Shyamal Gangapadhyay

Shyamal Gangapadhyay (25 March 1933 – 24 September 2001; ) was a Bengali novelist, short story writer and editor born at Khulna (Present day Bangladesh). During Partition of India he and his family of 6 brothers, 1 sister, and his parents migrated to India as refugees. The immense toll of the forced migration on the family led to one of his brothers to commit suicide at his twenties. The financial and personal struggle of these years shaped Shyamal's literary landscape.

He received Sahitya Academy Award in 1993 for the novel of Shahjada Darasukoh, based on the life of Mughal Prince Dara Shukoh. He also wrote the story 'Vasco Da Gamar Bhaipo' and 'Parostri'.

Early life Gangapadhyay was born in Khulna, British India. His father name was Matilal Gangapadhyay and mother Kiranmoyee Devi. After the partition of 1947 their family came to India. Gangapadhyay was attracted towards student politics while studying in college. In the meanwhile he worked in a Steel factory in Belur. After completion of graduation in 1956, he also worked as teacher for few days in Mathuranath Bidyapith. His epic novel Shahjada Darasukoh was published in Saptahik (Weekly) Bartaman Magazine, which was awarded Sahitya Academy in 1993. After retirement Gangapadhyay joined in Aajkaal daily magazine. His last novel was Ganga Ekti Nadir Naam. He wrote series of story of Sadhu Kalachand which is popular for teens. His novels were translated and published in various languages. He won Bibhutibhushan memorial award in recognition of his contribution to the Bengali literature and Gajendra Kumar Mitra memorial prize, Sarat Purashkar in 2000.