Conduct more research on ‘Ruposi Bangla’ poet

More research on the life, works, ideology and influence of Jibanananda Das has to be conducted, demanded speakers at a programme, celebrating the poet’s 118th birth anniversary in Barisal yesterday.

They also stressed the need for protecting the river Dhansiri and implementing the Dhansiri River Eco-park Project in the district.

The river was an inspiration of Jibanananda who was from Barisal. In one of his poetries, he wrote, “Abar Asibo Phirey Dhansiri Nodir Tirey” [I would be back to the bank of the Dhansiri].

In memory of the poet, a museum, memorials and sculptures should be established in places, they demanded.

Jatiya Kabita Parishad, Barisal also placed wreaths at his portrait at Poet Jibanananda Memorial Hall beside Kabi Jibanananda Das Sarak in the city.

Tapankar Chakraborty, Kazi Selina, Papia Jesmin, Partha Sarathi and Suvash Chandra Das of the Parishad were, among others, present.

Meanwhile, Uttaron Sangskritik Sanghatan held a daylong programme including recitation of poems and a discussion on the poet’s life at Government BM College.

At the programmes, Deputy Commissioner of Barisal Habibur Rahaman assured of constructing such a museum soon.

Jibanananda, best known as the poet of “Ruposi Bangla” is the creator of “Banalata Sen”, the unparalleled character embodying the serene beauty of Bangalee woman. He enriched Bangla literature by starting a modern style of poetry writing.

As a teacher of English in Barisal and Kolkata, he was well-read in Mallarme, Rimbaud, Valery, Pound, and Eliot.

Born on February 17, 1899, Jibanananda is arguably the most influential romantic poet of the post-Tagore era. He died in a road accident on October 22, 1954 in Kolkata.