On 30 March 2026, Ms. Anita Kar – life member of the INTACH, editor, author and translator – formally presented a copy of her latest publication Sripantha’s Kolkata, to the prestigious Bengal Club Library. The book was presented to The Bengal Club’s Vice President Mr. Avijit Mukerji and CEO Mr. Dinyar Mucadam in the presence of INTACH Calcutta Chapter’s Convenor Mr. G.M. Kapur and life member Mr. Ayan Ghosh. The presentation took place in The Bengal Club, a classic heritage edifice on Russel Street in Kolkata.
Translated from Bengali by Ms. Anita Kar, this book marks a much-awaited English translation of the works by legendary Nikhil Sarkar (1932-2004) better known by his pen name Sripantha. A historian, editor and writer Nikhil Sarkar was acclaimed for his simple conversational writing style that appealed to the masses. His original historical essays in Bengali were published under his pen name Sripantha in a newspaper’s weekly column. A remarkable raconteur, Sripantha’s writings accurately chronicled the evolution, culture and social fabric of Calcutta which continue to bear its relevance in contemporary Kolkata as well.
By translating Nikhil Sarkar – Sripantha’s Kolkata to English, Ms. Anita Kar has significantly contributed in preserving West Bengal’s rich literary heritage. Her dedicated effort has made the legendary Sripantha accessible not only to readers and scholars in India and globally but for the future generations as well. This marked a significant milestone in Bengali literary translation and INTACH’s mission of conservation of art, culture and heritage.
