News Stardom : Kolkata, 3rd November, 2026. The 140th birth anniversary of Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta, a distinguished leader of undivided India and a pioneering figure in the Bengali language movement, was commemorated at the Kolkata Press Club on November 2, 2026.
The memorial programme was organised by ‘Sangbad Sochchar’, with the sincere inspiration and support of New York-based Bangladeshi freedom fighter & intellectual Md. Nurul Islam.
Subhashish Ghosh, Owner of Sangbad Sochchar, gave the welcome address.
He, along with a few invited guests, paid floral tribute to Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta and started the programme.
Subhashish Ghosh informed that the event aimed to honour Dhirendranath Datta’s remarkable contribution to India’s freedom struggle and his relentless efforts to protect the dignity and recognition of the Bengali language even after the Partition of India.
On February 23, 1948, during the first session of Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly, he raised the demand for Bengali to be recognised as one of the state languages of Pakistan. His historic intervention became an important milestone in the Bengali language movement and inspired generations who later took part in the Language Movement of 1952.
Dhirendranath Datta’s contribution remains deeply significant in the history of Bengali identity and linguistic rights. During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, he and his son Dilip Datta were reportedly taken away from their home by the Pakistani military on March 29 and brutally killed.
Remembering his great sacrifice, the organisers highlighted the importance of recognising his contribution beyond geographical and national boundaries.
The organisers also acknowledged the great support by Md. Nurul Islam for consistently documenting and bringing attention to Datta’s historically significant role through his writings.
As part of the commemorative programme, memorial honours were presented to several distinguished personalities for their contributions to literature, journalism, social work and culture. 
The dignitaries included Subal Sardar (essayist), Rupam Chattopadhyay (journalist and human rights activist), Dr. Sudipta Basu (writer and publisher), Khagendranath Adhikari (writer and litterateur), Sanjay Mukherjee (journalist), Ganesh Roy (Baul singer), singer Tanushree Chakraborty, Jayanta Das (State Committee member of Amra Bangali), Sanjay Das (Advocate, Calcutta High Court) and educationist Prof. Dr. Parthasarathi Chakravorthy.
Manisha Purokayastha, youngest daughter of the late Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta, was earlier honoured by Sangbad Sochchar.
Manisha’s interview and her recollection about her dear father was screened at the Press Club.
The words of US-based Md. Nurul Islam, the chief patron of this event, was broadcast also.
The entire memorial programme was anchored by social Influencer Asish Basak, Editor-Director of Hello Kolkata.
The members of the Press and audience acknowledged that the programme was a fitting tribute to the life, ideals and sacrifice of Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta.
The event re-affirmed the organisers’ commitment to preserving Dhirendranath Dutta’s legacy and should encourage future generations to learn more about his historic contribution to the Bengali language and its identity.
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