Kalidas Roy

Kalidas Roy Biography

Kalidas Roy was a popular Bengali poet belonging to the first half of the 20^th century. He was a contemporary of Rabindranath Tagore. His famous poems include Chhatradhara and Triratna. He also translated many Sanskrit works to Bengali language, and wrote critics’ view also. His poetry was influenced by Vaishnava thoughts. Roy received the prestigious Ananda Puraskar of ABP Group in the year 1963. Bolkali, Ballari, Parnaput, Kisholoy, Ritu Mangal, Aharan, Aharani, Lajanjali and Brojobenu were his major published works. Roy was given honorary doctorate by Rabindra Bharati University and University of Burdwan. He was awarded Deshikottam by the Visva Bharati University in 1970.

He was born in 1889. He completed his graduation from Berhampore College, affiliated to University of Kolkata. Then he completed his Master’s in Philosophy from Scottish Church College. After completing his studies, he started his professional career in teaching and has worked in different parts of Kolkata. He served as the head master of Mitra Institution, Bhowanipore. Roy was a teacher by profession and had a significant way of writing. He authored 19 books of poetry collection.

He was a descendant of the Vaishnava poet, Lochandas and he too was influenced by Vaishnava thoughts which well-reflected in his poems. Apart from Bengali he also wrote in Arabic and Persian languages.  Kavishekhar award, Jagattarini Swarna Padak, Sarojini Swarna Padak, Ananda Purashkar and Deshikottam are the major awards received by him. His work - "Purnahuti" earned Rabindra Purashkar for the year 1968. He was a recipient of two honorary doctorates. He was posthumously awarded the honour by University of Burdwan in 1976. He passed away on 25 October 1975. He lived in a house at Tollygunge, Kolkata, which he renamed as "Sandhyar Kulai".           

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Updated: June 26, 2016