Nadijibir Notebook by writer and river scientist Supratim Karmakar was honoured with the Namita Chattopadhyay Sahitya Samman 2023

A renowned literary award in West Bengal was recently given to a book on India's rivers. On November 18, at the Bangla Akademi in Kolkata, writer and river scientist Supratim Karmakar's work Nadijibir Notebook, or "notebook on rivers," which was released in Bengali in 2022, was given the Namita Chattopadhyay Sahitya Samman 2023.  The book covers topics related to India's rivers, their ecosystem, and actions that may be done to revitalise them.  

The author conveyed joy at receiving the honour and mentioned that this was the first time a non-fiction work had received the literary prize. The book covers a number of topics, such as erosion along riverbanks, hydel power projects, and dam building. The book, which is 175 pages long, includes maps, photos, and charts that discuss the ecosystem of rivers and the lives of those who live along their banks.

Mr. Karmakar (age 34) is the author of around six books about rivers and the socio-ecology of the surrounding area. Among his well-known compositions are Jagadhatri Utsa Sandhane and Jalanagi Paarer Britanto ('Stories on the bank of Jalangi'), both of which were released in 2018.

The prize was established in memory of the renowned literary critic Namita Chattopadhyay by her family around 12 years ago. Nadjibi Notebook is a significant achievement in the field of river research. The prize citation states, "The book offers an insight into the relationship between people of country and rivers and is an important testament to our rivers' fragile ecosystem."