Noted Bengali poet Shankha Ghosh succumbs to COVID-19 at 89

COVID-19 takes its toll again. Famous poet, literary critic, and social activist Shankha Ghosh died of COVID at the age of 89 at his residence on Wednesday morning. He was in isolation at his home after he tested COVID-19 positive on April 14.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her condolence message to the family said, "I am deeply mourned at the death of the noted poet, literary critic, and authority in Rabindranath Tagore, Shankha Ghosh. 'Shankha Babu' has taught in universities like Jadavpur, Delhi, and Viswa Bharati... I had a very good relationship with 'Shankha Babu'. His death is a huge loss in the world of literature. I express my heartfelt condolences for his family members."

Sources in the health department said that Shankha Ghosh was advised home isolation after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 on April 14. He had several co-morbidities, including sugar and hypertension, and was admitted to hospital a few days back due to his deteriorating health condition. Ghosh is survived by his daughters Semanti and Srabanti, and wife Pratima.

Born in Chandpur (now in Bangladesh) on February 6, 1932, Shankha Ghosh did his B.A. in Bangla language and literature at Presidency College, Calcutta (now Kolkata) and subsequently received his Master's degree from Calcutta University. He is widely considered to be an authority on Rabindranath Tagore and has been a prolific poet and critic. 

Ghosh, known for being vocal on various social and political issues, was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and conferred the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 2016. His works have been translated into several languages, including English and Hindi. He has perhaps been one of the rare intelligentsias who has not compromised his ethical and philosophical being on the platforms of political ideology and that is well expressed in his reactions to the political movement of the state. 

In the world of Bangla literature, Shankha Ghosh's persona is shrouded by a mystique because of the gravitas that he exudes and the creativity and depth that his poetry and thoughtful prose contain.

He is a man who has been well described in a poem by a young Bengali poet Sirjata. He says - 'Tumio Manus, Amio Manus/ Tafat sudhu Sirdarai' (You are also a human being, I am also a human being/ Difference is only in the spinal cord).