Polan Sarkar
Polan Sarkar | |
|---|---|
পলান সরকার | |
Sarkar in 2013 | |
| Born | Harez Uddin 10 September 1921 Natore, Bengal Presidency, British India |
| Died | 1 March 2019 (aged 97) |
| Known for | Social movement of distributing books for free |
Polan Sarkar (10 September 1921 – 1 March 2019)[1][2] was a Bangladeshi social activist.[3] He received the Ekushey Padak for social service from the Government of Bangladesh in 2011. He started a social movement to distribute books for free. He is known as "Alor Ferrywala," the distributor of light.[4]
Biography
Sarkar was born as Harez Uddin[5] on 10 September 1921, in Bagatipara, Natore.[6] When he was just five months old, his father died.[7] After the incident, he moved to Bausha village with his mother and grandfather. He was admitted to a local school, but could not continue his studies due to his family's financial troubles.[8] Though his passion for studying and reading books did not ebb.
He started to work with the theatre artists in his area. He also developed a habit of buying books from local libraries as well. Within a short time, Polan became fluent in Bangla and was hired to write legal deeds, keep meeting minutes, and write business agreements.[9]
Death
Polan Sarkar died on 1 March 2019. The 98-year-old had been suffering from old age problems. He died surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Bausha village in Bagha, Rajshahi.
References
- ^ Moloy Bhoumik (7 November 2013). পলান সরকারের সঙ্গে কিছু সময়. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 8 June 2018.
- ^ "Polan Sarkar passes away". The Daily Star. 1 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ^ "'Walking library' reaches out to the poor". The Straits Times. 20 September 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
- "Polan Sarkar, Bangladesh: igniting a passion for books". Impact Journalism Day 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018. - ^ "Ekushey Padak winner Polan Sarkar dies". Dhaka Tribune. 1 March 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
- ^ "Polan Sarkar passes away". Daily Sun. 2 March 2019.
- ^ "'Alor Ferrywala' Polan Sarkar dies". The Daily Observer. 2 March 2019.
- ^ "Polan Sarkar will not distribute books anymore". RTV. 1 March 2019.
- ^ Abdullah Al Dulal. "The life and legacy of Polan Sarkar". Dhaka Tribune. 1 March 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
- ^ Priyanshi Mathur. "Polan Sarkar - The Man Known As The Walking Library of Bangladesh Passes Away At The Age of 98". The Times of India. 7 March 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2019.