Kolkata, November 2, 2026: The 140th birth anniversary of Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta, a distinguished leader of undivided India and a pioneering figure in the Bengali language movement, was commemorated at the Kolkata Press Club on Monday, November 2, 2026. The memorial programme was organised by Sangbad Sochchar, with the sincere inspiration and support of New York-based Bangladeshi freedom fighter Md. Nurul Islam.
The event aimed to honour Dhirendranath Datta’s remarkable contribution to India’s freedom struggle and his relentless efforts to protect the dignity and recognition of the Bengali language even after the Partition of India. On February 23, 1948, during the first session of Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly, he raised the demand for Bengali to be recognised as one of the state languages of Pakistan. His historic intervention became an important milestone in the Bengali language movement and inspired generations who later took part in the Language Movement of 1952.
Dhirendranath Datta’s contribution remains deeply significant in the history of Bengali identity and linguistic rights. During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, he and his son Dilip Datta were reportedly taken away from their home by the Pakistani military on March 29 and brutally killed. Remembering his sacrifice, the organisers highlighted the importance of recognising his contribution beyond geographical and national boundaries. They also acknowledged Md. Nurul Islam for consistently documenting and bringing attention to Datta’s historically significant role through his writings.
As part of the commemorative programme, memorial honours were presented to several distinguished personalities for their contributions to literature, journalism, social work and culture. The awardees included Subal Sardar (essayist), Rupam Chattopadhyay (journalist and human rights activist), Dr. Sudipta Basu (writer and publisher), Khagendranath Adhikari (writer and litterateur), Sanjay Mukherjee (journalist), Ganesh Roy (Baul artist), and Manisha Purokayastha, youngest daughter of the late Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta. Singer Tanushree Chakraborty and others, journalist Sajahan Siraj, Jayanta Das (State Committee member of Amra Bangali), and Sanjay Das (Advocate, Calcutta High Court) were also honoured.
The programme concluded with a tribute to the life, ideals and sacrifice of Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta, reaffirming the organisers’ commitment to preserving his legacy and encouraging future generations to learn more about his historic contribution to the Bengali language and its identity.
Organised by: Sangbad Sochchar Newspaper
Inspiration and Support: Md. Nurul Islam (New York-based Bengali)
Venue: Kolkata Press Club
Date: November 2, 2026 (Monday)
