মানবতা ও মানবতার অবক্ষয় : প্রেক্ষিত রমাপদ চৌধুরীর ছোটগল্প/ MANABATA O MANABATAR ABAKHOY : PREKHITA RAMAPADA CHOWDHURYIR CHOTAGALPA

Abstract

Humanity, as a moral and emotional ideal, is not an inherent quality in every individual but a cultivated consciousness that emerges through empathy, compassion, and ethical awareness. The present study explores the theme of humanity and its gradual degeneration in the short stories of Ramapada Chowdhury, a prominent post-World War II Bengali writer. His works reflect the socio-economic and moral crises of contemporary society, particularly focusing on the erosion of human values amid war, poverty, class division, and self-interest.

        Chowdhury’s stories vividly portray how extreme conditions such as war, famine, and displacement distort human behavior, often reducing individuals to mere instruments of survival and profit. In stories like ‘Chandrabhasma’, the commodification of human suffering is exposed through the horrifying practice of exploiting beggars for financial gain, symbolizing the peak of moral degradation. Similarly, ‘Raktabeej’ illustrates the devastating impact of war on a once-stable middle-class family, where violence and brutality overshadow humanity, revealing how fragile moral values become in times of crisis.

        At the same time, the author juxtaposes this degeneration with instances of genuine humanity found among marginalized individuals. In ‘Imli’, while the so-called civilized society exploits and humiliates a poor woman, a humble vendor exhibits true respect and compassion, suggesting that humanity often survives outside the boundaries of social status. This contrast highlights Chowdhury’s critique of middle-class hypocrisy and moral inconsistency.

        Furthermore, the stories emphasize that self-interest and material greed are primary causes behind the decline of humanity. Characters frequently abandon ethical responsibilities once their needs are fulfilled, exposing a deep-rooted selfishness within society. However, despite this bleak portrayal, Chowdhury does not entirely dismiss the existence of humanity; rather, he underscores its persistence in small, often overlooked acts of kindness.