Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee : Faruque Ahamed who is deeply engaged in academic and research activities always made the exploration of the status of neglected backward ethnic groups as a focal point in his undertaken projects.
As the Editor of “Udar Akash” magazine and Udar Akash publishing house and a researcher of Kalyani University, he concentrates on working for the dignity of the nation for the welfare of the society, in addressing the grievances of the neglected and backward classes in their time-worn struggle to help them enjoy their due rights. Faruque Ahamed is a bright star among the galaxy of intellectuals. He is one of the representatives of Bengal’s new batch of thinkers that emerged in sthe early 21st century. He created a sage niche for himself in the field of social thinking at a rapid pace. Faruque Ahamed is one of those rare harbingers of new Dawn who are committed to the promotion of values in keeping with newly emergent ideas and revolutionary theories in the pages of literature. “Generous Sky” has already left a profound mark on the panorama of literary mind of our times. All great minds love to dream and it is the dream of writer Faruque Ahamed to show the new horizons of progressive thoughts as a new milestone of thinking.
Faruque Ahamed was not born with a silver spoon but his birth on March 7, 1983 in Natapukur village of South 24 Parganas district was probably an auspicious event for the people of Natapukur village which today feels proud of him. He was an inquisitive student in the village primary school with chalk in hand. After that, he passed secondary school from Ghatakpukur High School and passed his secondary school (in science stream in the first division from Bhangar High School. Having graduated from Surendranath Day College affiliated to Calcutta University. He also passed Bachelor of Library Science from M. S. University with first division following which he did Masters in History from Kalyani University. He then completed his Masters in English Literature from Indira Gandhi National Open University.
While serving as Assistant Director (Publications and Examinations) in the Department of Distance Education, University of Kalyani, Faruque Ahamed started his Ph.D. degree in the Department of History at the University of Kalyani in 2016. Faruque Ahamed got Prof. Alok Kumar Ghosh, Head of the department of history, as his supervisor who encouraged him in continuing research on ‘The Contribution of Muslim-run Mission Schools in the Post-Independence Period’. His dedication to research won laurels from many other distinguished Professors of Kalyani University. Special mention should be made of Prof. (Dr.) Gautam Pal, Pro-VC whose constant help was his strength. Prof. (Dr.) Manas Kumar Sanyal Hon’ble VC appreciated Faruque Ahamed for his research and publication work. Faruque Ahamed came of a very ordinary family in the village. He is the first in his generation to get an opportunity to work as a Ph.D. researcher in the prestigious Kalyani University. Earlier no other member from the family got a chance to get admission in Ph.D. Faruque Ahamed’s wife Mousumi Biswas is also working as a Ph.D. researcher in the Department of Education.
Faruque Ahamed is currently working as News letter Incharge and Office Coordinator of Chemistry Department in Kalyani University.
Mr Ahamed has been editing the peer-reviewed bilingual research journal “Udar Akash” for more than two decades. Saving money from tiffin while studying in college, he published the first issue of “Udar Akash” (in 2002) with the help and cooperation from many of his friends. During his school life, he had his debut in journalism. At that time, he started his career with scanty earning from farming and selling newspapers. More than 121 books have already been published by Udar Akash Publishing House. Several books of high academic standard have been published by Udar Akash publishing house which rightly deserved Encomium from researchers and varied readers of both East and West Bengal.
His notable poetry book is ‘Vishwaprem’. Essay collection ‘Promise and Development’, ‘Furfura Sharif’s Message’, ‘Muslim Vote Bank in Congress and Left Governance’, ‘The Paradox of Sunrise Political Empowerment in the West’, ‘Kazi Nazrul Islam Across the Vast Sky’ and ‘Bengali’s Struggle for Survival’ edited by Faruque Ahamed. Faruque Ahamed also edited a research book on Kalyani University written in English. “Udar Akash” edited by Faruque Ahamed has already published special issues on ‘Minorities and Chief Ministers’, ‘In Search of Dignity’, ‘Search for Self-Identity’, ‘Mirror of Self-Development’, ‘Backward and Minorities in Political Empowerment’, ‘Degradation of Values’, ‘Awakening of Bhoomiputras’ and ‘Advancing the response to ugliness’.
These academic and literary efforts made the people of Bengal aware of the turning point in state politics. He is determined to continue efforts in search for human dignity in the future. Through Udar Akash publications Faruque Ahamed versatility is manifested as poet, writer, essayist and above all as a socially alert citizen. He can easily deal with people by studying their psychology and position subsiding his his own ego. There is no doubt that this combination of his rare talents and commitment to values will enrich our society. “Udar Akash” is not just a magazine, but an experience in the promotion of self-esteem, “Udar Akash” is not just a slogan, but a pledge to build a healthy society. It is a passion of the heart. “Generous sky” is calling, let the light of literature illuminate every home.
