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.