Within a decade after India secured independence in 1947, a group of young poets and writers came together under the banner of a little magazine ‘Krittibas’, which later metamorphosed from mere banner to brand ‘Krittibas’, the icon for youth. This group started writing using a diction, imagery and language which were direct, confessional and at the same time very urbane. In ‘City of Memories’, Sunil has recalled those good old days and in a way has taken us through the most haunted journey of the lost, unknown Kolkata. This book includes some of his other poems like ‘Neera’ series, which are an exquisite mix of mystique and romanticism. In his poetry Sunil always retained his Bengali psyche along with his international personae. In fact it was through him Bengali poetry lovers first savoured the international flavour. The readers in this book rediscover the lost city with some of its unique characters like the Muslim street performer and his Chinese woman and trained goat of eunuchs begging for coin at the maidan and many such living images.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kalyan Ray
After doing his post graduation in Econimics from Calcutta University, Kalyan Ray joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1965. During his service career he held various important posts in the Government. He held various key posts dealing with rural evelopment. He had first hand opportunity to participate and observe various poverty alleviation programmes taken up by the Government of the day from time to time. as a keen observer of Indian economic scene with his grounding in economic science, he would observe the gulf between theory and implementation. Sri Ray was the District Magistrate of one of the most backward districts in the country and was actively involved in various development schemes undertaken. Besides, as one of the key functionaries of Government over a long period, he had the opportunity to see the short-term and long-term impact of various Government schemes. According to his observations development is a multi-dimensional thing and wishful thinking, coupled with money do not translate into development. Since retirement from service in 2001, Sri Ray is fully engaged in acadeic pursuits, which he planned during his service career. He has long been interested in problems of economic development and had earlier authored a book, A Search for Demand: The Missing link in Economic Development, 1985. He has also published number of articles on economic and social problems.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sunil Gangopadhyay
One of the leading Bengali literatures of contemporary times, Sunil Gangopadhyay born in Faridpur, Bangladesh obtained a master's degree from Calcutta University. He has worked in several capacities and is presently associated with the "Desh" magazine. He is the Vice-president of the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. Sunil Gangopadhyay's first literry contribution was through poetry. He was the founder editor of "Krittivas". It was at the beight of his fame as a poet, that he started writing novels. He has received the "Ananda Puraskar" twice and has also been awarded the "Bankim Puraskar". He was given the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1985. His novels have been made into filsm and have also been serialised for the television. a profilc writer of plays, critical essays and childrens stories, his career spans more than 50 years.
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