Sundarban Samagra

• Author: Shivshankar Mitra (শিবশঙ্কর মিত্র)
• Genre: Children's Collection - Complete Works (Chotoder Sangkalan - Rachanasamagra - Rachanasangraha)
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788170661399
• Pages: 472
• Weight: 529 grams

Book Description

“Sundarban Samagra” is a comprehensive collection of Shivshankar Mitra’s works on the Sundarbans, a region he extensively explored through his writing. Awarded the prestigious national recognition for best children's literature in 1962, his works have touched the hearts of readers with vivid depictions of the region’s mystique, flora, fauna, and its inhabitants. The book compiles not just stories but also five full-length novels, a range of short stories, and narratives, all set in the mysterious and vibrant Sundarbans.

The region, filled with dense forests, water channels, wildlife, and unique cultures, is a constant source of intrigue in Mitra's writing. The characters he creates are based on real-life figures, ensuring that the tales are grounded in reality yet filled with imaginative elements that bring the Sundarbans to life. With a focus on the lives of the local people, wildlife, and natural surroundings, Mitra masterfully combines the thrill of adventure with poignant storytelling.

His writing is deeply personal and informed by his own interactions with the local communities, offering an authentic perspective of life in the Sundarbans. The book's beauty lies in how it blends historical fact with literary imagination, ensuring that the Sundarbans remain etched in readers' memories.

Author's Bio

Shivshankar Mitra (শিবশঙ্কর মিত্র) was born on October 20, 1909, in Khulna (now in Bangladesh). A graduate of Kolkata University, Mitra became involved in the Indian independence movement at a young age, joining the revolutionary ‘Yugantar’ group in 1926. He was imprisoned for eight years from 1931 to 1938 for his role in the independence movement. After his release, he joined the Communist Party of India and continued his work as an editor and writer.

Mitra's first book, a biography of Lenin, was published in 1941, and he went on to write numerous works on history, politics, and literature. His deep connection with the Sundarbans came from his frequent visits to the region, where he lived among the locals and explored its natural beauty. Over a long career, he wrote extensively for children, with Sundarban Samagra being one of his most celebrated works. In recognition of his contributions to children's literature, he received several awards, including the Indian Government's Best Children's Literature Award in 1962.

In his later years, Mitra worked as a librarian at Kolkata University and continued his literary pursuits, retiring in 1970. His love for the Sundarbans and his dedication to capturing its essence in writing have earned him a lasting place in Bengali literature.

Book Highlights

• A complete collection of works focusing on the Sundarbans, including novels and short stories.
• Rich descriptions of the mystical and adventurous life in the Sundarbans, blending fact and fiction.
• A remarkable literary journey through the nature, people, and culture of the region.
• Recognized as one of the finest contributions to children's literature in Bengali.

Sundarban Samagra is a treasure trove for readers interested in the enigmatic beauty and tales of the Sundarbans, offering an exceptional reading experience that captures the essence of this remarkable region. Let me know if you need more information!