DAYA News Bureau 25th July 2022: On 24th July 2022, social organization Durgapur Adda Young Association (DAYA) organized ‘Akshay-Prafulla Diwas’ in remembrance of Akshay Kumar Dutta and Prafulla Chandra Roy, the two men who spearheaded the idea of scientific rationalism in 19th Century Bengal. Along with ‘Akshay-Prafulla Diwas’, the second foundation day of DAYA’s Jibanpath Kendra – II was also celebrated. The whole program was held at Damodar Recreation Club hall in DVC New Colony adjacent to Durgapur railway Station.
The program started at exactly 6 o’clock with the organization’s Theme Song being sung by the members of the organization and ‘Sinchon’ project boys. After that, the two invited speakers of the program Mr. Ashish Lahiri and Dr. Subhashis Mukhopadhyay and the secretary of the organization Rajesh Sen offered floral tributes to the pictures of Akshay Kumar Dutta and Prafulla Chandra Roy.
In his speech, the secretary of the organization highlighted how the ‘Jibanpath Kendra’, at Durgapur Railway station is changing the 25 odd students in the age group of 6-13, most whom are school dropouts or had never been to school belonging to extremely marginalized families. He also talked about the two men who spoke in favor of science emphasizing on the fact that science mustn’t be studied only for building a good career, but the learning must be applied in daily life activities. To listen to what the secretary spoke, just click Here
Incidentally ‘Jibanpath Kendra – II’ is a unique and indigenous initiative run by DAYA at Durgapur Railway Station, whereby students in the age group of 6-13 are being taught 5 days a week from 6 pm to 8:30 pm along with nutritious dinner; the entire cost is borne by the members and well-wishers of the organization. To know more about this initiative of DAYA, click Here.
After the secretary’s address, Dr. Subhashis Mukhopadhyay, retired professor of Calcutta University, highlighting about Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy, spoke about the uniqueness of his research and also gave various examples of how much he devoted himself to science. His idea of indigenous industry and responsibility towards the people of the country also came up in Dr. Mukhopadhyay’s discussion.
After this, the students of ‘Jibanpath Kendra – II’ presented a play, “Boka Bagher Chana” written by Dr. Partha Pratim Panja. The wonderful presentation of the play highlighted the progress of the students of this center in just one year. It goes without saying that staging such a play with children who are a challenge to keep them sitting continuously for 10 minutes is a huge success. To contribute in running the ‘Jibanpath Kendra – II’, you can donate generously by clicking Here.
Researcher of philosophy and history of science, essayist, translator, social researcher Mr. Ashish Lahiri then shed light on various aspects of Akshay Kumar Dutta’s life. With references to various events in Akshay Kumar Dutta’s life, Mr. Ashish Lahiri brought to the fore as to how a child with immense thirst for knowledge, by virtue of self-education is gradually becoming a pioneer in the practice of science in Bengali through. Mr. Ashish Lahiri also said that Akshay Kumar Dutta, who was almost left out of intellectual practice, needs to be understood and known in a new light. To watch what Ashis Lahiri spoke of, just click HERE.
Finally, ‘A Aa K Kh’ theater group from Sarpi village staged a play, ‘Dumer Dugga’. The awesome performance impressed everyone.
The Damodar Recreation Club hall was fully packed during the entire program. At least 250 people watched the program with utmost eagerness. Durgapur Adda Young Association is committed to host the ‘Akshay-Prafulla Diwas’ next year as well during the celebration of the 3rd foundation day of ‘Jibanpath Kendra – II’.