Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 22, 2026 (BSS) - A discussion and commemorative publication ceremony were held in Rajshahi on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Kumar Sarat Kumar Ray, a distinguished son of the Barendra region and founder of the Varendra Research Museum.

The event titled 'Kumar Sarat Kumar Ray: In Remembrance and Reverence' was jointly organized by 'Batighar' and the Barendra History Council this evening at Batighar Library in the city's Kumarpara area.
 
Akbarul Hasan Millat, editor of the daily Sonar Desh, spoke as the chief discussant at the event. Safiqul Islam, Deputy Registrar of Rajshahi University, presided over the program.

Others who spoke included Professor Dr. Muhammad Alamgir of the Department of Theatre at Rajshahi University, former District Education Officer Sheikh Monirul Islam Alamgir, freedom fighter Abdul Latif Chanchal, film activist Sultanul Islam Tipu and playwright Dwijendra Nath Banerjee.
 
Kumar Sarat Kumar Ray was born on April 22, 1876, in the Dighapatia royal family of Natore and passed away on April 12, 1946.

His father, Raja Pramathanath Ray and mother, Drabamayi Devi, hailed from a family devoted to learning and public welfare.

Continuing that legacy, Sarat Kumar Ray made remarkable contributions to historical studies and archaeological research.
 
The speakers further noted that with the cooperation of eminent personalities including historians Akshay Kumar Maitreya and Ramaprasad Chanda, he established the Varendra Research Museum in Rajshahi city on September 27, 1910, at his own expense. It is now recognized as one of the oldest and richest archaeological museums in the country.
 
At the event, a commemorative booklet highlighting the life and work of Sarat Kumar Ray was published by the Barendra History Council.

In addition, a book titled Banglar Gourab Varendra Research Museum (The Pride of Bengal: Varendra Research Museum), authored by Safiqul Islam, was published by Kathaprakash Prokashoni of Dhaka.
 
Speakers said that the Varendra Research Museum currently houses about 18,000 artifacts, including significant relics from the Indus Valley Civilization dating back 5,000 years.

Sarat Kumar Ray was also a pioneer of excavations at various archaeological sites, including Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur, Naogaon.

On March 1, 1923, the first scientific archaeological excavation in undivided Bengal began at Somapura Mahavihara, funded by him.
 
Speakers added that Sarat Kumar Ray's contributions were not limited to establishing a museum; rather, he played a unique role in preserving the history of the Barendra region, advancing research, and shaping the identity of the nation.

They expressed hope that his life and work would inspire the new generation to pursue historical studies.