Published: 08:30 AM, 05 August 2025
A Traveler's Tale of Drama, Devotion and Discovery
Nur Mohammad Sheikh
In Natok Alpo, Golpo Beshi, Babul Biswas presents an engaging and insightful travelogue that defies conventional categorization. The title, which loosely translates as Less Drama, More Stories, is not merely a witty expression but a guiding philosophy of the book’s narrative structure. Blending vivid travel descriptions with personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and light humor, the author offers readers a reflective and often entertaining look into his journeys across the globe, from the bustling streets of Kolkata to the historic grounds of Spain, and from the tranquil Darjeeling hills to the heart of Brazil. Through five distinct chapters, Biswas brings the world to the reader’s doorstep, not just as a tourist, but as a conscious cultural observer and theatre practitioner.
The Allure of Bengal and Beyond
The opening chapter of Natok Alpo, Golpo Beshi takes readers through a nostalgic and vibrant journey to nearby yet culturally rich destinations: Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial, the serene hills of Darjeeling, and several other iconic spots in West Bengal. Biswas’s descriptive prowess shines here, as he walks us through marble domes, colonial legacies, and misty train rides. However, this chapter is not just about sightseeing. Woven into the fabric of these narratives is a subtle commentary on shared histories and the post-partition ties between Bangladesh and West Bengal. His reflections on cultural unity, street food, local dialects, and historical landmarks evoke a strong sense of belonging and admiration. The chapter becomes more than a travel diary. It is a tribute to Bengal’s enduring spirit and aesthetic richness.
Theatre Across Oceans – Fujairah Islands
The second chapter shifts dramatically in geography and tone as Biswas travels to the Fujairah Islands in the United Arab Emirates to attend the annual conference of the International Theatre Institute (ITI). Here, the narrative takes on a more professional dimension. The chapter balances formal accounts of the conference’s proceedings with the author's characteristic storytelling style. He provides glimpses into cross-cultural interactions with theatre representatives from across the globe and captures the experience of being an ambassador of Bangladeshi theatre on an international stage.
What makes this chapter particularly fascinating is its ability to merge personal experiences with broader cultural observations. The arid yet mesmerizing landscapes of Fujairah, the warmth of Arab hospitality, and the camaraderie among theatre practitioners are captured with sincerity. Biswas also reflects on the challenges of representation, language barriers, and the universal power of performance, reaffirming that theatre, despite its regional variations, remains a deeply human experience.
In the Footsteps of Saints and Poets
Returning closer to home, the third chapter of the book transports readers to Kushtia, where Biswas visits the shrine of Lalon Shah and the Shilaidaha Kuthi Bari of Rabindranath Tagore. This chapter is deeply reflective and filled with reverence for the cultural icons of Bengal. The author explores the legacy of Lalon not merely as a mystic but as a philosophical voice who transcends religious orthodoxy. His descriptions of the spiritual ambiance of the Lalon shrine are both poetic and grounded. Similarly, his visit to Shilaidaha is steeped in admiration for Tagore’s creative legacy. Standing where Tagore once wrote some of his most iconic works, Biswas contemplates the nature of artistic inspiration, cultural memory, and the burden of heritage. This chapter is perhaps the emotional core of the book, in other words, a fusion of pilgrimage, history, and cultural homage.
Flamenco Rhythms and Brazilian Beats
The fourth chapter brings us back to Biswas’s international travels, this time to Spain, where he again represents Bangladesh at an ITI conference. The change in setting brings with it a change in rhythm, both literally and figuratively. Spain, with its passionate Flamenco, grand architecture, and vibrant street life, comes alive in his narrative. The author marvels at the rich theatre tradition of the country, from classical Spanish drama to avant-garde performances.
But the real surprise in this chapter is Brazil, which features not as a main destination but as a part of his extended journey. His brief visit to Brazil injects the narrative with spontaneity and fascination. Carnival colors, samba rhythms, and cultural warmth paint the pages with energy. As always, Biswas uses these experiences not just to narrate events but to engage in cultural comparison and appreciation. The interactions with local artists, the food, and the climate contribute to a sensory-rich chapter that celebrates both cultural difference and global unity through art.
Hassles, Humor, and Homecoming
The final chapter shifts tone once again, this time highlighting the more chaotic, human side of travel. In this narrative, Biswas recounts his journey to the United States, focusing on an almost comical yet frustrating experience involving air ticket confusion and mismanagement with Etihad Airways. Alongside Prof. Abdus Selim, a fellow academic and theatre personality, he navigates the bureaucratic maze of ticket rebooking, delays, and airport mishaps.
This chapter offers welcome levity and relatability. It is perhaps the most humorous section of the book, filled with wry observations, mild exasperation, and the universal truth that travel is rarely smooth. The camaraderie between Biswas and Prof. Selim adds charm to the narrative, and the sense of triumph upon finally reaching the U.S. after all the hurdles feels like a mini-victory.
Yet even amid the humor, Biswas does not lose sight of his mission. His reflections on Bangladeshi identity abroad, the experience of representing one’s nation in foreign cultural spaces, and the learning that comes through adversity round off the chapter with thoughtfulness.
More Than Just a Travelogue
Natok Alpo, Golpo Beshi is a deceptively simple book. At first glance, it appears to be a personal travel diary of a seasoned academic and cultural activist. But with each chapter, Babul Biswas subtly deepens the narrative to explore broader themes like identity, cultural exchange, the power of theatre, and the spiritual resonance of place. His writing is accessible yet layered, humorous yet respectful, and always tinged with a sense of curiosity and humility.
