Today is the Birthday of Renowned Children’s Author Swapanburo

Akhil Niyogi, a unique name in the world of Bengali children’s literature, is better known to the reading public as ‘Swapanburo’. Sowing the seeds of dreams in the minds of children was his lifelong dedication.

He was born on October 25, 1902, in Sankrail village of Tangail district. His father, Gobinda Chandra Niyogi, was a renowned headmaster of Bindubasini High School in Tangail, and his mother, Bhabatarini Devi, was an ideal homemaker.

In his formal education, Akhil Niyogi first passed Matriculation from Scottish Church Collegiate School, then completed I.Sc. from City College, and later enrolled in the Government Art College. His intense passion for art and literature began to blossom here.

While still a student, his first serialized novel, Beparoa (Reckless), was published in the magazine Shishusathi. During the same period, he established the ‘Artist Welfare Society’ and published the magazine Chitra on its behalf.

Akhil Niyogi started his professional career as a commercial artist. Later, he entered the film industry—first as an artist, then as a lyricist, director, and actor.

Notably, he wrote the screenplay for the documentary film Sriniketan, produced by the Government of West Bengal during the lifetime of Rabindranath Tagore. His directorial film, Muktir Bandhane (In the Bonds of Freedom), also clearly showcased his talent.

From 1945, he worked for a long time as a regular writer and director for the ‘Chhotoder Patatari’ (Children’s Food Tray) section of the Jugantar newspaper.

In 1952, he visited Vienna at the invitation of the International Children’s Protection Association. His highly acclaimed book, Shat Samudra Tero Nadir Pare (Across Seven Seas and Thirteen Rivers), first revealed information about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s wife and daughter.

He received numerous awards and honors for his outstanding contributions to literature and child welfare. In 1988, the West Bengal State Government awarded him the Vidyasagar Puraskar.

His notable books include: Babui Basa Boarding, Banpalashir Khudey Dakat (The Little Robber of Banpalashi), Bastuhara (Homeless), Panko Theke Padma Jage (Lotus Rises from the Mud), Dhonyi Chhele (Wonderful Boy), Kishore Abhijan (Teenage Expedition), Pala Parban Chhorachhondo (Rhymes of Festivals), Bhuture Desh (The Ghostly Land), Khelār Sāthī (Playmate), etc.

On February 21, 1993, this stalwart of Bengali children’s literature bid farewell.

However, his writings continue to illuminate the realm of imagination in the hearts of Bengali children even today.

khaborwala/