At the 49th Kolkata International Book Fair, a remarkable story of literary passion unfolded as a dedicated teacher from West Bengal made a substantial investment in knowledge. Dr Debabrata Chatterjee, a resident of Chakdaha in Nadia district, spent approximately ₹3.69 lakh on purchasing books—not for personal hoarding, but to enrich the collections of his two publicly accessible libraries.
A Lifelong Commitment to Learning and Sharing
Dr Chatterjee, who works as a teacher by profession, has been a passionate bibliophile for decades. His journey with books began in 1994 when he first visited the Kolkata Book Fair as a child, holding his father's hand. That formative experience ignited a lifelong devotion to reading and collecting books that has only grown stronger over the years.
Building Community Libraries
Dr Chatterjee serves as the custodian of two private libraries located in Chakdaha and Ranaghat. Together, these libraries house more than 20,000 carefully selected volumes across various disciplines. What makes these collections particularly special is their accessibility—both libraries are open to students, scholars, and community members for reading and borrowing purposes.
"Books are meant to circulate, not gather dust," says Dr Chatterjee, reflecting his philosophy that knowledge should be shared rather than confined to private collections. His libraries represent a tangible commitment to this belief, providing educational resources to those who might not otherwise have access to them.
Academic Contributions and Personal Journey
Beyond his library work, Dr Chatterjee has established himself as an accomplished author, having written approximately 41 books across various disciplines. His works have been published by both Indian and international presses, demonstrating his scholarly reach and intellectual versatility.
The teacher's bibliophilic journey has been sustained by a supportive network including his teacher-wife, his father, and several former students who have encouraged his passion over the years. This personal support system has been crucial in maintaining his dedication to building and sharing book collections.
Looking Toward the Future
Even as he continues his academic and philanthropic work from his home in Chakdaha, Dr Chatterjee is already looking ahead to future literary endeavors. He has expressed particular excitement about the upcoming 50th Kolkata International Book Fair, where he hopes to further expand his library collections.
For this dedicated educator, books represent far more than mere commodities. He views them as instruments of shared enlightenment and cultural continuity—tools that can bridge educational gaps, preserve knowledge, and foster intellectual growth within communities.
The story of Dr Debabrata Chatterjee's substantial investment at the 49th Kolkata International Book Fair serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of books in an increasingly digital age. His commitment to making knowledge accessible through public libraries demonstrates how individual passion, when combined with community spirit, can create lasting educational resources that benefit generations of learners.
