Where do Bengalis stand today? What does the future even hold for them? These unsettling yet urgent questions formed the core of the launch of the book ‘Do Bengalis Have a Future: The Past, Present and Future of the Bengali People.’ Written by former professor of political science and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calcutta, Rakhahari Chatterji, the book reflects on the community’s past, present challenges and uncertain future.
Held in Kolkata, the launch event brought together scholars, thinkers and readers on the same platform. The book was formally launched by Jawhar Sirkar, IAS (Retd.) and former member of the Rajya Sabha. The session was chaired by Dr Sobhanlal Dutta Gupta, formerly SN Banerjee professor, University of Calcutta.
Chatterji frankly admitted that this book marks a departure from his early writings. “Previously, I have written on subjects related to political science. But this book is totally different from my early writings,” he said. He further explained the reason behind this shift, “It emerged not from academic pursuit, but from long-term personal observation and lived experiences.”
In the session, Chatterji spoke of a gradual change he has witnessed in Kolkata. “I have seen the community of Bengalis disappearing from some well-known places in Kolkata,” he shared. He further noted how his local markets and neighbourhoods in Kankurgachi no longer feel recognisably Bengali. “When I go to local markets or visit neighbouring places, it doesn’t feel like I am living in West Bengal.” He referred to the empty houses and deserted roads in Salt Lake and added, “I am not asking about who is living there or why they are there. I am just asking: Where are the Bengalis who were excited when the plan to build Salt Lake was initiated?”
The book attempts to trace the long history of Bengalis – their achievements, failures, struggles, compromises and their contribution to the larger Indian society. Drawing upon documented historical works, Chatterji presents his own reading of Bengal’s past while raising pressing concerns about its present and future.
Central to his argument is the changing identity of the community. “Earlier, the image of Bengalis was that they protest against the wrong, they stand by the underdog, and they did not feel earning money was the ultimate goal,” he reflected. Today, he feels that distinctiveness has blurred. He also pointed out that people in general know about this thing, but are ignorant. “Conversations about these changes happen in ‘chay er adda’ but rarely move beyond. The discussion stops. I have tried to move forward with this discussion in my book.”
Chatterji, however, clarified that his concern is not to prove that Bengalis alone face such dilemmas. Other regional communities may have similar anxieties. But his focus remains firmly on Bengalis and on the existential questions confronting them. He raises questions: Who indeed are Bengalis? Is a territorial definition enough, or does identity lie in shared traits, values and historical consciousness?
Sirkar, in his address, highlighted how the Bengali community came into being, evolved over time, and where it stands in today’s changing landscape. The discussion underscored that the book is not an emotional outpouring, but an appeal to pause, reflect and engage.
One thing became clear at the end of the launch event: Whether one agrees with Chatterji’s concerns or not, his question lingers. Do Bengalis have a future? The answer may not only be in books, but in how the community chooses to respond today.