Rural Writers Neglected? Little Magazine Fair Sparks Controversy in Purba Bardhaman

• The annual Literature Festival and Little Magazine Fair, organized by the Government of West Bengal, faces allegations of favoring urban writers and poets for awards and prominence.
• Radhamadhab Mondal, a renowned prose writer from Aushgram, Purba Bardhaman, highlights the neglect of rural authors, lamenting being invited only for poetry recitation despite his prose expertise.
• Mondal, a professional writer who left government service, has established a unique prose style focusing on Bengali social life, folk culture, and marginalized history.
• His popular works include 'Bahurupi', 'Dehojibi', 'Pakhmara', 'Shabbahaker Gaan', 'Tohalgaan', and 'Bhaktakobi Joydeb', proving his widespread appeal despite living in a village.
• Mondal independently initiated the Aushgram Book Fair and Aushgram Festival, transforming Aushgram into a cultural hub with support from leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.

Why It Matters: Rural writer Radhamadhab Mondal challenges urban literary dominance, proving powerful literature thrives in villages.