Muktadhara

Muktadhara (Bengali: মুক্তধারা) is an international organization, publishing house and bookstore dedicated to the promotion of Bengali literature and culture.[1] It was started in the Indian state of West Bengal by the late Chittaranjan Saha, who in his work as head of the publishing house pioneered the Ekushey Book Fair.[1][2][3] In addition to its early involvement with The Ekushey Book Fair, the organization is connected to other cultural Bengali events, like International Language Day and the International Bengali Festival.[1] It also participates in the spread of literature and culture by taking part in such events as the National Poetry Festival.[4]

The Muktadhara book sellers & Publishers chain, founded by Saha's younger brother Bishawjit Saha who is the Founder of Muktadhara Foundation Inc and current president of the Muktadhara Inc. has four stores in the United States.[1][5] Its New York City store is the largest Bengali-language bookstore in the city.[6]

  1. ^ a b c d Bari, Rashidul. "The Muktadhara legacy". The Daily Independent. Archived from the original on 7 April 2008. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  2. ^ Mahmud, Jamil (26 February 2008). "Muktadhara: Pioneering the Ekushey Book Fair". The Daily Star.
  3. ^ "Chittaranjan Saha passes away". The Daily Star. 27 December 2007. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  4. ^ Karim, Elita (31 October 2003). "6th National Poetry Festival". The Daily Star. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  5. ^ Datta, Jyotirmoy. (9 September 2005) '10 greatest Bengalis' recognized by bookstore chain Muktadhara[permanent dead link] desitalk.com. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  6. ^ Barnes, Julian E. (6 June 1999). "Bengali Woman Writes Book, Takes Heat". The New York Times.