Subhash Mukhopadhyay

Subhash Mukhopadhyay Biography

Subhash Mukhopadhyay was one of the leading poets of Bengali literature of 20^th century. Mukhopadhyay received numerous awards and honours in his lifetime. In 1991 he received Jnanpit award for his overall contributions to Bengali literature. He has also received Sahitya Akademi Award in 1964 for his work - Joto Dureii Jai. Other awards and literary prizes include - Mirzo Tursunzoda Prize (USSR) in 1982, Ananda Puraskar in 1991, Soviet Land Nehru Award, Kumaran Asan Award in 1982 and Afro-Asian Lotus Prize in 1977. He was a fellow of the Sahitya Akademi, and was the Deputy Secretary of the Progressive Writers' Union. He was conferred with Honorary D.Litt by the Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, known by the title, Deshikottama.

The notable works of Subhash include – Padatik, Phul Phutuk, Chirkut, Desh Bidesher Rupkotha, Bangali'r Itihaash, Kaal Modhumash, Cheley Gechhey Boney, E bhai, Joto Dureii Jai and Agnikone. He was married to a noted writer, Gita Bandyopadhyay and has three adopted daughters. He was detached to politics and disappointed during the last stage of his life.

Mukhopadhyay was born in 1919 in Krishnanagar of West Bengal. He studied philosophy at the Scottish Church College in Calcutta and graduated with honours in 1941. He had strong political beliefs at an early age and was active in left-wing student politics through his college years. He joined communist party after studies.

His first book was published in the year 1940 while he was a student. Critics regard as his poetry work, Padatik (The Foot-Soldier) as the milestone in the development of Bengali literature. Whole throughout the life, he remained as an advocate of the indivisibility of the Bengali people and Bengali culture. Till 1950’s his works reflected communist ideas and thoughts while later on, his works became more personal and introspective. With later 1970’s his works leant towards narrative and the allegorical ideas. He died in Kolkata in July 2003 aged 84.

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Updated: November 22, 2013