Rais Legacy Inspires New Generation to Explore History

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Rajshahi, Bangladesh – Scholars, historians, and cultural figures convened in Rajshahi yesterday evening to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Kumar Saratkumar Roy, a towering figure from the Varendra region and the visionary founder of the Varendra Research Museum. The event, held at the Batighar Library, featured a discussion meeting and the launch of commemorative publications, jointly organized by Batighar and the Varendra Itihas Parishad (Varendra History Council).

Akbarul Hassan Millat, editor of the daily Sonar Desh, served as the chief discussant for the program, titled ‘In Memory and Reverence of Kumar Saratkumar Roy.’ Shafikul Islam, Deputy Registrar of Rajshahi University, chaired the session, which also featured addresses from Professor Muhammad Alamgir of Rajshahi University’s Drama and Dramatics Department, former District Education Officer Sheikh Monirul Islam Alamgir, freedom fighter Abdul Latif Chanchal, film activist Sultanul Islam Tipu, and dramatist Dwijendra Nath Banerjee.

Kumar Saratkumar Roy, born on April 22, 1876, into the esteemed Dighapatia royal family of Natore, passed away on April 12, 1946. He inherited a legacy of academic curiosity and public service from his parents, Raja Promothonath Roy and Droboomoyee Devi, both renowned for their patronage of learning and dedication to public welfare. Following in their footsteps, Saratkumar Roy made immense contributions to historical studies and archaeological research.

A testament to his vision, Roy founded the Varendra Research Museum in Rajshahi on September 27, 1910, entirely with his personal funds. This pioneering initiative received crucial support from eminent historians such as Akshaykumar Maitreya and Ramaprasad Chanda. Today, the museum stands as one of Bangladesh’s oldest and most significant archaeological institutions, housing a rich collection of artifacts.

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The commemorative event saw the release of a special publication by the Varendra Itihas Parishad, detailing Kumar Saratkumar Roy’s life and extensive work. Additionally, Kathaprokash, a Dhaka-based publishing house, unveiled ‘Banglar Gourav Varendra Research Museum’ (Pride of Bengal: Varendra Research Museum), a new book penned by Shafikul Islam.

Speakers at the gathering emphasized that Kumar Saratkumar Roy’s profound legacy extends far beyond the establishment of a museum. They highlighted his unique and indispensable role in the preservation and research of the Varendra region’s history, significantly contributing to the construction of a distinct regional and national identity. His life and pioneering efforts, they concluded, continue to inspire new generations to engage with historical scholarship and cultural preservation.