Amar Ekushey Boi Mela Rabindranath: timeless echoes

GBNEWS24DESK//

It’s been more than a century since he won the Noble Prize in literature and 82 years since he passed away. However, Rabindranath Tagore remains alive in the minds of readers. Be it poetry, songs, novels, short stories or plays, the works of Rabindranath Tagore are forever etched in their minds.

This was evident in this year’s book fair as well, as booklovers are thronging the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela to buy his much-celebrated literary pieces.

Anamika Roy, a student at Dhaka University, was seen purchasing “Gitanjali” from the sales executive of Puthiniloy’s pavilion at the Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday.

“Rabindranath’s words are magical. I especially find it interesting how intricate human feelings are depicted in his tales. His works influence me to dream and to be strong even in the darkest of times. That’s the main reason I am still reading his books,” she said.

Puthiniloy published a series of books by Rabindranath Tagore, titled “Rabindranath in book pocket”. They published all the novels in 26 parts. All the short stories of Rabindranath are published in 13 parts. The other set of his poems, dramas and songs was published in 11 parts.

Abdul Hanif, sales executive of the pavilion, said, “There is a huge demand for the books. The sales of “Shesher Kabita”, “Gitanjali” and “Shonar Tori” are extremely high.”

Publication house Oitijjhya published Rabindra-Rachanabali in 30 volumes. The books are edited by Prof Syed Akram Hossain of Dhaka University’s Bangla department.

Amjad Hossen Kajol, manager of Oitijjhya, said, “People still love Rabindranath’s works. Our sales are solid.”

Pathak Shamabesh published “Rabindra Samagro” in 25 volumes.

Shams Shuvro, manager of the Pathak Shamabesh, said, “The first 18 volumes are like the Bishwa Bharati edition. The other seven volumes include the English works of Rabindranath, the letters of Rabindranath, rare photographs and paintings of Rabindranath.”

“We also sell a single volume. For the readers, we are offering a three to twelve months EMI system for buying all the volumes,” he added.

“Rabindranath is relevant for all ages in his thought and spirit,” said young poet-writer Pias Majid, in response to why Rabindranath’s books are still being sold.