In the rich tapestry of Bengali literature, few names sparkle as brightly as Leela Majumdar, the enchanting storyteller dubbed the ‘magician of children’s literature.’ Born on February 26, 1908, in Kolkata to a distinguished family, her legacy endures through tales that capture the innocence of childhood and the complexities of adult life. As we mark her jayanti, let’s delve into the life of this literary luminary who gifted generations the whimsical world of ‘Patal Didi’ and beyond.
Leela’s early years unfolded in the misty hills of Shillong, where she imbibed the nurturing environment of a scholarly household. Her father, Promoda Ranjan Ray, was the younger brother of the renowned Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury. A prodigious student, she excelled at Loreto Convent and St. John’s Diocesan School, consistently topping her classes.
Her academic brilliance shone at Calcutta University, where she clinched gold medals in both honors and master’s degrees in English literature. Teaching beckoned first at Darjeeling’s Maharani Girls’ School, but Rabindranath Tagore’s personal invitation drew her to Santiniketan. Later stints at Asutosh College and All India Radio further enriched her career. On radio, her creation ‘Monimala’ in the ‘Mahila Mahal’ series became an iconic portrayal of an ordinary middle-class Bengali girl’s life, resonating deeply with millions of women.
Leela’s literary journey ignited in her teens with the story ‘Lakkhi Chele’ in her uncle’s magazine ‘Sandesha.’ Her debut children’s book ‘Baidyanathar Bari’ charmed young readers, but ‘Din Dupure’ truly catapulted her to fame, earning critical acclaim. Over her prolific career, she authored more than 125 books spanning short stories, novels, poems, memoirs, cookbooks, translations, and edited works.
What set Leela apart was her ability to weave everyday realities into light-hearted yet profoundly sensitive narratives. Her strong female protagonists illuminated the intricacies of domestic life, while her children’s stories built dreamlike realms. Adults found themselves reflecting on family bonds and social issues through her lens. Iconic works like the humorous play ‘Bak Badh Pala,’ which won awards, and the novel ‘Padi Pishir Bormi Baksho,’ adapted into film by Arundhati Devi after Satyajit Ray’s interest, stand as testaments to her genius.
Leela’s translations of Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift, and Ernest Hemingway into Bengali expanded literary horizons. Today, on her birth anniversary, her stories continue to enchant, reminding us of the timeless magic in simple storytelling.