Sukharanjan Sengupta

Sukharanjan Sengupta (1932 – 2017) was a veteran Indian journalist, writer, and political commentator from Bengal, widely respected for his fearless reporting, commitment to truth, and deep understanding of socio-political affairs. Over a distinguished career spanning more than six decades, he became one of the most influential voices in Bengali journalism, chronicling some of the most defining events in Indian and South Asian history.

Early Life and Background

Sukharanjan Sengupta was born in Khulna, a region that later became part of Bangladesh after the Partition of India in 1947. Following the partition, his family relocated to West Bengal, where he completed his education and began developing an early interest in literature and political affairs. His upbringing during a period of social and political upheaval deeply influenced his worldview and journalistic ethos.
Sengupta entered journalism at a young age, beginning his career with smaller Bengali publications before joining leading newspapers such as Jugantar, Ananda Bazar Patrika, and Aajkaal. His early reporting reflected a sharp awareness of the socio-political challenges of post-independence India, including displacement, labour movements, and the rise of new political forces in Bengal.

Career and Major Contributions

Sukharanjan Sengupta’s journalism career was marked by his courage to pursue truth and his deep empathy for marginalised communities. He was known for his on-ground, first-hand reporting during times of political conflict and social unrest.

Reporting on the Bangladesh Liberation War

One of his most remarkable achievements was his coverage of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. His dispatches vividly portrayed the human suffering, displacement, and political turmoil of the time. Sengupta’s insightful analyses and commitment to objective reporting brought international attention to the crisis and established his reputation as one of the most trusted correspondents from the region.

Investigative and Political Journalism

Sengupta gained prominence for his investigative reporting on sensitive issues such as the Marichjhapi incident in 1979, where he exposed the plight of Bengali refugees who were forcibly evicted from settlement areas in the Sundarbans. His courageous coverage brought state actions under scrutiny and highlighted the struggles of the oppressed, earning him widespread respect in journalistic circles.
He was also a keen observer of political developments in West Bengal, covering elections, government transitions, and the ideological evolution of political parties. His analyses often combined factual accuracy with historical insight, making his writing both informative and reflective.
Throughout his career, Sengupta was known for maintaining professional integrity and independence. He believed journalism was a moral duty to society rather than a profession driven by personal gain.

Literary Works and Writing Style

In addition to his journalistic career, Sukharanjan Sengupta was a prolific author who wrote extensively in Bengali. His works often explored historical and political themes, drawing connections between colonial legacies and contemporary social realities. Among his notable books is “Curzon’s Partition of Bengal and Aftermath”, which examines the political, cultural, and communal implications of Bengal’s partition in 1905 and its continuing impact on Indian society.
His writing style was marked by clarity, depth, and historical perspective. He combined the investigative precision of a journalist with the narrative grace of a historian, making his works both academically valuable and widely accessible to the general reader.

Philosophy and Professional Ethics

Sukharanjan Sengupta represented a generation of journalists who viewed the press as an instrument of democracy and accountability. He consistently advocated for freedom of the press and the ethical responsibility of journalists to challenge authority and represent the voiceless.
His professional conduct reflected humility, dedication, and simplicity—often described as symbolic of the classical era of Indian journalism. He was known for his unassuming lifestyle, preferring fieldwork and direct interaction with people over desk-based reporting.

Recognition and Influence

Sengupta’s contributions were acknowledged by peers, intellectuals, and political leaders across India. He received multiple honours from journalistic associations and cultural bodies for his lifetime achievements in media and public communication.
Beyond awards, his true legacy lay in the generations of journalists he inspired. Many leading figures in contemporary Bengali journalism credit him as a mentor and role model who demonstrated how integrity and empathy can coexist with analytical rigour.

Personal Life and Character

Those who knew Sukharanjan Sengupta personally described him as modest, disciplined, and deeply empathetic. Despite his close access to influential political figures, he maintained journalistic neutrality and resisted political favouritism. His humility, combined with intellectual depth, earned him admiration both in media houses and among the public.

Death and Legacy

Sukharanjan Sengupta passed away in December 2017 at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness. His death was widely mourned in journalistic and literary circles, marking the end of an era in Bengali journalism. Prominent figures from politics, academia, and media paid tribute to his contributions and remembered him as a journalist who embodied courage, commitment, and conscience.