Krishnanagar, Oct. 26: Veteran journalist and author Narugopal Ghosh (83) has passed away on Friday afternoon at Saktingar district hospital in Krishnanagar. Born on June 1, 1935, the elderly author and former CPI leader, was suffering from sodium deficiency apart from old age ailments. He was admitted to the hospital on Monday afternoon after his condition had deteriorated. He was a resident of Petnipara lane in Krishnanagar town.
Ghosh joined CPI in 1953 and became a prominent National level leader of party’s peasants’ wing. In Bengal, he also had headed the Bangiyo Pradeshik Krishak Sabha. A communist with true spirit, he, however, discontinued his association with the party following an ideological difference in 1998. However, he donated his residence to the party.
Ghosh had led food movement (Khadya Andolan) from the front in 1959. He was very vocal about the police atrocities that claimed at least 80 lives during the movement. Apart from his political identity, the elderly communist, who was contemporary to stalwarts like Gurudas Dasgupta, had earned a reputation as a journalist and author.
As a journalist, Narugopal Ghosh was attached to Daily Swadhinata, Kalantar. Satyajug and had authored over 20 books which include Bharater Bartaman Rajniti o Tar Patabhumi, Samakalin Biswa Rajniti (10 volumes), Bangladesher Bartaman Rajniti, Teenjatir Upakatha, Sammilita Jatisangher Panchas Bachorer Safallya, and many others. He was working on ‘Historical Dictionary’ until he fell ill.
His last rites were held at Nabadwip funeral ghat on the bank of river Bhagirathi on Friday night.
Earlier rich tributes were paid to the departed author at the CPI ML (Liberation) office at its office. The body was also taken to RSP office in Krishnagar and later in the evening to Krishnanagar Public Library, where readers and officials paid their tributes.