Atin Bandyopadhyay

Atin Bandyopadhyay Biography

Atin Bandyopadhyay is a noted writer of Bengali literature. He is a recipient of Kendra Sahitya Academy Award 2001 for his collection of 50 short stories `Panchashati Galpo'. He had an arduous journey from a truck cleaner to a literary driver. One of the highly respected authors from Bengali language, his magnum opus Nilakantha pakhira khonje, followed by Aloukik Jalajan and Ishwarer Bagan draws from Bandyopadhyaya's own experiences. The work is widely regarded as the most poignant story portraying social life and conflicts between Hindus and Muslims during Partition of Bengal in 1947. With deep sensibility and emotions, pangs of separation from one's own homeland were deeply narrated in his most celebrated work.

He was born on March 1, 1934 in Rainadi, Hizadi belonging to Dhaka District of present day Bangladesh. He was born in East Bengal of undivided British India. He studied in Sonar Gaon Panam School. After partition he moved to India. After getting a Teacher’s training degree from University of Kolkata he did many odd jobs to earn a living. He worked as sailor, truck-cleaner, primary school teacher etc. Through his life struggles he later became Principal of a school and later did many jobs like factory manager, publication advisor and finally settled as a journalist.

His first story was published in the magazine Abasar. He shot to fame after his work, Nilakantha pakhira khonje, followed by Aloukik Jalajan and Ishwarer Bagan, thus completing a trilogy. Some of his noted works include - Hirer Cheyeo Dami, Aronyorajye Mandela, Fentur Sada Ghora, Rajar Bari, Gini Rohosyo, Ekti joler rekha O Ora teen jon, Binnir Khoi Lal Batasa, Neel Timi, Dustu Hititi and Uronto Torobari. Apart from his journalist works and novels, he has also contributed a few works to Children’s literature.  He is also a recipient of Bibhuti Bhushan Award 1990; Tarasankar Award 1991; and Matilal Award 1983.

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Updated: February 27, 2016