Bhai Dooj in Sonagachi: Celebration of love and resilience among sex workers
Kolkata's Sonagachi district celebrates Bhai Dooj, where sex workers come together to honor sibling bonds, challenge societal stigma.
Sahitya (literature) has kept the traditions alive, which was more evident during the Covid time. The imagination of a writer or a poet has managed to keep the picture of the society alive, said Sahitya Academy secretary Devendra Kumar Debesh at the 47th International Kolkata Book Fair during the launch of Golpo 20 and Smart Ghorir Shomoyby author Ashis Giri.
With many students in attendance, the author, a winner of 4 National Awards in best director in audio drama category, said, “We come across various situations at different times. Now, we are asking ourselves about books or e-books. Both have their own pros and cons.
I believe the reproductivity of a book is much more than electronic media.” Golpo 20 is an assimilation of short stories, which is a mix about folk rituals and traditions with a dash of post-modern concepts. Smart Ghorir Shomoy contains poems, which the poet thinks are installations in print. “I believe in shobdo chitra (word art).
Advertisement
Just like paintings influence poems, my poems are greatly inspired from words,” said Mr Giri. About his short stories, Mr Giri, who is director Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, added, “I have written about Bidhoba Palli in Sundarbans. Most of the male members of the area have died in tiger attacks. The conflict in the women’s lives is depicted through the stories.”
Mr Debesh, enthused by the large presence of students at the launch, said writers will keep getting inspired by printed words and print media. Rajesh Saha, deputy secretary, cultural ministry said at the launch that he was aware of Mr Giri’s singing talent till now. “Now I’m finding out about Mr Giri’s writing skills,” Saha added. While poet Shyamal Jana said the poems are about the poet’s feelings for the society and considers him a classical poet.
Advertisement
