Shesh Namashkar- The Last Salute (Sahitya Akademi Award-Winning Bangla Novel)

About the Book Santosh Kumar Ghosh (1920 1985), was a journalist and writer, and was instrumental in bringing modernity in the post-kallol era of Bengali literature. A deeply sensitive writer, Ghosh was always sympathetic towards the oppressed class. Ghosh's first novel was Kinu Goalar Gall (1950), followed by Nana Ranger Din Gull (1952), Jol Dao (1967), Swayam Naik (1969), etc. A continuous seeker of innovative fictional forms, he wrote Renu Tomar Mou as a second- person narator, which is still unique in Bengali literature. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards and accolades like the Anando Puraskar (1971) and the Sahitya Akademi Award (1972).

Foreword It was as a dream come true, when I was assigned the translation of Shesh Namaskar. Though it was literally a back-breaking job, I thoroughly enjoyed doing it, as the work has an attraction of its own, because of its artistic diction, replete with metaphors, similes and epigrams. The narration holds the readers spellbound, and the story has a spontaneous flow which is mesmerising. I am grateful to Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi for helping my dream to assume a tangible shape.

I owe a lot to Mrs. Gitanjali Chatterjee of Sahitya Akademi, who inspired me at every turn of my progress.

I am indebted to Dr. G.K. Das, Retired Professor of Delhi University, who appreciated my sample translation, and, egged me on to complete the stupendous task.

I am grateful to Prof. K. Satchidanandan, who had all sweet words for me to ease off the boredom that could have slowed down my pace! I am really charmed by the sweet demeanor of Mr. Agrahara Krishnamurthy, who was never peeved at any suggestion I proferred, though it seemed impossible to implement. My gratitude to Prof. Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharya knows no bounds.

**Contents and Sample Pages**