A year-long programme will be held to observe the birth centenary of poet and litterateur Nirendranath Chakraborty, one of the finest poets, writer, editor, essayist and grammarian of the present times.

Addressing the media, well known author Sirshendu Mukhopdhyay said it was Chakrabborty, who had given the Bengali name Kuttush to Tintin’s pet in the Bengali version of the comics. He also introduced the name Aryanyadeb, the Bengali name given to Phantom in the popular comic series.

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He narrated how the poet had inspired him to write for the children and younger people. Indranil Sen, state minister for information and cultural affairs, said how as a student of Patha Bhavan he came in contact with Chakrabborty’s writings. Later, he sang two songs composed by the poet.

His cabinet colleague Bratya Basu, state education minister, who had a long association with the poet, said in his autobiography titled Nirbindu, he had given a true picture of his life. Alapan Bandyopadhyay, former chief secretary and sonin-law of Chakraborty said on 18-19 February, a seminar will be held on the life and works of Niren Chakraborty. Paschimbanga Bangla Academy will bring about a commemorative volume on the life and work of Chakraborty. ”

The valedictory session will be addressed by eminent historian Professor Dipesh Chakraborty. He said different colleges, universities are holding workshops and seminars on the work of Niren Chakraborty. Mr Bandyopadhyay said a centenary celebration committee has been set up whose president is Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay.

The members are poet Jay Goswami and Subodh Sarkar, ministers Indranil Sen and Bratya Basu and the family members of Chakraborty. Professor Krishnarup Chakrabborty, poet’s son said two students are doing PhD on his father’s writings. He said besides poetry, his father had written essays, detective stories, novels and had edited Anandamela, a well-known children’s magazine.

Professor Sheuli Sarkar, principal of Lady Brabourne College, recited her father’s poem while Sonali Chakraborty Bandyopadhyay, former vice-chancellor of Calcutta University expressed her happiness over the yearlong programmes that will be held to celebrate her father’s birth centenary. Professor Abhirup Sarkar, the poet’s son-in-law suggested publication of complete works of Nirenranath Chakraborty.