India expressed regret over the demolition of Satyajit Ray’s ancestral home in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, and offered to help restore it. The government urged Bangladesh to reconsider the plan, citing the site's cultural and historic value.
New Delhi: The Indian government expressed regret on Tuesday over the reported demolition of the ancestral property of celebrated filmmaker and writer Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh and expressed its willingness to extend cooperation in its restoration.
MEA Offers Cooperation to Restore Upendra Kishor Ray’s Property
"We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
"The Government of India is willing to cooperate with the Government of Bangladesh for the repair and reconstruction of the ancestral property of Satyajit Ray," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
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Further, the ministry emphasised that “the property, presently owned by the Government of Bangladesh, is in a state of disrepair.”
Proposal to Convert Site into Museum of Literature
India emphasised the significance of the property as a cultural landmark and urged reconsideration of the demolition plan.
"Given the building's landmark status, symbolising Bangla cultural renaissance, it would be preferable to reconsider the demolition and examine options for its repair and reconstruction as a museum of literature and a symbol of the shared culture of India and Bangladesh," the ministry said.
Satyajit Ray: Legacy of a Cinematic and Literary Icon
Satyajit Ray, the legendary Indian filmmaker, was born in Kolkata on May 2, 1921. His most prominent works include The Apu Trilogy, Jalsaghar, Charulata, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Pather Panchali and Shatranj Ke Khiladi. He was also a screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, author, essayist, lyricist, magazine editor, illustrator, calligrapher, and composer.
He received many major awards in his career, including 32 Indian National Film Awards, a number of awards at international film festivals and award ceremonies, and an Academy Honorary Award in 1992. Ray was also honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1992.
