calcutta Archives

Why Labanya from “Shesher Kobita” is the Most Empowering Rabindranath Tagore Heroine

Few characters have the kind of sway over Rabindranath Tagore’s followers as Labanya – arguably, his most complex and nuanced character – from Shesher Kobita (Last Poem). More than nine decades later, Labanya remains as relevant as she was when she first stormed into popular consciousness.

Chandrima Pal June 18, 2016

People

Of Sandesh and Sangeet: How I Learnt to Embrace My Bengaliness

I tried to steer clear of all things Bengali as a child. But Ma ensured we visited Shantiniketan a couple of times a year for heritage-related indoctrination.

Katyani Gupta June 10, 2016

People

What’s in a “Daak Naam”? A Bengali’s Eternal Walk of Shame

Just like Bollywood has Vivek Agnihotri and Yash Chopra has Uday Chopra, Bengalis have daak naams: It’s a part of your identity that you didn’t ask for, and one that you can’t shake off. It’s a walk of shame that never seems to end.

Poulomi Das April 12, 2016