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Ghosh, (Rai Bahadur) Kaliprosanna (1843-1910) orator, journalist, writer and scholar, was born on 23 July 1843 at Bharakar village in Vikrampur, dhaka. He went to a variety of schools: a Muslim primary school, a Sanskrit school and an English medium school. He was fluent in
Sanskrit, Persian and
Bangla and later also mastered
English. Kaliprosanna showed his eloquence from an early age. When he was 20 years old, he delivered a lecture on Christian religion at Bhabanipore, calcutta and was praised by debendranath tagore. Thus he became acquainted with the brahma samaj and subsequently joined it. At the age of 22, Kaliprosanna started working as a bench clerk at the Dhaka Lower Division Court and continued to work there for 11 years. In 1870 he joined Shubhosadhini, the journal of Dhaka Brahmo Samaj, as editor. In 1874, he joined Bandhab as editor. In 1877 Kaliprosanna became diwan of Bhawal Estate, a position he held for 25 years. Kaliprosanna founded 'Literary Review Council' through which he promoted contemporary writers. He was a member (1894) and assistant chairman (1897-1900) of vangiya sahitya
parisHaD (Bengal Literary Association). He was also chairman of the Literary Assembly, member of the District Board and president of District Local Board. Kaliprosanna wrote several essays and books on philosophy and society. Among his major publications are Prabhat Chinta (Morning Thoughts, 1877), Nibhrta Chinta (Solitary Thoughts, 1883), Narijatibisayak Prastab (Discussion on Womankind, 1896) and Nishitha Chinta (Midnight Thoughts, 1896). Other books include Bhrantibinod (1881), Pramodalahari (1895), Bhaktir Jay (1895), Ma Na Mahashakti (1905), Janakir Agnipariksa (1905), Chhayadarshan (1905) etc. He also wrote mystical songs which were collected in Sangitmanjari (1872) as well as a book for young readers.
Kaliprosanna was greatly influenced by iswar
chandra vidyasagar and bankimchandra
chattopadhyay as well as by the English scholar, Thomas Carlyle.
His essays are thoughtful and reveal his historical sense and philosophical
outlook. In recognition of his intellectual achievements and many contributions,
he was honoured as 'Vidyasagar' and awarded the titles of 'Rai Bahadur'
and CIE by the British Government. He died on 29 July 1910.
[Dulal Bhowmik]
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