On the auspicious day of the 123rd birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, The Centre for Bharat Studies, Kolkata, in collaboration with Bharat Vikas Parishad, successfully organised a book launch event on July 6, 2024 at the Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad Auditorium. the event centred around “Boktrita-ORachona: Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee,” a new book authored by Dr. Pragati Bandopadhyay. Published by SUTRADHAR publishers. The event was attended by hundreds of people from Kolkata and many other regions of West Bengal. The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Smt. Mallika Roy, a member of The Centre for Bharat Studies and the event’s anchor. She introduced Dr. Bandopadhyay, a Professor at the Department of History of St. Xavier’sCollege.
The occasion was further graced by the presence of esteemed guests: Professor Tathagata Roy, former Governor of Tripura and Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest, Dr. Sarup Prasad Ghosh, Director of MAKAIAS at the Ministry of
Culture, Government of India, as the Guest of Honour, Shri Rajashri Lahiri, a social activist and descendant of prominent figures Shri Ashutosh Lahiri and Shri Anangamohan Lahiri, attended as a Special Guest and Dr Kusum Khemani President of Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad.
Smt. Roy then introduced the author’s book to the audience, highlighting the author’s impressive research journey. Following this, she invited the esteemed guests to light the lamp, a traditional ceremony symbolizing the beginning of a new endeavour.
With that the esteemed guests were felicitated, acknowledging their presence and contributions. Following this Shri Nandlal Singhania, representing the Bharat Vikas Parishad, delivered a welcome address, offering insightful remarks that resonated with the book’s theme and the launch itself. then, all guests received a copy of the book, solidifying the launch and fostering a shared interest in the book’s subject matter.
Following the launch, Dr. Pragati Bandopadhyay, the author, took centre stage and addressed the audience and began by posing a thought-provoking question: why is Bengal becoming disconnected from the identity of a figure who significantly contributed to West Bengal’s growth? Through her book, she urged the audience to reconsider this prominent individual, not just as a political statesman, but primarily as an educator who shaped the region’s future.
Dr. Bandopadhyay then shared her inspiring research journey, detailing how she meticulously collected various primary sources to bring this book to life. These sources included letters written by the subject, speeches published in the Jugantar Patrika, and written works published in the Prabasi journal. She explained how the book delves into the subject’s efforts to elevate India’s education system, a topic with significant relevance even today. Additionally, the book explores his ideologies on education, industries, and various other crucial aspects.
Dr. Bandopadhyay concluded by inviting the audience, particularly those in the education sector, to critically evaluate her work and assess whether she has successfully captured the essence of this important figure. With this Dr. Bandopadhyay’s address undoubtedly left the audience with a deeper understanding of the book and its significance.
It was then Dr. Sarup Prasad Ghosh, Director of MAKAIAS at the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Guest of Honour was asked to throw some light. He congratulated the author, Dr. Pragati Bandopadhyay, on her book, praising it as a well-written, lucid, and balanced study of an eminent politician who is often underappreciated for his contributions to Indian history. While discussing his initial reading of the book, he highlighted its successful effort in uncovering numerous unknown primary sources related to the figure. He questioned how limited research work has been done on Dr. Mookerjee. He pointed out how Kolkata being the birthplace has enormous unknown works that need to be retrieved and analysed. Further, he concluded his speech by encouraging the current generation of scholars to pursue quality research on this neglected identity, akin to that of Dr. Pragati Bandopadhyay.
Shri Rajarshi Lahiri, a social activist and descendant of prominent figures Shri Ashutosh Lahiri and Shri Anangamohan Lahiri, the Special Guest at the occasion then shared his views. In his splendid speech, he paid a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, meticulously recalling every significant contribution made by this esteemed leader. Shri Lahiri delved into Dr. Mookerjee’s tireless efforts and substantial achievements in the socio-political landscape of India, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress and development. Shri Lahiri recalled how Dr, Shyama Prasad Mookerjee passed the test of being the 1st Union Minister of Commerce and Industry of India even after he was perfect for the education ministry. Moreover, Shri Lahiri encouraged the audience to engage deeply with the book to gain a better understanding of Dr. Mookerjee’s profound influence.
Then, Professor Tathagata Roy, former Governor of Tripura and Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest addressed by congratulating the author on writing such a noteworthy book and expressed his strong feelings regarding the identity. He refuted various myths and dilemmas surrounding the identity, which are being circulated in society both intentionally and unintentionally to mislead the citizens of India. He highlighted the politician’s notion of “Ek Desh Mein do vidhaan, do nishaan, do pradhaan Nahin Chalega” and noted that it was he who first entered Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on 11th May while crossing
the border. He finally urged the audience to spread this enlightening information and the author’s message through their social media handles.
As the program drew to a close, it was evident how each speaker’s insights had enriched the audience’s understanding of the book’s significance. Dr. Aniket Mahapatra, Asst. Prof at New Alipore College, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, officially concluding the event. Dr. Sarup Prasad Ghosh, along with the audience, then sang the national anthem. To conclude the program on a unifying note, a group photo session captured the spirit of the occasion. Thus, the book launch event undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the audience. Many departed with a deeper appreciation for Dr. Bandopadhyay’s work and a newfound desire to explore the multifaceted life of Shyama Prasad
