Kabita Theke Michile

• Author: অশোক মিত্র (Ashok Mitra)
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788177564488
• Pages: 160
• Weight: 279 grams

Book Description:

• Kabita Theke Michile is a collection of 16 thought-provoking essays by Ashok Mitra, written between 1957 and 1974, delving into the alienation of intellectuals from the society they claim to serve.
• The collection critiques the disconnection of poetry and poets from the social and political issues of their time, with a sharp indictment of their increasing focus on personal, aesthetic pursuits detached from the needs of the people.
• The essays in the book explore the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of those who claim to strive for societal change but get lost in futile intellectualism and self-indulgent pursuits, such as "poetry without politics".
• Mitra’s fierce critique also takes on those intellectuals who, despite their Marxist ideals, become complicit in status quo politics or fail to realize their responsibility to the masses.
• The book is not merely a critique of the intellectual world; it also reflects a personal journey of self-examination, with the author questioning his own role and actions in the political and social spheres.
• Written in a time of intense political upheaval, this book remains relevant even decades after its first publication, resonating with readers as they continue to grapple with issues of intellectualism, responsibility, and societal change.
• With a mix of sharp political analysis, literary criticism, and personal reflection, this collection offers an invaluable perspective on Bengali intellectual culture and the role of literature in social change.

This book is a must-read for those interested in intellectual history, Marxist theory, and the relationship between literature and politics in post-colonial India.