The challenge was taken up at last year’s book fair, when Ei Samay launched Galpo Swalpo with short stories by 50 new writers. That journey has now entered its second year. Between two covers, imagination flows like a river. This year as well, Galpo Swalpo Part 2 brings together a fresh collection of stories by 50 young new writers, curated specially for readers.
The book was officially launched on Friday at 'Ei Samay's pavilion at the book fair. You can enter through gate number four of the Book Fair, come straight ahead and turn left to find 'Ei Samay's pavilion. Stall number 198. There, readers can collect the seven-coloured imagination of young writers in printed letters.
ALSO READ | ‘Research itself is a thriller for me’: Srijit Mukherji spills why unanswered pasts excite him
Galpo Swalpo Part-2 was inaugurated by poet and litterateur Binayak Bandyopadhyay and litterateur Tilottama Majumdar. Another identity of Tilottama is that she is the guest editor of 'Galpo Swalpo' this year, just like last time.
Readers around the world have a natural attraction to short stories. Actually, short stories are fragmented illuminations of this vast life. According to Russian writer Anton Chekhov, a short story is a 'slice of life'.
A complete world is portrayed before readers through fragmented events and broken images. In Tilottama Majumdar's words, "According to Rabindranath Tagore, the creator of Bengali short stories, a short story means something that ends but never truly ends. This dissatisfaction is the joint destiny of writer and reader."
On this day, many admiring readers crowded at Ei Samay's pavilion to witness the launch of this book. They listened to discussions. Short stories were the main subject of discussion. Thanking 'Ei Samay', Binayak Bandyopadhyay said, "I salute Ei Samay for discovering 100 new writers over two consecutive years. This is a great achievement for Bengali literature. Others could have received this thanks too. But they didn't think the way Ei Samay did."
The fact is, 'Ei Samay' had thought from the first day that 'Galpo Swalpo' would publish stories only by writers who are not more than 45 years old. The first part of this book was published last year with very short notice. Almost every copy of this book was sold at the book fair. After receiving this unprecedented response, the same plan was taken this year. Where editor Majumdar has selected stories by another 50 new writers.
ALSO READ | EC cracks down on BLOs over deliberate violation of commission directive
On this day, she specially thanked the artists involved in the book's illustrations, along with the story writers. They are also young in age.
In Majumdar's words, "Each illustration tells a different story. This year's illustrations are more mature and appealing compared to last year."
On the other hand, Bandyopadhyay repeatedly returned in his speech to the importance of new writers and new styles of writing. He added, "I would like to request that the first book be reprinted. And thinking should also begin about a third part."
Majumdar called for creating new trends in Bengali literature by moving away from conventional writing. She also suggested conducting workshops with new writers.
Amid the buzz and dust of the Book Fair, Ei Samay’s pavilion invites readers to make it their destination, along with Gargi and Shreyasi. Alongside 'Galpo Swalpo', the pavilion hosts daily anchor hunts and quizzes, adding to the excitement.
Readers can also look forward to conversations with distinguished personalities, with opportunities to interact and meet them in person.
