Padyasamagra 5

• Author: Shakti Chattopadhyay
• Genre: Poetry Collection (Kabita Samagra)
• Binding: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172156459
• Pages: 328
• Weight: 420 grams

About the Book

Padyasamagra 5 is the fifth volume in the celebrated series of Shakti Chattopadhyay's poetry collections. This book stands as a powerful testament to his mastery over the written word and his ability to evoke deep emotions with simple, yet profound, language. The poems within this volume engage with life's fleeting beauty, the inevitability of death, and the complexity of human relationships, continuing the poet's exploration of existential and social themes.

Key Themes & Highlights:

• Existential Reflection:
  This volume engages deeply with philosophical reflections on life, mortality, and the human condition. It captures the poet’s search for meaning in a constantly changing world.

• Poetic Diversity:
  Chattopadhyay's ability to experiment with various forms of poetry is evident here. His works shift between structured and free verse, offering a rich and diverse poetic experience.

• Emotional Depth:
  The poems in this volume are filled with emotional depth, moving from personal loss to broader cultural concerns, inviting the reader to confront and reflect on their own emotional landscapes.

Legacy:

The Padyasamagra series, including this volume, has cemented Shakti Chattopadhyay's place as one of the most important modern Bengali poets. His influence continues to be felt in the realms of Bengali literature, both in poetry and in literary journalism.

About the Author: Shakti Chattopadhyay

Birth: 25th November 1933, Baharu, 24 Parganas, India
Death: 23rd March 1995, Shantiniketan, India

Early Life & Education:

• Born and raised in Baharu and Bagbazar, Chattopadhyay faced the early loss of his father.
• He attended Baharu High School, Maharaja Kashimbazar School, and Presidency College, later studying Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University, although his academic career was never completed.

Literary Career:

• Chattopadhyay made his literary debut with the poem Yama (1956), published in Kobita, edited by Buddhadev Basu.
• He played a central role in the creation of Krittibas, a leading literary journal, and founded Kobita Saptahiki, a weekly publication that made significant waves in Bengali poetry.
• His body of work includes over a hundred poetry and prose books, as well as numerous unpublished pieces in journals.

Awards & Recognition:

• Ananda Puraskar
• Sahitya Akademi Award
• Gangadhar Meher Award
• Posthumous Rabindra Puraskar

Journalism & Academia:

• Chattopadhyay was also a journalist, working for Anandabazar Patrika and contributing significantly to Bengali literary magazines.
• He was a guest lecturer at Visva-Bharati University, where he taught creative writing and literary criticism.

Death & Legacy:

Chattopadhyay passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on 23rd March 1995 in Shantiniketan. His works, however, continue to be a major part of Bengali literary culture, and his contributions as a poet, editor, and educator are still widely revered.

Why Read This Book?

• Timeless Reflection on Life:
  Padyasamagra 5 delves into timeless human concerns, providing readers with a poignant look at life and death through the eyes of a master poet.

• Comprehensive Collection:
  This book offers a comprehensive view of Chattopadhyay's poetic vision, making it an essential addition for anyone interested in modern Bengali poetry.

• Diverse Poetic Forms:
  The diversity of forms used throughout this volume allows readers to appreciate the range of Chattopadhyay’s poetic talent, making this collection both enriching and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Padyasamagra 5 further establishes Shakti Chattopadhyay as a towering figure in Bengali literature. His reflective and emotionally resonant poetry continues to speak to generations of readers, offering insights into the human experience with grace and depth. This volume, like the previous ones in the series, will captivate and inspire all those who seek to understand the complexities of life and death through poetry.