The Bengali Language and Literature Conference was held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Kolkata, bringing together over 200 poets, writers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country and abroad. The day-long event, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., was a powerful tribute to the Bengali language and its global literary heritage.
The conference was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by a distinguished panel including former Registrar of Vidyasagar University Dr. Ranjit Dhar, Swami Samandji Giri Maharaj, Swami Atmakanandaji Maharaj, Maharshini Mataji, Principal Dr. Kamal Uddin, along with noted writers and poets such as Prithviraj Sen, Dilip Biswas, Sunil Chakraborty, Haji Abu Kawsar, Balai Mandal, Manoranjan Halder, Bishwanath Bhattacharya, Chandrashekhar Sarkar, Belal Ahmed, Kamna Dev, Nirmalya, S. K. Bunty, Radhakanta Sarkar, and children’s author and poet Abdul Karim, among others.
The inaugural speech was delivered by Shakil Ahmed, Editor of the international newspaper Amar Bharat, during which the international edition of the newspaper was officially unveiled. This publication, enriched by Bengali-speaking contributors from over 22 countries, highlights the global presence and influence of the Bengali community.
In a stirring address, poet and children’s writer Abdul Karim emphasized the urgent need for unity among Bengali speakers worldwide, especially in the face of growing linguistic marginalization. He noted with concern the plight of Bengali-speaking populations in Indian states such as Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand, Bihar, and even Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, where he claimed schools have stopped teaching in Bengali or converted to other regional languages such as Assamese and Alchiki.
“Bengali speakers are being persecuted in several states, and the indifference of the administration has made things worse,” he stated.
“We must unite, not only in Bengal but across the world, to protect our linguistic identity. The upcoming Bengali Encyclopedia, enriched with contributions from across the globe, will be a milestone in that journey.”
Dr. Ranjit Dhar, the introductory speaker, reflected on the legacy of unity that led to India’s independence and warned against forces trying to create division in the present day.
Prithviraj Sen and Dilip Biswas echoed similar sentiments, urging immediate action to curb the marginalization of Bengali language and culture. “The time to stand up is now,” Sen declared.
The conference also featured a cultural celebration with poetry recitations and musical performances that added vibrancy to the event. The venue echoed with literary passion as poets shared their work and celebrated the richness of Bengali expression.
The entire event was anchored and conducted by renowned orator Supriya Ghosh, and concluded with the singing of the national anthem, marking a solemn yet hopeful end to a day filled with cultural pride and collective resolve.
This landmark conference has ignited a renewed enthusiasm among lovers of the Bengali language and literature, with a united call to protect and promote Bengali heritage in every corner of the world.