107th Birth Anniversary of Prof. Haripada Bharti Celebrated; Biography Mastermashai Released in Kolkata

Kolkata:* The 107th birth anniversary of renowned educationist, eminent orator and the first State President of the *Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), West Bengal, **Prof. Haripada Bharti, was commemorated with reverence and grandeur at *Srinath Hall of the Bharat Sevashram Sangh in South Kolkata.

Organized by the *Haripada Bharti Smritiraksha Samiti, the event witnessed the official unveiling and release of the much-awaited biography, *Mastermashai**, the culmination of years of research documenting the life, philosophy and legacy of the celebrated educator.

The book was formally released by *Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, Hon’ble Finance Minister of West Bengal, who was the chief speaker at the event. The programme commenced with the chanting of Vedic mantras and the rendition of *”Vande Mataram”**, followed by the ceremonial inauguration by the distinguished guests.

The occasion was graced by Shri Rahul Sinha as the Chief Guest, while Revered Swami Viswatmanandaji Maharaj (Dilip Maharaj) attended as the Special Guest. The programme was presided over by Shri Anupam Bhattacharya.

One of the major highlights of the celebration was the *Haripada Bharti Memorial Lecture, delivered on the theme *”Impact of Spirituality in Education.”** Addressing the gathering, Dr. Swapan Dasgupta emphasized the importance of integrating moral and spiritual values into modern education while reflecting on Prof. Bharti’s lifelong dedication to nurturing character alongside academic excellence.

Speakers paid rich tributes to Prof. Haripada Bharti, recalling his remarkable scholarship, educational philosophy and unwavering courage during one of Bengal’s most turbulent political periods. Particular reference was made to his exemplary role during the *Naxalite movement (1969–71), when, despite intense political violence, he stood firmly by the students of *Narsingh Dutta College, demonstrating exceptional compassion, ethical leadership and commitment to education. These defining moments have been extensively documented in the newly released biography.

As part of the commemorative programme, several distinguished personalities were honoured for their outstanding contributions to society. Shri Sandeep Banerjee received the *Haripada Bharti Cultural Memorial Award, while *Late Robin Chatterjee was posthumously conferred the *Haripada Bharti Memorial Award. *Shri Shyamaprasad Sinha and Shri Shyamal Vanik were presented with Lifetime Achievement Honours in recognition of their enduring contributions to literature, culture and social service.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving Prof. Haripada Bharti’s legacy of education, integrity and nation-building, inspiring future generations to uphold the ideals he cherished throughout his life.