History of Bir Chandra Library, Tripura.

The Library Movement in India found its roots in the early 20th century, with the princely State of Baroda, under Maharaja Sir Siyaji Rao Gaekowad III, pioneering the establishment of a systematic Public Library system between 1907 and 1910. While Tripura didn't witness a comparable systematic development, the late 19th century saw the state initiating its foray into public libraries.

Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya, ruling Tripura from 1862 to 1896, showcased a keen interest in literature and the role of libraries in society. His establishment of Birchandra Library in Comilla exemplified a commitment to public access, foreshadowing the later developments in Agartala.

The Palace Library in Agartala, once exclusive to the royal family, shifted its focus in 1896 when Maharaja Radhakishore Manikya opened it to the public, transforming it into Bir Chandra Library. Its subsequent relocations, notably to V.M. Chowmohny (Presently IGM Chowmohny) in 1924, showcased a commitment to expanding public access. The move to the Old Secretariat Building on January 20, 2010, marked a modernization leap, aligning with the broader narrative of updating libraries for the new age.

Understanding Privilege Blindness in a Casteist Society: Unveiling Systemic Injustices

"Caste consciousness, which is deeply ingrained in the Indian psyche, often leads to caste blindness and lack of sensitivity towards those outside one's own caste." - Gail Omvedt Caste-based discrimination has deep roots in many societies, fostering a hierarchy that systematically marginalizes certain groups. Within this framework, the concept of "privileged blindness" becomes pivotal. Privileged blindness refers to the obliviousness or intentional ignorance of individuals from dominant castes regarding the advantages they enjoy due to their caste position. This essay delves into the intricate dynamics of privilege blindness in a casteist society, exploring its origins, consequences, and the imperative need for awareness and activism. 1. Understanding Privilege Blindness: Privilege blindness often arises from a lack of awareness about the systemic discrimination embedded in the caste structure. Members of dominant castes may not recognize the inherent advantages

Ardh Satya (1983) and the Intricacies of Psychological Projection

I've developed an unusual interest in watching parallel films from Hindi Cinema in the last few months. Yes, 'unusual' because, as a fan of this genre, one typically explores big regional-international films first, rather than the works of Shyam Benegal or Govind Nihalani. The film under scrutiny is "Ardh Satya" from 1983, directed by Nihalani, which has recently gained prominence. While it has been compared to the more recent film 'Animal' for its exploration of psychological projection, the focus of this article diverges. The primary interest lies in understanding Om Puri's character and his struggle against a consuming society and his own ideals. In the film, Om Puri portrays Anant Welankar, a sub-inspector in the Maharashtra police, who initially joins the force with idealistic intentions. However, as he spends time in the Chowki, Welankar grapples with the sordid world of crimes and criminality. His haunting past and familial background, where his

Travel Journal: A Sojourn in Sohra Cherrapunji

December 22, 2023, Debarath Das/On this day, we four friends with an insatiable appetite for adventure embarked on a journey through the enchanting landscapes of Sohra Cherrapunji. Our exploration was made all the more memorable by the company of Pappu, a carefree guy, short in stature, M. Com pass, and our amiable Innova driver. Pappu became more than a guide, weaving tales of the region as he navigated us through Meghalaya's pine trees and fold mountains. On our way, we indulged in a full breakfast, basking in the sun-soaked ambiance. The feast included omelets, Pahadi Maggie (noodles), bread omelets, and buttered bread. Pappu, our newfound friend, joined in the feast, blurring the lines between driver and companion. The journey unfolded with several stops, each revealing a different facet of Meghalaya's charm. At times, our birikhor friend and Pappu sought a cigarette break, while at one instance, I climbed a vast hill, reaching the high point of the Khasi Hills. The panor

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