Rabindra Jonmo Shatabarshiki Sankhya [Hardcover]

The literary journal "Uttara," the mouthpiece of the Prabasi Bangiya Sahitya Sammilan (Expatriate Bengali Literary Association) and All India Bengali Literary Conference, began its journey on 1 Ashwin, 1332 Bengali Era (circa 1925) from Lucknow under the editorship of Atulprasad Sen and Radhakamal Mukhopadhyay. The inaugural issue featured a blessing from Rabindranath Tagore along with a cover designed by Asit Kumar Halder. After running for a few years, the publication stopped but later resumed from Varanasi under the editorship of Suresh Chakraborty.

From 1925 to 1967, a span of 42 years, much of the journal’s content revolved around Tagore's poetry, songs, essays, and letters. In Tagore's centenary year, Suresh Chakraborty selected several of his writings, along with works by other notable writers focusing on Tagore, to publish a special centenary edition of "Uttara" in Baisakh 1368 BE (circa 1961-62). Upon release, the special edition was highly appreciated by readers.

This rare edition has now been reproduced in facsimile, compiled and annotated by Amarnath Karan and published by Lalmati on September 22. The facsimile edition also includes an appendix containing critical reflections from eminent personalities of the time on the original Rabindra issue, summaries of Tagore's works, insights into his letters, and biographical notes on the contributors.

The Uttara journal held a close connection with Rabindranath Tagore throughout its existence, publishing numerous songs, poems, essays, and letters by him in various issues. The centenary edition compiled selected works of Tagore alongside writings by other luminaries such as Atulprasad Sen, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Kedar Nath Bandopadhyay, Dhurjoti Prasad Mukhopadhyay, and Dilip Kumar Roy. This treasured edition, now rare and difficult to find, has been reprinted for the benefit of Tagore scholars and readers, preserving an invaluable literary legacy.