Polan Sarkar
Polan Sarkar (9 September 1921 – 1 March 2019)[1][2] was a Bangladeshi social activist.[3] He received the Ekushey Padak for social service from the Government of Bangladesh in 2011. He started a social movement of distributing books for free. He is known as “Alor Ferrywala,” the distributor of light.[4]
Polan Sarkar | |
---|---|
পলান সরকার | |
Sarkar in 2013 | |
Born | Harez Uddin 9 September 1921 Natore, Bengal Presidency, British India |
Died | 1 March 2019 97) | (aged
Nationality | Bangladeshi |
Known for | Social movement of distributing books for free |
Early life
Sarkar born as Harez Uddin on 1 August 1921 in Bagatipara, Natore. When he was only five years old, his father died. After the incident, he moved to Bausha village with his mother and grandfather. He was admitted to a local school, but could not continue his study due to his family's financial troubles.[5] Though his passion for studying and reading books did not ebb.
He started to work with the theatre artists in his area. He also developed a habit of buying books from local libraries as well. Within a short time Polan became fluent in Bangla and was hired to write legal deeds, keeping meeting minutes and business agreements.[6]
References
- Moloy Bhoumik (7 November 2013). পলান সরকারের সঙ্গে কিছু সময়. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 8 June 2018.
- "Polan Sarker passes away". The Daily Star. 2019-03-01. Retrieved 2019-03-05.
- "'Walking library' reaches out to the poor". The Straits Times. 20 September 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
- "Polan Sarkar, Bangladesh: igniting a passion for books". Impact Journalism Day 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018. - "Ekushey Padak winner Polan Sarkar dies". dhakatribune. 2019-03-01. Retrieved 2019-03-02.
- "The life and legacy of Polan Sarkar". dhakatribune.com. 2019-03-01. Retrieved 2019-03-02.
- "Polan Sarkar - The Man Known As The Walking Library Of Bangladesh Passes Away At The Age Of 98". 2019-03-07. Retrieved 2019-03-10.