Gurbeer Singh Chawla
Rajsekhar Basu
Beyond his literary and scientific achievements, Shri Rajshekhar Bose was deeply committed to India’s struggle for independence. He extended covert support to the revolutionaries, including the Anushilan Samity and Jugantar. As a big funder, he provided financial aid, chemicals, guns, and even manufactured bombs for their cause. The historic “Alipore Bomb Case,” in which he created the bomb used by Rishi Aurobindo Ghosh and Shri Barindra Ghosh, remains a pivotal event in India’s freedom struggle.
R ajsekhar Basu, popularly known by his pen name Parashuram, was a luminary of 20th-century Bengal, leaving an indelible mark as a polymath, scientist, lexicographer, and above all, an ingenious humorist. Born on 16th March 1880 in the Barddhaman district, he was the sixth child of Chandrasekhar and Laxmimani Devi. His early years in Darbhanga, Bihar, revealed a young mind brimming with curiosity and a penchant for science.
From a tender age, Rajsekhar exhibited a fascination with science, conducting experiments by dismantling toys and creating his own home laboratory. His passion for weather forecasting, writing prescriptions, and even engaging in anatomical studies demonstrated an inquisitive spirit and early signs of his scientific acumen. Surprisingly, Hindi was his first language, and it was only during his time in Patna for F.A. studies that he was introduced to Bengali literature, thanks to his Bengali classmates.
Rajsekhar’s academic pursuits led him to Kolkata, where he completed his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Presidency College. Despite earning a B.L. degree, he followed his true passion for science and abandoned the legal profession to return to the world of scientific research. His path crossed with Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy, the founder of Bengal Chemical, who invited Rajsekhar to join the company. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the Manager and Secretary of Bengal Chemical, steering it toward success in research and manufacturing.
In the 1920s, Rajsekhar ventured into the world of literature and rapidly gained recognition for his unique writing style. His first book of stories, “Gaddalika,” was well-received, with even Rabindranath Tagore expressing delight in its contents. In 1931, the publication of “Chalantika,” a Bengali dictionary, further solidified his literary reputation. The dictionary not only provided a comprehensive resource for the Bengali language but also showcased Rajsekhar’s efforts to reform and rationalize Bengali orthography. He later chaired a committee that shaped the guidelines for Bengali word spelling, earning the acceptance of literary giants like Rabindranath Tagore and Sharatchandra Chattopadhyaya.
Beyond literature and science, Rajsekhar played a significant role in Bengal’s history of printing. Collaborating with Sureshchandra Majumdar, he contributed to the creation of the first Bengali linotype. His works were the first to be printed using this innovative technology. Additionally, he actively participated in the National Council of Education and the Bangiya Sahitya Parishad. Interestingly, he also extended covert support to revolutionaries in the Indian Independence Movement, providing them with financial assistance, chemicals, and knowledge of bomb-making techniques.
Rajsekhar received considerable recognition for his literary accomplishments, though some felt he deserved even more acknowledgement. Awards such as the Jagattarini and Sarojini medals from Calcutta University, the Rabindra Purashkar for “Krishnakali and other stories,” the Padma Bhushan in 1956, and the Akademi Purashkar for “Anandibai and other stories” in 1958 came when he was in his seventies, leaving the feeling that these honors should have been bestowed earlier.
Despite his literary success, Rajsekhar faced personal tragedies with the untimely loss of his son-in-law and daughter, followed by his wife in 1942. Yet, he persevered, remaining actively engaged with Bengal Chemical until his passing. Even after a debilitating stroke in 1959, he continued to write with passion until his final days.
Shri Rajshekhar Bose’s family ties and friendships played a significant role in shaping his life and ideology. His childhood friend, Mahendra Prasad (elder brother of Dr. Rajendra Prasad), remained a close confidant. Additionally, being the brother-in-law of Shri Sarat Chandra Bose (elder brother of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose) fostered a strong bond with Netaji and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He was an active member of the Congress during that period and offered shelter and protection to numerous revolutionaries
Shri Rajshekhar Bose’s younger brother, Acharya Dr. Girindra Sekhar Bose, made significant strides in psychology, becoming the first Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Psychoanalyst of Non-Western origin. This pioneering contribution added to the illustrious achievements of the Bose family.
Shri Rajshekhar Bose’s literary prowess, combined with his exceptional contributions to science and his role in the freedom movement, earned him the moniker “Pillar of Bengali Literature.” His versatile talents and influential connections have etched his name in the annals of history, making him a revered figure in Indian society.
Beyond his literary and scientific achievements, Shri Rajshekhar Bose was deeply committed to India’s struggle for independence. He extended covert support to the revolutionaries, including the Anushilan Samity and Jugantar. As a big funder, he provided financial aid, chemicals, guns, and even manufactured bombs for their cause. The historic “Alipore Bomb Case,” in which he created the bomb used by Rishi Aurobindo Ghosh and Shri Barindra Ghosh, remains a pivotal event in India’s freedom struggle.
Shri Rajshekhar Bose (Parashuram) was a remarkable personality, excelling in diverse fields and leaving a lasting impact on Indian culture and history. His brilliance as a chemist, creative genius as a writer, and unyielding dedication to the cause of independence make him an icon to be cherished and remembered. As we reflect on his legacy, we honor the memory of Shri Rajshekhar Bose, an embodiment of the spirit of resilience, creativity, and patriotism that continues to inspire generations.
Two Bengali movies, both directed by Satyajit Ray, were based on short stories by Parashuram. These were “Parash Pathar” (meaning “The Philosopher’s Stone”), based on the story of the same name, and “Mahapurush” (meaning “The Holy Man”), based on the short story “Birinchibaba”.
In addition to Satyajit Ray’s movies, the film “Chaar” also featured a story written by Rajshekhar Basu. The movie “Chaar,” directed by Sandip Ray, included the short story “Bateswarer Abodan” by Rajshekhar Basu.
These cinematic adaptations showcase the enduring appeal and literary brilliance of Parashuram’s stories, bringing his narratives to a wider audience and immortalizing his contributions to Bengali literature.
Rajsekhar Basu, the brilliant Parashuram, remains an iconic figure in Bengali literature, science, and culture. His multifaceted talents as a humorist, chemist, lexicographer, and supporter of national education showcase his remarkable contributions to society. Despite personal hardships, Rajsekhar’s legacy lives on through his writings, which continue to entertain and inspire readers. As we reflect on his extraordinary life and achievements, we honor the genius of Rajsekhar Basu, a true Renaissance man of his time
