The Top 4 Father Figures of Bengali Literature

On the occasion of Father's Day, I was thinking about some characters I have read about in Bengali literature who have, time and again, proven the essence of fatherhood. These fathers have come back to readers' minds again and again, serving as examples of their influential presence in their children's lives. Incidentally, not only were stories the earliest reference to a protective and loving father, but they were also found in a Bengali poem. Without further ado, let me share the list I have compiled.

1. Annapurna O Ishwari Patani by Bharatchandra Raygunakar: The legendary poet of the 18th-century Bengal, Bharatchandra Raygunakar, had penned many immortal poems, amongst which Annapurna O Ishwari Patani is noteworthy. The poem talks about Ishwari Patani, a poor boatman whose hard work and dedication impressed Goddess Annapurna, the Goddess of food and abundance. She asks Ishwari to seek her blessing with whatever he wants. But what Ishwari wanted proves what a doting father should be in just one line: "Amar santan jeno thake dudhe bhate" (bless that my children always have milk and rice ready for them). The poor boatman who struggles to end his and his family's misery knows what hunger is, so the only thing she wants is for his children to never face what he has to. A father who does not want anything for himself but whose wishes are all for his children. 

2. Subha by Rabindranath Tagore: Subha is a mute girl who is regarded as a burden by everyone, except his father Rambabu. It's only Rambabu who understands the unfortunate girl's unspoken words, unfulfilled desires and suppressed emotions. Her actions become her expressions for her father, who tries his best to support her despite the whole world being pitted against her. Rabindranath Tagore's Rambabu is an exceptional father of his era who dares to defy the world to support his disabled child. 

3. Aparajito by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay: Harihar Roy, a caring father, struggles to provide for his family, but that does not deter him from providing the right education for his children. Introducing them to nature, talking about all the good things the world has to offer- Harihar's dreamer nature gets revealed through the way he communicates with his kids, Apu and Durga. He shifts his focus to caring for his family and giving them a better life. Bibhutibhshan Bandopadhyay's Aparajito has been immortalised on the big screen by Satyajit Ray.

4. Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore: I don't think I have to tell the story in detail, but what makes Kabuliwala a part of the list is his hope after so many years of staying away from his daughter, to meet her once again. His bond with Mini, a little Bengali girl, always reminds him of his own daughter, whom he had left at home back in Afghanistan. When he meets Mini, his beloved Khoki, after many years, and is unable torecognizee her, herealizess that even his daughter has grown up. He sets out on a long journey back home, with an empty hand but a heart full of hope of reuniting with his daughter.