Buddhadeb Guha, the ‘Aranya Purush’ of Bengali literature, dies at 85

Buddhadeb Guha, the prolific Bengali writer, who had given space to his readers’ minds to reconnoiter the exquisiteness of the wild, passed away at the age of 85, in Kolkata. 

Buddhadeb Guha passed away at the age of 85 [Photo- ANI]

He had been dubbed as Aranya Purush because his writings had mesmerised generations to fall in love with the adventure and jungle of Eastern India in post Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay’s era. A chartered accountant by profession was also the creator of two famous fictional characters, Rijuda and his companion Rudra, who explores the jungles. 

Four months back, Guha was hospitalized for 33 days straight in the hospital due to COVID-19, but he recovered and returned home safely. However, things didn’t go well for too long as the post-COVID complications continued to remain, as per the Hindustan Times reports. The world of Bengali literature suffered a huge loss, after Guha took his last breath on Sunday, at 11 PM, due to a cardiac arrest.

Buddhadeb Guha was born on June 29, 1936, in Kolkata, but spent most of his childhood in various districts like Rangpur, Jaipurhat and Barisal of Bangladesh (previously East Bengal). His stories from the Rivu series, are in fact dedicated to his youth days and his friends. Guha completed his graduation from the St Xavier's College of the University of Calcutta.

As a profession he chose himself to be a chartered accountant, but by passion, he was a writer. Buddhadeb Guha has written several novels and short stories, but his Rivu series has gained immense popularity among the readers. He established himself as a prominent contributor to Bengali literature and was also awarded Ananda Puraskar in 1976.

One of the authors of this article after reading ‘Rijudar shonge Lobongi-Boney’ visited the guest house in Odisha where Guha wrote the story. [Photo- Moumita De Das]

The famous Bengali poet and essayist, Annada Shankar Ray called Guha ‘Sabyasachi’ for being equal elan as a singer, shooter, painter besides being writer and chartered accountant. His writings had facilitated places to develop as tourist spots too as Bangriposi and Satkosia in Odisha, Mccluskieganj in Jharkhand and many more. One of the authors of this article after reading ‘Rijudar shonge Lobongi-Boney’ visited the guest house in Odisha where Guha wrote the story. The pictures have been added to this article which will give you the glimpses of the adventure and the feel of the raw beauty of jungle. Its sheer thrilling that signifies Guha and his writings!

Some of his popular Bengali novels include Madhukori, Sabinay Nibedan (Ananda Pub, 1989), Babli, Nagno Nirjan (Sahityam), Bati Ghar (Sahityam), Bhorere Age (Ananda Pub), Bangri Poshir Doo Rattir (Sahityam), Ektu Ushnatar Jonno (Ananda Pub), Changhar e Gaan (Deys), Sondheyr Pore (Ananda Pub) and more.

Previously this year, the world of Bengali literature suffered a massive loss after the death of the noted Bengali Sankha Ghosh, on April 21, 2021, due to COVID-19. Yet, again the virus took away another gem. On August 29, 2021, Buddhadeb Guha died.

Authors:

Pratiti Dhang

Moumita De Das