Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

In the year 1847 on this day, eminent writer, social worker and journalist Shibnath Shastri was born at the vilage Changripota. He first educated in Sanskrit School and College. Then passed M.A. in Sanskrit and conferred with 'Shastri' title. His main identity as the founder of Brahmo Samaj. He opined for widow marriages and opposed early marriages. The famous 'Jugantar' Patrika was named inspired by his social novel of the same name. He established 'City School' to spread education with the help of Surendranath Bandyopadhyay and Anandamohan Basu. The first monthly magazine for the adolescents from India named 'Sakha' was published on behalf of Brahmo Samaj by the sole effort of Shibnath Shastri. Two very remarkable books of him are 'Atmacharit' and 'Ramtanu Lahiri O Tatkalin Banga Samaj'.

In the year 1852 on this day, first Bengali monthly magazine named 'Jnanarunodaya' was published from Chandrodaya Press at Serampore. Krishna Chandra Karmakar, son-in-law of Panchanan Karmakar (founder of first Bengali font) was the founder of this Monthly and its joint-editor were Jadunath Chattopadhyay & Kalidas Moitra.

30 January, in the year 1903 the then Governor Lord Curzon established the Imperial Library at the treasure of books - Metcalfe Hall in Kolkata. First librarian of this library was John Macfarlane of British Museum, then Sir Harinath Dey became its librarian.

In the year 1780 on this day, first newspaper in English was published from Kolkata - BENGAL GAZETTE. James Augustus Hicky was its editor-owner. 'The Times' was published in England after 8 years of BENGAL GAZETTE'S publication. The paper used to known as Hicky's Bengal Gazette. The pic is the block of this newspaper and the other pic an advertisement of the then famous local hair oil 'Jabakusum' published on BENGAL GAZETTE.

In the year 1831 on this day, first Bengali weekly SAMBAD PRABHAKAR was published from Kolkata under the editors Premchand Tarkabagish and Jogendranath Thakur.

In the year 1898 on this day, Swami Vivekananda welcomed Miss Margaret Noble (Sister Nivedita) with warm reception in Kolkata.

-- A. B. Kolkata Book Fair 2011 opened today for the public.

19-22 January 2011 Venue : Eden Garden, Kolkata.

Last Monday Kolkata faced coldness of icy wind throughout the day, but since yesterday, blowing winds vanished here and the days are not so cold now as usual in winter.

Kolkata is feeling deep sorrow today about the death of city's two veteran artist : Geeta Dey and Pintu Bhattacharya. Geeta Dey was popular actress of screen, stage and AIR passed away last night at the age of 79 and Pintu Bhattacharya was the renowned singer of modern songs passed away at the age of 71 at 5:15am today.

; 15 January Makar Sankranti - the auspicious 'Snan' at Sagar Island or Ganga Sagar in West Bengal. At dawn, thousands of pilgrims will take the holy dip at the point of Ganga and sea. Then they'll worship Kapil Muni in the temple there. These pics are from the earlier years. The festival of kite flying also observe on this day. A fair called 'Ganga Sagar Mela' also organise on this day.

It is the view of Kapil Muni temple at Sagar Island in West Bengal. Ganga Sagar Mela will start tomorrow here and the holy dip (Ganga Snan) will be taken place on the day of Makar Sankranti (last day of the month Poush).

The legendary Rabindra Sangeet artist Suchitra Mitra died of cardiac ailment at the age of 86 in Kolkata today. The city of joy is sad today to miss the renowned singer of 6 decades. -------------------------------------------------------------- Ovi Mail: Making email access easy http://mail.ovi.com

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