Sahitya Akademi Award-Winning Author Sankar Passes Away

Bengali Literary Icon Sankar Dies at 92 in Kolkata

Eminent Bengali writer Mani Shankar Mukherjee , popularly known by his pen name Sankar, passed away in Kolkata at the age of 92. The celebrated author, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award , died at a private hospital due to age-related ailments. He is survived by his two daughters. His demise marks the conclusion of a literary career that significantly shaped post-Independence Bengali fiction.

Literary Debut and Rise

Sankar entered the literary world in 1955 with Kata Ajanare , a work inspired by the final years of British barrister Noel Frederick Barwell at the Calcutta High Court. The book quickly gained popularity, establishing Sankar as a distinctive voice in contemporary Bengali literature.

He later produced several influential novels, including Chowringhee , Seemabaddha , and Jana Aranya . These works explored themes of corporate ambition, unemployment, social mobility, and ethical dilemmas within urban middle-class life.

Influence on Indian Cinema

Sankar’s narratives left a lasting imprint beyond literature. Renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray adapted two of his novels into films — Seemabaddha (Company Limited) and Jana Aranya (The Middleman). These adaptations became integral to Ray’s acclaimed city trilogy, examining moral conflict and socio-economic pressures.

The cinematic version of Chowringhee further amplified Sankar’s reach, embedding his storytelling into Bengali popular culture.

Intellectual and Cultural Contributions

Across decades, Sankar authored numerous novels and short stories portraying social transformation, domestic tensions, and psychological struggles. He also wrote reflective works on spiritual figures such as Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and Swami Vivekananda, illustrating his engagement with philosophical themes.

Legacy

Political leaders and literary circles described his passing as a profound cultural loss. Sankar’s writings remain enduring studies of aspiration, morality, and urban life.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• Sankar’s real name: Mani Shankar Mukherjee.

• Kata Ajanare published in 1955.

• Seemabaddha and Jana Aranya adapted by Satyajit Ray.

• Sahitya Akademi Award is a premier Indian literary honour.

• Sankar’s works examine urban middle-class dynamics.