Amitakatha

• Author: Amitendranath Thakur
• Genre: Atmajibani - Jibani - Smritikatha (Autobiography, Biography, Memoir)
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789350409725
• Pages: 96
• Weight: 280 grams

Key Highlights:

• Amitendranath Thakur, the eldest grandson of Abanindranath Thakur, was not involved in the family tradition of art or literature. Instead, he dedicated his life to the study of the Chinese language.
• He spent about twenty-five years in the United States as a scholar and teacher of Chinese language and literature.
• Over his lifetime, he translated various works from Chinese to Bengali and English, contributing significantly to the cultural exchange between East and West.
• In this memoir, Amitendranath offers personal recollections from his life, reflecting on his experiences and his long journey in the field of Chinese studies.
• The book is an insightful account of his life and work, particularly focusing on his studies of the Chinese language, and how he navigated this unique academic pursuit.
• The memoir also includes details about his family, highlighting his connection to the prestigious Tagore family, and his formative years at Santiniketan.

About the Author, Amitendranath Thakur:

• Born: 9 October 1922, in Kolkata at the Jorasanko Thakur Bari.
• His father, Alokendranath Thakur, was a significant figure in his life.
• Amitendranath completed his early education at Hare School and Scottish Church College, before pursuing a BCom from Calcutta University.
• His academic journey took him to Santiniketan where he studied Chinese language at the China Bhavan, followed by further studies in Beijing at Peking University, where he earned his MA in Chinese.
• He taught at Santiniketan, NDA Dehradun, NDA Pune, and in the United States at institutions like Philadelphia University and Oakland University, Michigan.
• In 1963, he received a PhD from Visva-Bharati University.
• Amitendranath has translated several works from Chinese literature into Bengali and English, making a lasting contribution to the study of Chinese culture in India.

Summary:

Amitakatha is a memoir by Amitendranath Thakur, focusing on his life’s journey as a Chinese language scholar. Born into the Tagore family, Amitendranath chose a path that diverged from the family tradition of arts and literature. Instead, he dedicated his life to the study and teaching of Chinese language and literature, both in India and abroad. This book offers a personal glimpse into his life, his academic achievements, and the profound impact of his work in translating Chinese literary works into Bengali and English. It also provides insights into his connections with the Tagore family and his educational journey.