The Legacy of Sukumar Ray: The Literary Giant of Bengal’s Golden Age

Satyajit Ray, the revered filmmaker, often speaks of his late father, Sukumar Ray, as the driving force behind his own artistic journey. Born in the heart of Bengal, Sukumar Ray was a towering figure in the literary and artistic circles of his era. This article delves into the life and works of Sukumar Ray, setting the stage for an understanding of his influence on his son and on the rich cultural landscape of Bengal.

The Birth and Early Life of Sukumar Ray

Sukumar Ray was born on October 30, 1887, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), into a family known for its contributions to literature. His father, Upendra Kishore Ray, was a polymath, excelling in multiple domains including literature, painting, writing, and technology. Bidhumukhi Devi, Sukumar's mother, was the daughter of Dwarkanath Ganguly, further cementing the cultural legacy of the Ray household.

The Multifaceted Genius of Sukumar Ray

Sukumar Ray graduated with double honors in Physics and Chemistry from Presidency College, Calcutta, in 1906. His passion for technology led him to study photography and printing technology in England at the School of Photo-engraving and Lithography in London. He was a pioneer in these fields in India, contributing greatly to the advancement of these practices.

While in the United Kingdom, Sukumar delivered lectures about Rabindranath Tagore's songs, which became a precursor to Tagore’s eventual Nobel Prize. His work as an illustrator and his innovative techniques in halftone blockmaking gained him recognition and acclaim. The Penrose Annual published two articles by Ray, and he joined the Royal Photographic Society, from which he gained Fellowship in 1922.

A Love for Literature and Science

Upendra Kishore Ray started a publishing firm, U. Ray and Sons, where his son Sukumar played a significant role. In May 1913, he launched Sandesh , a children’s magazine that quickly became a platform for Sukumar's creations. After Upendrakishore's death in 1915, Sukumar managed the publishing house and the magazine for about eight years, with his younger brother Subinoy providing support.

Sukumar was an avid reformist in the Brahmo Samaj, a leading figure in the reformist wing. He wrote long poems, including a popular presentation of the history of the Brahmo Samaj, published as a small booklet to introduce the rationale of this religious movement to children. He also campaigned for Rabindranath Tagore to lead the Samaj, recognizing the latter's importance.

The Literary Contributions

Sukumar Ray's literary output was vast and varied, spanning poetry, essays, and journalism. His works include Abol Tabol , The Weird and the Absurd , Pagla Dashu , Crazy Dashu , Khai-Khai , Eat-Eat , Heshoram Hushiyarer Diary , and The Diary of Heshoram Hushiyar , which is considered an early science fiction parody. This work influenced his son, Satyajit Ray, to write about Professor Shonku .

Sukumar's writing often combined simplicity and humor with powerful social commentary and satire. He delved into the daily lives of common people, showcasing the intricacies of human behavior and the socio-cultural dynamics of Bengal in the 19th century. Works like Bhasar Atyachar and Torture of Language reflect his unique approach to writing.

Conclusion

Sukumar Ray’s multifaceted contributions to literature, science, and art have had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Bengal, particularly influencing his son Satyajit Ray. His works are not only a testament to his brilliance but also a mirror reflecting the essence of Bengali society in the early 20th century. Through his creativity and his commitment to social reform, Sukumar Ray carved a niche for himself in the annals of Bengali literary history.