A Quintessential Figure in The World of Bengali Literature

 

Humayun Ahmad, a name deeply linked up as a quintessential figure in the world of Bengali literature. It is our extreme misfortune to note that he departed for eternal peace at a very premature age. The age sixty three was not an age for this erudite soul to depart. Anyhow the Almighty’s verdict was such for him that we were grieved on the year 2012 on July 19. The way pall of gloom was so hugely cast upon his ardent lovers of his literary in Dhaka and Kolkata. Which reflected intensively his forays in the world of Bengali literature. Now eleven long years have passed on, the noble legacies of Humayun Ahmad’s are very much alive among the students of literature, history, social sciences and pure science. Whenever book fairs such as Kolkata International Book Fair, Bangladesh Book Fair in Kolkata, India, India International Book Fair in New Delhi and finally Aamar Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka. I found that the works of Humayun Ahmad is till date highly demanded among his ardent admirers in both India and Bangladesh.

A question might erupt in our mind that why did I utter about legendary Humayun Ahmad as a quintessential figure in the world of Bengali literature. There are many such figures in Bengali literature in both sides of the fence. He was truly an exceptionable personality to talk about. Plus he was a noted dramatist of repute. But why Humayun Ahmad is so special despite having breathed his last on July 19, 2012. Late Humayun Ahmad has no doubt developed speciality through his creativities by reaching out widely to his wide-ranging fans and admirers.  Very soon on November 13, his perishable life will complete its platinum phase. Despite this writer being deceased, I feel his legacies are still vivid and vibrant among us. Definitely there is a logic behind it.

Apart from the above, Humayun Ahmad was a noted dramatist. Among the popular drama which Humayun Ahmad wrote are Ei Shob Din Ratri (1985), Boubrihi (1988), Ayomoy (1988), Kothae Keu Nei (1990), Nokhkhotrer Rat (1996) and Aj Rabibar (1999).

To throw light about legendary Humayun Ahmad is not an easy task on the part of this columnist from India. What I find that he tried to imbibe bonds of friendship and fraternity among Bengalis of India and Bangladesh. In this short span of time, he created several literary master pieces of his works. Be it social related issues, scientific issues or even economic issues, he was truly a supreme phenomenon at every step of his creative pursuits.

During my 2023 visit to Bangladesh, I had the pleasure of visiting Aamar Ekushey Book Fair at Ramna Park and Bangla Academy ground. There I noticed inquisitiveness about the works by Humayun Ahmad. Luckily I had the privilege of meeting Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, siblings of the late writer. Zafar Iqbal Sir is also a talented writer, especially on science fiction. Zafar Sir told me that in comparison to his elderly sibling he is unmatchable despite his prowess as a prolific writer in Bengali literature. Zafar Sir is a person from Computer Science whereas Late Humayun Ahmad was a person from Bio-Chemistry. Amazing part to be noted is that despite eldest and second siblings being a student of science. But way they established themselves in the world of Bengali literature has been an amazing experience to me. Humayun Ahmad’s youngest siblings Ahsan Habib Sir is a noted painter. But he also made a name in the world of Bengali literature.

While throwing light about Humayun Ahmad, I wish to throw light about both eldest and second sibling Zafar Iqbal. These siblings have proved to the Bengalis of both nations merely being a student of pure science, it is a shame on our part that why science students should not develop profound interest in literature. There is a rationality behind my statement. The base of our academic life is based purely on study of mother language Bengali in Bangladesh along with English, in India Bengali plus other regional languages. However English seemed to be common language of communication between people of all walks of life. Humayun Ahmad was wholeheartedly responsible to motivate younger generations of Bangladesh and India to read books of all kinds and subjects. By reading all kinds of books it is found that human intellect rises up to golden heights. We cannot deny this thought process at all from our mind and heart. That is why noted philosopher and thinker Dr S.Radhakrishnan always emphasised upon intensive reading. The reason behind reading has already been stated above.

Apart from Bangladeshi writers of repute, Humayun Ahmad was well adored and accorded the coveted honour by Bengali writers from neighbouring India. From the Indian state of West Bengal, Sunil Gangopadhyay, Samaresh Majumdar, Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Sanjib Chattopadhyay etc had profound reverence upon late author. This proved that how the author had such deep acceptability among his ardent admirers and fans in India and Bangladesh. It is also sincerely expected after couple of years from onwards all his works will be translated into English. This will enable the author’s creative pursuits to reach to all nook and corners of the globe.

Lot of pejorative comments have been stated about Humayun Ahmad. It is not at all appreciable from the point of view of our paying obeisance to his rich creative talents. During his Humayun Ahmad wrote 200 fiction and non-fiction works. Which has been a remarkable phenomenon in his life. Prominent among his works such as, Nandito Noroke, Kobi, Tomake, Jochona O Jononir Golpo, Deyal, Ei Ami etc are still hover around the mind and heart of all literary loving people of India and Bangladesh.

Summing up my above discourse, one point becomes crystal clear in our mind. That as days pass by, the golden legacies of Humayun Ahmad will not erase from the storehouse of our memories. Rather it will be deeply embedded in our mind and heart forever. Before I wind up, it is my ardent pray that his works should be translated into English. This is deeply relevant for all of us. Humayun Ahmad in his short longevity always emphasised that citizens of not only India and Bangladesh. But also around the globe should possess saintly mind about unity of all humanity across the globe. Thus on the eve of the celebration of his platinum phase of life I offer my deepest homage to this quintessential figure in the world of Bengali literature. Also sincerely cherish that he will continue to bless the modern writers for their success in this field.


Sujayendra Das is a
columnist based in
Kolkata, India.