Neglected Legacy: Lalbihari Dey's Bardhaman Library Shut, Villagers Demand Action

• Lalbihari Dey, a neglected Bengali writer from Purba Bardhaman, introduced Bengali folk tales to a global audience through English works.
• His memorial library in his native Sonapalashi village is closed and languishing due to the absence of a librarian and staff.
• Dey authored timeless works like 'Bengal Peasant Life' and 'Folk Tales of Bengal', earning praise from figures such as Charles Darwin.
• The two-story library building, containing books, computers, and educational materials, remains unused for a long time.
• Villagers demand immediate reopening of the library to honor Dey's legacy and encourage reading among the current generation.

Why It Matters: A vital library honoring neglected Bengali literary giant Lalbihari Dey lies closed, sparking local demand for its revival.