Literature, memory and music mark a winter gathering in city

What began eight years ago as a bilingual literary magazine imagined by a small group of students from Jadavpur University found a fuller, more tangible form in Kolkata this winter. A compilation of selected Bangla works, drawn from years of writing across campuses in Bengal, was released at a gathering that brought together literature, memory, music and conversation.

Titled Jhorapatar Rupkotha, the book brought together writers old and new, drawing on the metaphor of fallen leaves that nourish future growth. Edited by Samik Lahiri and Anirban Bhattacharyya, with a cover designed by Abhinandan Banerjee, the volume marked a return to print in an increasingly screen-driven literary landscape. The release took place on December 14 at the Science City Convention Centre.

The evening, conceived as a celebration of books and ideas, unfolded through readings, discussions and performances. It opened with a Rabindrasangeet rendition, setting a reflective tone, followed by a visual montage tracing years of literary engagement that stirred a sense of shared memory among those present.

Veteran author Swapnamoy Chakraborty delivered the keynote address, speaking about the importance of sustaining a lifelong relationship with literature. The book was formally inaugurated by Chakraborty and Barun Chanda, both contributors to the volume, alongside other writers.

A panel discussion that followed reflected on whether today’s generation would carry forward Bengal’s literary inheritance. Speakers Anirban Bhattacharyya, Barun Chanda, Prabalkumar Basu and Samik Lahiri offered contrasting views — ranging from skepticism about cultural continuity to cautious optimism that renewal follows periods of darkness. The session was moderated by Palash Roy.

Another panel addressed 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 presence of artificial intelligence while underlining the belief that originality and emotional depth remain distinctly human strengths.

The evening also turned its attention to lives often overlooked. Meena Purakayastha, a 70-year-old domestic worker, was honoured for her quiet resilience, while Nepal De, who has run a tea stall outside Jadavpur University for decades, was recognised for his enduring presence in student life.

Musical interludes punctuated the programme, with Rabindrasangeet by Aniruddha Sinha, dramatic readings from Tagore’s Raktakarabi by Chaiti Ghoshal and Amit Acharyya, and original compositions by Abelar Gan bringing the evening to a close.

Hosted by actor and former Jadavpur University student Rwitobroto Mukherjee, the gathering unfolded as a warm, reflective pause — one that blended literature, art and lived experience on a winter evening.

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