Anubartan by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay [Hardcover]

The excerpt you've shared offers a vivid and nostalgic portrayal of an educational institution in the heart of Kolkata, with Wellesley Street and Peters Lane as its backdrop. This institution, the "Modern Institution," stands as a beacon of academic excellence, earning its reputation as an ideal school. Even though the head, Clarkwell Saheb, is not native to the land, his unwavering passion for education and students makes him an exceptional leader, so much so that the school is popularly referred to as "Clarkwell Saheb's School."

The narrative beautifully weaves the lives of individuals like Yadubabu, Kshetrababu, Narayan Babu, Mr. Alam, Jyotirbinod, Ramendubabu, and the young English teacher Miss Sibson. The institution becomes the stage for their lives, even as it witnesses upheaval during significant historical events such as World War II. Amid such chaos, the school transforms into a sanctuary, sheltering its teachers and students within its walls, which sometimes feel like a prison, yet paradoxically offer solace.

Clarkwell Saheb's unforgettable phrase, "If it doesn't suit you, my door is open…" still lingers as an echo of his remarkable presence.