Kishor Kahini Samagra

• Author: Narendra Nath Mitra
• Genre: Children's Compilation - Anthology
• Binding: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788177568523
• Pages: 362
• Weight: 496 grams

Book Overview:

Narendra Nath Mitra, one of the most celebrated authors of modern Bengali short stories, brought his distinctive narrative style to children’s literature as well. Unlike tales set in fantastical realms, his stories focus on familiar surroundings and human emotions, reflecting profound truths through simple, everyday experiences.

This anthology, Kishor Kahini Samagra, published by Ananda Publishers, compiles his remarkable short stories and an enchanting children’s novel. These works, originally featured in prestigious Puja annuals and children's magazines, portray extraordinary tales within ordinary settings, offering timeless reading pleasure for young readers while deeply resonating with universal truths.

About the Author:

Narendra Nath Mitra (Born: January 30, 1916, in Faridpur, now in Bangladesh) was a master storyteller whose works captivated readers of all ages.

• Early Life & Education:

  • Father: Mahendra Nath Mitra
  • Mother: Birajbala Mitra
  • Completed schooling at Bhanga High School, followed by I.A. from Rajendra College, Faridpur. Graduated from Bangabasi College, Kolkata.

• Writing Career:

  • Began with poetry and later transitioned to short stories and novels.
  • His first published poem, Mook, and story, Mrityu O Jibon, appeared in Desh magazine in 1936.
  • Authored nearly 50 short story collections and several acclaimed novels, including Dippunj, Chenaamohol, and Surjasakhi.

• Literary Contributions & Adaptations:

  • Many of his stories were adapted into films, including:
    • Mahanagar (by Satyajit Ray)
    • Headmaster (by Agragami)
    • Palank (by Rajen Tarafdar)
    • Ras was adapted into the Hindi film Saudagar.
  • Prominent directors like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen wrote screenplays based on his works.

• Personal Life:

  • Married Shobhona, a classical vocalist, on June 6, 1938. They had two sons, Dibakar (an electrical engineer) and Abhijit (a professor at Burdwan University).
  • Fond of interacting with people from all walks of life and enjoyed writing letters and telephonic conversations.

• Awards & Legacy:

  • Recipient of the Ananda Puraskar (1961).
  • Passed away on September 14, 1975.

This anthology is a tribute to his timeless contribution to Bengali literature, offering readers young and old a glimpse into his masterful storytelling.