Lest we forget

The student of Bengali literature first hears the name of Bangyo Sahitya Parishad when he or she is at plus ten level.The name he hears when the specimen of first Bengali works is discussed in the classes.The CHARZAPAD.discovered from a cave in Nepal in 1905 was published by the Bangyo Sahitya Parishad .But very few people know about the existence of Rungpur Sahitya Parishad.

Rabindranath Tagore was then the Vice-President Of the Organisation.In a meeting One Mr.Surendra Chandra Roy Chowdhury of Rungpur proposed to establish branches of the Parishad in every district.The proposal was seconded by Rabindranath.As a result on 24 th April 1905 a meeting was organised in Rungpur Town Hall and the Rungpur Sahitya Parishad was created with 28 members.This meeting was presided by one Mr.Asutosh Lahiri the then District Engineer of Rungpur.Thus the first branch of Bangyo Sahitya Parishad was established in place other than Calcutta. This branch contributed substantially towards furtherence of Bengali literature and culture.Their main object had been to discover archaeological remains in NorthBengal,regional language,agriculture,industry,family history of the renowned families,rare handwritten manuscripts,to obtain information of the poets,to take steps to preserve ancient monuments,and to take suitable measures to improve Bengali language and literature.

Initially.the branch operated from Rungpur Public Library.Then from in the residnce of Debendra Chandra Roy Chowdhury.Afterwards it was shifted to the residence of Vabo Sundari Debi Chowdhurani.Thereafter it operated from Rungpur DharmaSava Griha.The problem of havinfg no of its own was sorted out by Kiron Chandra Deyonce the Collector of Rungpur and Samity's President when a new building was set up near Edward Memorial Hall.

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