Kolkata, November 2, 2026: The 140th birth anniversary of Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta, a distinguished freedom fighter and pioneer of the Bengali language movement, was commemorated with due respect at the Kolkata Press Club on Monday. The memorial programme was organised by Sangbad Sochchar Newspaper, under the leadership of its Editor-Owner, Subhashish Ghosh, with inspiration and generous support from New York-based Bangladeshi freedom fighter and intellectual Md. Nurul Islam.
The programme began with a welcome address by Subhashish Ghosh, followed by floral tributes to the legendary freedom fighter by the organisers and invited dignitaries. The gathering remembered Datta’s remarkable contribution to India’s freedom struggle and his historic efforts to secure recognition for the Bengali language after the Partition.
On February 23, 1948, during the first session of Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly, Dhirendranath Datta made a historic demand for Bengali to be recognised as one of Pakistan’s state languages. His courageous intervention became a significant milestone in the Bengali language movement and inspired subsequent generations who participated in the Language Movement of 1952.
His sacrifice during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 was also recalled. On March 29, 1971, he and his son, Dilip Datta, were reportedly abducted from their residence by the Pakistani military and subsequently brutally killed. Speakers emphasised that his contribution to linguistic rights and Bengali identity transcends geographical and national boundaries.
The organisers specially acknowledged Md. Nurul Islam for his continued efforts to document and highlight Dhirendranath Datta’s historical contribution through his writings. His recorded message was also broadcast during the programme.
As part of the commemorative event, memorial honours were conferred upon distinguished personalities for their contributions to literature, journalism, human rights, social service and culture. The awardees included essayist Subal Sardar, journalist and human rights activist Rupam Chattopadhyay, writer and publisher Dr. Sudipta Basu, litterateur Khagendranath Adhikari, journalist Sanjay Mukherjee, Baul singer Ganesh Roy, singer Tanushree Chakraborty, Jayanta Das, State Committee member of Amra Bangali, Calcutta High Court advocate Sanjay Das, and educationist Prof. Dr. Parthasarathi Chakravorthy.
A particularly emotional moment was the screening of an interview with Manisha Purokayastha, the youngest daughter of Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta, who had previously been honoured by Sangbad Sochchar. Her heartfelt recollections of her father offered the audience a personal glimpse into the life and legacy of the great patriot.
The entire programme was anchored by social influencer Asish Basak, Editor-Director of HELLO KOLKATA.
The gathering of journalists, dignitaries and audience members acknowledged the programme as a fitting tribute to the life, ideals and supreme sacrifice of Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta. The commemorative initiative reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to preserving his legacy and inspiring future generations to understand his historic contribution to the Bengali language, culture and identity.
