The government of India has expressed deep regret over the decision to demolish the ancestral home of the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. This historic house, which has been a significant part of Bengali culture and history, was originally built by Ray’s grandfather, Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury. The home, located on Harikishore Ray Chowdhury Road in Mymensingh, was originally used as a part of the Mymensingh Shishu Academy before the decision was made to tear it down. The Bangladeshi government plans to construct a new building in its place.

Historical Significance of the House

Satyajit Ray, a legend in the world of cinema and literature, hails from a family with deep roots in Bengali literature and art. The house in Mymensingh has a strong connection with Ray’s family heritage. Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury, a celebrated writer and editor, constructed the building. He is also known as the father of Sukumar Ray, the famous Bengali poet and the grandfather of Satyajit Ray.

The house stood as a symbol of the Ray family’s contribution to the Bengali Renaissance and was an important part of Bengali cultural history. The Ray family’s influence in the cultural and literary world is undeniable, with Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury being recognized as a pillar of the Bengal Renaissance.

India’s Appeal to Bangladesh

The decision to demolish the house has sparked a strong reaction from India. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing concern and requesting the Bangladeshi government to reconsider its decision. According to the statement, India deeply regrets that the ancestral home of Satyajit Ray, once owned by Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished.

The Indian government emphasized the historical importance of the house and its connection to Bangla cultural heritage. The statement also pointed out that the building had been a significant part of the shared cultural history between India and Bangladesh. The Indian government urged Bangladesh to explore restoration and reconstruction options rather than demolishing the building, so that it could be preserved as a literary museum and a symbol of the shared cultural heritage between the two nations.

The Status of the House According to Bangladeshi Authorities

According to reports from The Daily Star, the local authorities in Mymensingh have explained that the house had been in a dilapidated condition for many years. The property had been vacant for over a decade, and the Mymensingh Shishu Academy had been operating from a different location on rent. Authorities from the Children’s Affairs Department and Public Works Department (PWD) were involved in the decision-making process regarding the house’s demolition.

Officials stated that the building had become structurally unsafe and posed a potential danger to public safety. The decision to tear it down was made to prevent any accidents, especially since the building was near an area used by children. The local administration now plans to construct a new, modern building that will accommodate the Shishu Academy and provide a safe space for the children.

The Legacy of the Ray Family

The house in question has ties to more than three generations of the Ray family, a family that has made a lasting impact on Bengali literature, arts, and culture. Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury, the grandfather of Satyajit Ray, was a highly respected figure in Bengali literature and was one of the key contributors to the literary renaissance in Bengal. He was also a leading figure in the cultural movement that shaped Bengali society in the 19th and 20th centuries.

His son, Sukumar Ray, was a well-known poet and illustrator who contributed greatly to Bengali literature, while Satyajit Ray, his grandson, went on to become one of the greatest filmmakers in world cinema. The house in Mymensingh, therefore, stands as a significant landmark of their shared heritage.

The Fate of the House: A Shared Heritage

The house, built over 100 years ago by Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury, became a part of government property after the 1947 Partition. Following this, the building was repurposed to house the Mymensingh Shishu Academy in 1989. The academy was established to promote education and welfare for children, particularly in the Mymensingh region. Over time, the building became an important symbol of the cultural connection between India and Bangladesh, especially in the context of Bengali heritage.

The fact that the house now faces demolition is seen as a loss not only for the Ray family but also for Bengali cultural history. The potential destruction of this historical building has sparked protests and appeals from those who wish to see it preserved as a cultural museum. The building’s demolition would mark the loss of an important piece of cultural heritage, leaving behind only memories of the contributions made by the Ray family to Bengali literature and art.

India’s Appeal for Preservation

India has not only expressed its regret over the demolition but also offered to assist in preserving the heritage of the building. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized that the house should be preserved as an important part of both Bangladesh’s and India’s shared cultural heritage. According to the Indian government, preserving such historic buildings could serve as a way to foster cultural diplomacy and mutual respect between the two nations. The building could be transformed into a literary museum dedicated to the Ray family’s contributions to literature, arts, and cinema.

The Decision to Demolish: Local Authorities’ Stand

Local authorities in Mymensingh, however, have defended the decision to demolish the house, citing the safety concerns due to its deteriorating condition. According to Mehdi Zaman, an official from the Children’s Affairs Department, the house had been vacant for over ten years, and the academy was functioning from a different location. The need for a new, safer structure to house the academy was considered essential.

While the official explanation is based on safety and the necessity for a new building, critics argue that the historical and cultural value of the house far outweighs the need for a new structure. Many believe that efforts should have been made to restore and preserve the building rather than demolish it.

The demolition of Satyajit Ray’s ancestral home in Mymensingh highlights the challenges of balancing historical preservation with modern needs. While the safety concerns about the building’s deteriorating state cannot be ignored, the cultural significance of the house cannot be understated. The Ray family’s legacy is an important part of Bengali cultural history, and the house itself represents the contributions of the Ray family to literature, arts, and cinema.

India’s appeal to the Bangladesh government to reconsider the demolition is a call to preserve the shared cultural heritage that exists between the two nations. If preserved, the house could serve as a lasting monument to the contributions of Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury and his descendants, including Satyajit Ray, to Bengali culture. The situation presents an opportunity for both countries to collaborate on preserving their shared cultural legacy, ensuring that future generations can learn about the rich history and contributions of the Ray family to Bengali literature and cinema.