A Book on Bengal’s Past and a Tribute to Language Mark International Mother Language Day in Balurghat

• New Light on Ancient Bengal

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat

Scholars, students and cultural figures gathered Friday at the Baluchhaya Auditorium in Balurghat to celebrate International Mother Language Day with the release of a historical research book and a daylong cultural program.

The event, jointly organized by Balurghat B.Ed. College and Dakshin Dinajpur University, began around 11:30 a.m. and continued until late afternoon. Students from both institutions formally welcomed guests, while the opening ceremony featured the lighting of a ceremonial lamp and an inaugural song performed by university students.

The program was chaired by historian Himangshu Kumar Sarkar, whose new research-based book — Nutan Gobeshonar Aloke Obibhakta Bongodesher Itihas: Prachin ebong Adi Madhyajug (History of Undivided Bengal in the Light of New Research: Ancient and Early Medieval Period) — was formally released during the event.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Pranab Ghosh welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of academic collaboration and research in regional history. The chief guest, University of Gour Banga Vice-Chancellor Ashish Bhattacharya, spoke about the historical significance of the language movement and the need for rigorous, research-based historical studies.

Among the other speakers was Dipak Kumar Ray, former vice-chancellor of Raiganj University, who discussed the originality and scholarly value of Professor Sarkar’s work and its contribution to the study of Bengal’s past.

Addressing the audience after the book’s release, Professor Sarkar said the research aimed to provide new perspectives on the history of undivided Bengal and serve as a resource for young researchers and students interested in historical inquiry.

The gathering also included several notable attendees, including Swami Bishnurupanandaji Maharaj of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha Balurghat branch, Professor Dr. Nirmal Kumar Ray of University of North Bengal, Dr. Bobby Mahanta, principal of Balurghat B.Ed. College, and Suraj Das, joint secretary of the Itihas Anusandhan Parishad.

A cultural segment followed the formal program. Suhana De, a student of Balurghat B.Ed. College, performed a solo dance, and students from both institutions presented performances dedicated to International Mother Language Day. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Bobby Mahanta and a closing song, while Suraj Das and Shreyasi Ghosh served as the hosts for the program.