Kolkata, Oct 30 (V7N)- Today marks the birth anniversary of Sukumar Roy, the beloved Bengali children’s writer renowned as the originator of “nonsense rhymes” in Indian literature. Born on this day in 1887 in a southern royal Kayastha Brahmin family in Kolkata, Sukumar Roy left a lasting legacy in literature, humor, and children’s storytelling. He was not only a poet but also a dramatist, essayist, playwright, and editor. He came from a celebrated literary lineage, with his father, Upendra Kishore Roy Chowdhury, a noted children’s writer, and his son, Satyajit Ray, one of India’s most acclaimed filmmakers.
Sukumar’s early years were shaped by the literary environment of his family and the influence of luminaries like Rabindranath Tagore, a close friend of his father. This environment fostered his creative flair from a young age, and his contributions to Bengali literature became part of the Bengali Renaissance. He was educated in Kolkata and later graduated with honors in Chemistry and Physics from Presidency College. In 1911, Sukumar traveled to England to study photography and printing technology, making him one of India’s pioneers in these fields.
Upon returning to Kolkata in 1913, Sukumar took over the family printing press and founded the children’s magazine *Sandesh*, which remains beloved in Bengali culture. Following his father’s passing, he managed the magazine and family press for nearly a decade, transforming children’s literature in Bengali through his humorous, imaginative, and thought-provoking works.
One of Sukumar’s memorable works was the poem *Atitir Kath*, which conveyed the Brahmo Samaj’s history in simple verse, introducing its ideals to young readers. Tragically, Sukumar passed away on September 10, 1923, at the age of thirty-five due to black fever, cutting short an exceptional literary journey. His works remain classics in Bengali literature, celebrating a legacy of creativity and joy that continues to inspire generations of young readers.
END/MSS/AJ
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