Natun Alo by Dr. Soumya Bhattacharya [Hardcover]

When the 19th century came to an end and the 20th century knocked on our doors, a new wave of awakening had already begun in Bengal—an era known in history as the ‘Bengal Renaissance.’ This vast novel is set against the backdrop of Bengal and India during this transformative period. At this time, the world-conquering monk Swami Vivekananda was gradually succumbing to an untimely death. Jagadish Chandra Bose's groundbreaking research was being hindered by financial constraints, lack of support, and jealousy. Rabindranath Tagore, in the company of Brahmabandhav Upadhyay, was establishing the Brahmacharyashram in Shantiniketan. Aurobindo Ghosh was deeply immersed in the pursuit of nationalism. Prafulla Chandra Ray was setting up the indigenous factory, Bengal Chemicals. Dwijendralal, Atulprasad, and Rajanikanta were enriching Bengali music with their compositions. Sarala Ghosal was engaging in various dynamic activities. Jamshedji Tata was dreaming of establishing the Indian Institute of Science. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was forming an ambulance corps during the Boer War. The death of Bharateshwari Victoria occurred. The new Governor-General, Lord Curzon, was preparing to hold a grand durbar in Delhi. Meanwhile, people were dying from plague and famine. The nun Nivedita tirelessly devoted herself to spirituality, artistic thought, national consciousness, scientific research, and the extremist revolutionary movement, contributing her relentless effort and sharp intellect to each of these areas. Observing this historic era—sometimes from afar, sometimes up close—was the spirited young boy, Premankur Atarthi. Though this epic novel lacks a central protagonist, through the convergence of multiple characters, the unveiling of numerous narratives, and the chorus of diverse voices, it aspires to become a grand symphony, reminiscent of a classical Western orchestral composition.