Shankhachil

• Author: সঞ্জীব চট্টোপাধ্যায় (Sanjiib Chattopadhyay)
• Genre: Upanyas (Novel)
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788170664604
• Pages: 126
• Weight: 167 gram
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers

Synopsis:
In ‘Shankhachil’, Sanjiib Chattopadhyay masterfully presents a gripping narrative centered around bureaucracy, corruption, and the rigid hierarchies of government offices. With his firsthand experience and sharp observational skills, he brings to life the intricacies of promotions, transfers, political pressure, and red-tape complexities. However, the novel is not merely a satirical commentary—beneath its witty and humorous surface lies a deep sense of disillusionment and moral decay.

Through the protagonist, Samir, the novel explores the suffocating constraints of the system and the internal conflicts of a man searching for meaning amidst chaos. The metaphor of a shankhachil (Brahminy kite) symbolizes freedom, yet Samir gradually realizes that mere freedom is not enough for survival—to navigate the darkness, one needs the eyes of an owl and the wings of a hawk. This self-discovery and realization form the soul of the novel, leaving readers with a profound sense of introspection.

About the Author:
Born in 1936 near Kolkata, Sanjiib Chattopadhyay initially pursued science but later shifted to literature. His career spanned teaching, chemical industries, and government roles, particularly in small-scale industries development. He started his editorial journey with ‘Udbodhan’, the official publication of Ramakrishna Mission, under Swami Shraddhananda’s guidance.

Later, he delved into industrial journalism, media, and literature, eventually becoming associated with the Anandabazar Patrika group. With over 50 published books, his literary contributions span multiple genres. In 1981, he was honored with the prestigious Ananda Puraskar.