স্মৃতি-সত্তা-শৈশব : তারাপদ রায়ের কলমে স্মৃতিচারণার এক বর্ণময় যাত্রা / Memory, Self, and Childhood: A Vivid Journey of Reminiscence by Tarapada Ray

Abstract

Tarapada Roy is renowned for his humorous and light-hearted essays. Apart from that, he contributed greatly to various forms of literature, such as poetry, memoir, children’s literature, novel, etc, which remained relatively less noticed by Bengali readers. Throughout his literary career he remained versatile and left his mark in different genres. In this essay, we will explore these lesser- known aspect of him. For that purpose, we have selected four of his writings- ‘KOTHAY JACCHEN TARAPADABABU?’, ‘CARABARI PORABARI’, ‘BANGLADESHER HRIDOY HOTE’, ‘DHOLESHWARI NODI TIRE’, in which he depicts his childhood memories of undivided Bengal through his writings. These writings take us on an emotional journey into the past. Tarapada Roy had a unique way of observing things, and his method of memoirs was equally distinctive. He observed the past from the viewpoint of his child-self. Very little, seemimgly insignificant events found their way in to his writings. However, though his excellent presentation, these events left a permanent impression on the reader’s mind. He was a ‘Bangal’ by birth, And his connection with East Bengal is reflected in his writings. Through these works, readers can experience the essence of a calm, peaceful rural life. The main purpose of this essay is to rediscover this different aspect of Tarapada Roy as a memoirist.