The Dimapur Bengali Samaj organized a literary evening on Sunday, September 28 at the Dimapur Kalibari, marked by the launch of a new Bengali short story collection titled Jalsagharer Bismrita Nayak(জলসাঘরের বিস্মৃত নায়ক) which translates to “the forgotten hero of music room”, authored by Subrata Dutta.

“Jalsagharer Bismrita Nayak” is notable as the first ever compilation of Bengali short stories by a sole writer from Dimapur. While earlier publications have included individual poetry and essay collections, this book stands as a unique individual collection of Bengali short stories by a single author. It contains twenty interconnected stories, all revolving around a common character named Subal. The narratives largely feature Dimapur as their backdrop, tracing events chronologically since 1977.

The event brought together scholars, educationists, poets, playwrights, and literature enthusiasts of the community. The book was unveiled by chief guest Vikato K. Achumi, President of the Dimapur District Citizens Forum (DDCF), along with Kamala Kanta Paul, President of Dimapur Bengali Samaj, and the author, Subrata Dutta.

Welcoming the gathering, Anita Roychoudhury, President of Swadeshi Jagran Manch Nagaland and a social worker, extended greetings to the dignitaries and guests.

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Achumi described the book as “not just literature but a bright expression of the Bengali spirit,” wishing the author continued success in his literary journey.

Dimapur Bengali Samaj President Kamala Kanta Paul, in his address, reflected on the rich literary and cultural traditions of the Bengali community in Dimapur, recalling contributions of earlier generations of educationists, writers, musicians, and dramatists. He emphasized the role of literature in preserving cultural identity and integrity.

Educationist, social worker and Principal of Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Manoj Bhattacharjee, highlighted the importance of reading and commended the contributions of writers such as Subrata Dutta.

Dulal Majumdar, an academic, poet, essayist, and story writer, shared that he had read all twenty stories in the book and even prepared a review. He noted that having personally witnessed some of the incidents depicted, the book could also serve as a record of Dimapur’s history. “Since 90% of the stories are written with Dimapur as the backdrop in a chronological manner beginning from 1977, this book can also be taken as a history for the city of Dimapur,” Majumdar remarked.

Another local poet and playwright, Shankar Deb, urged the Bengali community to read the book, calling it “a unique addition to our literary heritage.”

Dr. Pradip Chakraborty, Assistant Principal of Public College of Commerce, reminisced about the contributions of the Bengali community in Dimapur toward art, literature, and culture, stating that the book reflects this long-standing heritage. He further lamented the sheer disinterest in the Bengali literature, art and culture among the present generation of young people. He urged them to look for ways to create a meaningful impact in the society by engaging in arts and culture apart from just looking for ways to make money.

Addressing the gathering, author Subrata Dutta explained that the stories were inspired by his personal experiences and real events in Dimapur. “The main inspiration for these stories is my own experience and real events that happened in Dimapur. I hope readers will feel the relevance of these stories in their own lives,” he said. He further expressed gratitude to Dimapur Bengali Samaj and President Kamala Kanta Paul for their initiative in organizing the launch event.

The event was hosted by Niranjan Saha, founder & director of Vivekananda Welfare Foundation (VWF) and a social worker.

The programme concluded with acknowledgements from the organizing body. Dimapur Bengali Samaj, which has long worked to preserve and promote Bengali cultural traditions, led the initiative to launch the book at the Kalibari complex under the leadership of its president, Kamala Kanta Paul. 

Further, using the platform of the book launch, DDCF president Vikato K. Achumi also appealed to Bengali community leaders and members present at the gathering to come forward and share their concerns and grievances with the Forum. He stressed that only by engaging openly can all communities living in Dimapur come closer together, understand one another’s challenges, and work collectively to resolve them, an effort that reflects the very purpose for which the DDCF was founded.