Bishadbriksha

• Author: মিহির সেনগুপ্ত (Mihir Sengupta)
• Genre: Atmajibani - Jibani - Smritikatha (Autobiography - Biography - Memoir)
• ISBN: 9789350402696
• Cover: Hardcover
• Pages: 544
• Weight: 883 grams

Summary:
Bishadbriksha is a poignant memoir written in the first person by the author, which reflects on the experiences of childhood, adolescence, and the early days of adulthood, culminating in more recent times. Unlike conventional memoirs, this work offers a more reflective and raw narrative of post-partition Bengal, particularly in the southwestern region of East Bengal (now Bangladesh).

The book provides a social, political, and communal record of the lives of people from the periphery of society, focusing on the everyday lives of Hindus and Muslims. Through this personal narrative, the author highlights the human aspects of their coexistence, even amidst the deep-rooted communal and social divide. The story is filled with memories of rural life, deeply ingrained folk traditions, and the cultural practices of those living in the rural hinterlands.

The book also emphasizes the sadness of rootless lives, the dreams and heartbreaks, and the constant struggle to rebuild and create new hopes in the aftermath of personal and societal crises. It is a testimony to the persistence of human spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.

The book was awarded the Ananda Puraskar (1411 Bangabda) for its exceptional portrayal of Bengali life, capturing both its historical and emotional depth.

About the Author:
Mihir Sengupta was born on September 1, 1947, in Keora village of Barisal district, East Bengal (now in Jhalkathi district, Bangladesh). He completed his matriculation with distinction and later joined Braj Mohan College in Barisal. However, he moved to Kolkata in 1963 and resumed his schooling from there. He graduated in English from Calcutta University in 1968.

He worked with Bank of India and lived in various parts of West Bengal and Jharkhand during his tenure. His first notable work, 'Siddhiganj er Mokam', won the Shruti Academy Award in Bangladesh. His novel Bishadbriksha earned him the prestigious Ananda Puraskar in 1411 Bengal year (2011).

Mihir Sengupta's other works include 'Ujani Khaler Sonta', published by Ananda Publishers. He currently resides in Bhadrashwar, Hooghly, West Bengal.

Bishadbriksha is a heartfelt and significant work, rich in its portrayal of cultural, emotional, and political upheaval during a transformative period in the history of Bengal, making it an important contribution to Bengali literature.