Polan Sarkar Explained

Polan Sarkar
Native Name:পলান সরকার
Native Name Lang:bn
Birth Name:Harez Uddin
Birth Date:10 September 1921
Birth Place:Natore, Bengal Presidency, British India
Death Place:Bagha, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Nationality:Bangladeshi
Known:Social movement of distributing books for free

Polan Sarkar (10 September 1921 – 1 March 2019)[1] [2] was a Bangladeshi social activist.[3] He received the Ekushey Padak for social service from the Government of Bangladesh in 2011. He started a social movement to distribute books for free. He is known as "Alor Ferrywala," the distributor of light.[4]

Biography

Sarkar was born as Harez Uddin[5] on September 10, 1921, in Bagatipara, Natore.[6] When he was just five months old, his father died.[7] After the incident, he moved to Bausha village with his mother and grandfather. He was admitted to a local school, but could not continue his studies due to his family's financial troubles.[8] Though his passion for studying and reading books did not ebb.

He started to work with the theatre artists in his area. He also developed a habit of buying books from local libraries as well. Within a short time Polan became fluent in Bangla and was hired to write legal deeds, keeping meeting minutes and business agreements.[9]

Death

Polan Sarkar died on March 1, 2019.The 98 year old had been suffering from old age problems. He died surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Bausha village in Bagha,Rajshahi.

Notes and References

  1. News: http://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/article/67099/পলান-সরকারের-সঙ্গে-কিছু-সময়. bn:পলান সরকারের সঙ্গে কিছু সময়. Prothom Alo. Moloy Bhoumik. 7 November 2013. 8 June 2018. bn.
  2. Web site: Polan Sarkar passes away The Daily Star. 2019-03-01. The Daily Star. en. 2019-03-05.
  3. News: 'Walking library' reaches out to the poor. 20 September 2014. The Straits Times. 8 June 2018.
    - Web site: Polan Sarkar, Bangladesh: igniting a passion for books . Impact Journalism Day 2018. 8 June 2018.
  4. News: Ekushey Padak winner Polan Sarkar dies . 2019-03-01 . Dhaka Tribune . 2019-03-02.
  5. Web site: Polan Sarkar passes away . Daily Sun. March 2, 2019 .
  6. Web site: ‘Alor Ferrywala’ Polan Sarkar dies . . March 2, 2019 .
  7. Web site: Polan Sarkar will not distribute books anymore . . 1 Mar 2019 .
  8. Abdullah Al Dulal. News: The life and legacy of Polan Sarkar . 2019-03-01 . . 2019-03-02.
  9. Priyanshi Mathur. News: Polan Sarkar - The Man Known As The Walking Library of Bangladesh Passes Away At The Age of 98 . 2019-03-07 . 2019-03-10 . en . www.indiatimes.com.