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India has offered its full support to Bangladesh in restoring the ancestral home of iconic filmmaker Satyajit Ray, following reports of its demolition in Mymensingh. The house, once owned by Ray's grandfather and literary figure Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, has been identified as being in a state of neglect. The Indian government has called the property a cultural landmark and proposed its transformation into a literary museum, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations.
The Indian government has formally expressed regret over the reported demolition of the ancestral house of renowned Indian filmmaker and writer Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, and has extended an offer of cooperation to restore the historic structure. The Ministry of External Affairs, in an official statement issued this past week, confirmed India's willingness to partner with Bangladesh in repairing and reconstructing the property. Advertisement
The residence belonged to Ray's grandfather, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, a prominent literary figure and publisher who played a central role in Bengal's early literary and cultural developments. According to the Indian government, the structure is currently in a state of neglect and is owned by the Government of Bangladesh. India described the demolition as profoundly regrettable and urged authorities in Bangladesh to reconsider the move.
The Ministry noted that the building represents more than a familial legacy it stands as a landmark of the Bengali cultural renaissance. India further proposed that instead of demolition, the property could be converted into a literary museum, celebrating the life and work of the Ray family and symbolising the rich, intertwined cultural histories of India and Bangladesh.
India's proposal comes in recognition of the global stature of Satyajit Ray, whose artistic legacy continues to influence cinema and literature worldwide. Born in Kolkata in 1921, Ray is celebrated for his landmark films such as Pather Panchali, Charulata, Jalsaghar, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, and The Apu Trilogy. Over his prolific career, he received numerous awards including 32 Indian National Film Awards, international recognitions at prestigious film festivals, and the Academy Honorary Award in 1992. The Government of India conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna the nation's highest civilian award the same year.
The external affairs ministry emphasized that the restoration of the ancestral home would not only honour Ray's monumental contributions to cinema and literature but also stand as a meaningful symbol of cultural diplomacy. This expression of support has sparked renewed public interest in the preservation of historically significant properties across borders.
Source ANI
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