The 40th anniversary celebration of Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya gained special significance with the publication of two biographical books on the college’s founder and freedom fighter, Bijoykrishna Modak.
Both books have been authored by Partha Chattopadhyay, a teacher of the institution. The Bengali volume, Sangramer Agun Gane Huglir Suryapurush, and its English counterpart, Revolutionary Bijoykrishna Modak, were released on this memorable occasion.
The books were inaugurated by Dr Subir Mukherjee, sabhadhipati for education, Hooghly Zilla Parishad, and noted professor and historian Dr Bishwanath Bandyopadhyay. The event was presided over by the principal of the college, Dr Pratap Banerjee. More than a book launch, the day felt like the reopening of a long-cherished chapter of the district’s freedom movement.
In his address, Dr Subir Mukherjee remarked: “Biographies of revolutionaries play a vital role in shaping the character of the younger generation. Works like these show society the direction it needs today.” His words reflected a contemporary academic concern — bringing the human depth of history to students.
Professor Bandyopadhyay said that, in his view, the author follows the primary historical method — placing time, surroundings and familial context at the centre — before focusing on the protagonist. The narrative flow, he noted, draws readers into the life of Bijoykrishna Modak with the ease of storytelling while remaining anchored in authentic sources.