Two-day celebration in Kolkata honours the legendary freedom fighter, parliamentarian and founder of Bidhan Shishu Udyan
By Jasimuddin Molla
Kolkata, 29 August 2026: The 123rd birth anniversary of veteran freedom fighter, parliamentarian and social worker Atulya Ghosh, the founder of Bidhan Shishu Udyan, was celebrated with grandeur over two days on Friday and Saturday at Bidhan Shishu Udyan, near Ultadanga in Kolkata.
The two-day celebration brought together eminent personalities from politics, journalism, science and academia, along with more than a thousand children, students and their parents.
The opening day was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, veteran journalist Mihir Gangopadhyay, former ISRO director Tapan Misra, renowned space scientist Debiprasad Duari, and Arup Kumar Das, Professor in the Department of Bengali at the University of Calcutta, among others.
The speakers paid tribute to Atulya Ghosh’s remarkable contribution to India’s freedom movement and recalled the immense physical hardships he endured during the struggle against British rule.
Atulya Ghosh was subjected to severe torture by the British police on several occasions, leaving him with serious injuries that affected his ability to walk normally throughout his life. During his imprisonment at Midnapore Jail, a British police officer reportedly attacked his eye with a baton.
Despite such brutal treatment, Atulya Ghosh resumed his participation in the freedom movement after his release from prison.
Following Independence, he served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha for 15 years. He later stepped away from active politics and dedicated himself to the welfare and development of children.
A Legacy Dedicated to Children
Atulya Ghosh played an important role in the development of institutions focused on children. He was associated with the establishment of the Dr. B. C. Roy Memorial Children’s Hospital near Narkeldanga, described at the programme as the state’s only government children’s hospital.
He also established Bidhan Shishu Udyan, which has now completed 50 years of service. The institution continues to work towards the holistic development of children and adolescents through sports, music, dance, cultural activities and foreign-language education.
Thousands Join the Birth Anniversary Celebrations
More than a thousand children and their parents participated in the celebrations organised to mark Atulya Ghosh’s birth anniversary.
The programme began with “Vande Mataram”, followed by vibrant performances by the students of Bidhan Shishu Udyan, including dance, music and recitation.
The first day concluded with a special musical presentation titled “Barsha”.
On Saturday, the second day of the birth anniversary celebrations continued with a series of cultural performances by the students. The programme also featured a special musical performance by the renowned folk music group Dohar.
The two-day celebration not only commemorated the life and legacy of Atulya Ghosh but also highlighted the enduring vision behind Bidhan Shishu Udyan—creating opportunities for children to learn, grow and develop through education, culture, sports and the arts.
