Radhakrishna

• Author: Sunil Gangopadhyay
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788170664987
• Pages: 171
• Weight: 203 grams
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers

Book Summary:

For centuries, the names Radha and Krishna have been deeply cherished across India, forming an unparalleled love story in world literature. Their romance is woven into ancient scriptures, folklore, poetry, and music, resonating with scholars, devotees, and common people alike.

Despite its widespread cultural presence, no definitive, authentic, and complete retelling of this love story in Bengali prose existed—until Sunil Gangopadhyay crafted this masterpiece. Drawing from poetic traditions, he retells the story with richness and emotional depth, making it both immersive and poignant.

Unlike the divine, miraculous Krishna of many scriptures, this novel focuses solely on the human Krishna—

• The playful cowherd of Vrindavan
• The passionate lover of Radha

Similarly, Radha is not depicted as a goddess, but as a creation of pure poetry—a timeless lover rather than a deity. Their story is neither mythical nor supernatural; it is a deeply human love saga, one that leaves the reader yearning for more, lingering in an eternal sense of unfulfilled love.

With his unique literary style, Gangopadhyay seamlessly blends poetry with prose, allowing readers to experience both the simplicity of storytelling and the depth of philosophical truth. His narrative transcends the boundaries of mere storytelling, guiding readers toward a profound truth about love itself.

About the Author:

Sunil Gangopadhyay was born on September 7, 1934, in Faridpur, Bangladesh, and later moved to Kolkata, India.

• He earned his Master's degree from the University of Calcutta.
• His career began with private tutoring, followed by experiences in insurance, UNESCO’s adult education programs, government clerical work, and editorial roles in newspapers.
• His literary journey started with poetry, and he was the founder-editor of the iconic literary magazine Krittibas.
• Despite achieving fame as a poet, he later ventured into novel writing, gaining widespread acclaim.
• His first novel, Atmaprakash, was published in Sharadiya Desh magazine.
• His first poetry collection, Eka Ebong Koyekjon, established him as a major literary figure.
• Equally popular in children’s literature, his works have been recognized with numerous awards, including:
  • Ananda Puraskar
  • Bankim Puraskar (1983)
  • Sahitya Akademi Award (1985)
• He also wrote under pseudonyms like "Neel Lohit," "Sanatan Pathak," and "Neel Upadhyay."
• Passed away on October 23, 2012.