the volume.
A thought-provoking panel discussion, moderated by Palash Roy, then pondered a critical question: Will today's generation carry forward Bengal's rich literary inheritance? Panelists Anirban Bhattacharyya, Barun Chanda, Prabalkumar Basu, and Samik Lahiri offered a spectrum of views, from skepticism about cultural continuity to a cautious optimism that renewal often follows periods of darkness.
A subsequent panel delved into the relationship between Bengali literature and technology. With authors Binod Ghoshal, Indranil Sanyal, Sabyasachi Sarkar, and Shamik Ghosh in conversation, moderated by Rilina Basu of Jadavpur University, the discussion acknowledged the growing influence of artificial intelligence. However, the consensus underscored a firm belief that originality and emotional depth remain uniquely human strengths that technology cannot replicate.
Honoring Unsung Pillars and a Musical Finale
In a moving segment, the evening turned its spotlight to individuals whose lives are often overlooked yet are integral to the community's fabric. Meena Purakayastha, a 70-year-old domestic worker, was honored for her quiet resilience. Nepal De, who has run a tea stall outside Jadavpur University for decades, was recognized for his enduring presence in the daily life of students.
The program was beautifully punctuated with musical performances. These included Rabindrasangeet by Aniruddha Sinha, dramatic readings from Tagore's Raktakarabi by Chaiti Ghoshal and Amit Acharyya, and original compositions by Abelar Gan that brought the evening to a close. The entire gathering was hosted by actor and former Jadavpur University student Rwitobroto Mukherjee, creating a warm, reflective pause that perfectly blended literature, art, and lived experience on a winter night.
The launch of Jhorapatar Rupkotha stands as a testament to the enduring power of print and community, showcasing how a student-led initiative can grow to nourish the broader literary landscape of Bengal.