The Allure of Bengal and Beyond
The opening chapter of Natok Alpo, Golpo Beshi takes readers through a nostalgic and vibrant journey to nearby yet culturally rich destinations: Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial, the serene hills of Darjeeling, and several other iconic spots in West Bengal. Biswas’s descriptive prowess shines here, as he walks us through marble domes, colonial legacies, and misty train rides. However, this chapter is not just about sightseeing. Woven into the fabric of these narratives is a subtle commentary on shared histories and the post-partition ties between Bangladesh and West Bengal. His reflections on cultural unity, street food, local dialects, and historical landmarks evoke a strong sense of belonging and admiration. The chapter becomes more than a travel diary. It is a tribute to Bengal’s enduring spirit and aesthetic richness.
Theatre Across Oceans – Fujairah Islands
The second chapter shifts dramatically in geography and tone as Biswas travels to the Fujairah Islands in the United Arab Emirates to attend the annual conference of the International Theatre Institute (ITI). Here, the narrative takes on a more professional dimension. The chapter balances formal accounts of the conference’s proceedings with the author's characteristic storytelling style. He provides glimpses into cross-cultural interactions with theatre representatives from across the globe and captures the experience of being an ambassador of Bangladeshi theatre on an international stage.
What makes this chapter particularly fascinating is its ability to merge personal experiences with broader cultural observations. The arid yet mesmerizing landscapes of Fujairah, the warmth of Arab hospitality, and the camaraderie among theatre practitioners are captured with sincerity. Biswas also reflects on the challenges of representation, language barriers, and the universal power of performance, reaffirming that theatre, despite its regional variations, remains a deeply human experience.
In the Footsteps of Saints and Poets
Returning closer to home, the third chapter of the book transports readers to Kushtia, where Biswas visits the shrine of Lalon Shah and the Shilaidaha Kuthi Bari of Rabindranath Tagore. This chapter is deeply reflective and filled with reverence for the cultural icons of Bengal. The author explores the legacy of Lalon not merely as a mystic but as a philosophical voice who transcends religious orthodoxy. His descriptions of the spiritual ambiance of the Lalon shrine are both poetic and grounded. Similarly, his visit to Shilaidaha is steeped in admiration for Tagore’s creative legacy. Standing where Tagore once wrote some of his most iconic works, Biswas contemplates the nature of artistic inspiration, cultural memory, and the burden of heritage. This chapter is perhaps the emotional core of the book, in other words, a fusion of pilgrimage, history, and cultural homage.
Flamenco Rhythms and Brazilian Beats
The fourth chapter brings us back to Biswas’s international travels, this time to Spain, where he again represents Bangladesh at an ITI conference. The change in setting brings with it a change in rhythm, both literally and figuratively. Spain, with its passionate Flamenco, grand architecture, and vibrant street life, comes alive in his narrative. The author marvels at the rich theatre tradition of the country, from classical Spanish drama to avant-garde performances.
But the real surprise in this chapter is Brazil, which features not as a main destination but as a part of his extended journey. His brief visit to Brazil injects the narrative with spontaneity and fascination. Carnival colors, samba rhythms, and cultural warmth paint the pages with energy. As always, Biswas uses these experiences not just to narrate events but to engage in cultural comparison and appreciation. The interactions with local artists, the food, and the climate contribute to a sensory-rich chapter that celebrates both cultural difference and global unity through art.
Hassles, Humor, and Homecoming
The final chapter shifts tone once again, this time highlighting the more chaotic, human side of travel. In this narrative, Biswas recounts his journey to the United States, focusing on an almost comical yet frustrating experience involving air ticket confusion and mismanagement with Etihad Airways. Alongside Prof. Abdus Selim, a fellow academic and theatre personality, he navigates the bureaucratic maze of ticket rebooking, delays, and airport mishaps.
This chapter offers welcome levity and relatability. It is perhaps the most humorous section of the book, filled with wry observations, mild exasperation, and the universal truth that travel is rarely smooth. The camaraderie between Biswas and Prof. Selim adds charm to the narrative, and the sense of triumph upon finally reaching the U.S. after all the hurdles feels like a mini-victory.
Yet even amid the humor, Biswas does not lose sight of his mission. His reflections on Bangladeshi identity abroad, the experience of representing one’s nation in foreign cultural spaces, and the learning that comes through adversity round off the chapter with thoughtfulness.
More Than Just a Travelogue
Natok Alpo, Golpo Beshi is a deceptively simple book. At first glance, it appears to be a personal travel diary of a seasoned academic and cultural activist. But with each chapter, Babul Biswas subtly deepens the narrative to explore broader themes like identity, cultural exchange, the power of theatre, and the spiritual resonance of place. His writing is accessible yet layered, humorous yet respectful, and always tinged with a sense of curiosity and humility.
What makes this book particularly unique is its ability to blend the personal with the professional, the local with the global. Whether he is visiting a revered shrine in Kushtia or mingling with international delegates in Spain, Biswas carries with him a sense of rootedness in Bengali culture and an openness to the world. His stories remind us that travel is not merely about movement across geography but also about expansion of perspective.
In a world increasingly divided, Natok Alpo, Golpo Beshi offers a quiet yet powerful reminder of our shared humanity through stories, encounters, theatre, and the simple act of observing the world with wonder. It is not only a joy to read but a celebration of the connections that make travel, and life itself, deeply meaningful.
Tusar Talukder teaches English
language and literature at
Central Women’s University,
Dhaka. He can be reached at [email protected]
In a world increasingly divided, Natok Alpo, Golpo Beshi offers a quiet yet powerful reminder of our shared humanity through stories, encounters, theatre, and the simple act of observing the world with wonder. It is not only a joy to read but a celebration of the connections that make travel, and life itself, deeply meaningful.
Tusar Talukder teaches English
language and literature at
Central Women’s University,
Dhaka. He can be reached at [email protected]
