INTERVIEWER:
Pranam, Gurudev. Pranam. Today, we have with us, sitting beside Gurudev, someone you may already knowâPrasanta Chakraborty. For those who donât, let me introduce him. He is a pioneer in the modern era of religion, philosophy, and Vedic literature. If you visit College Street looking for spiritual books, one of the most prominent names youâll encounter is Girija Library. Prasanta Chakraborty is the driving force behind it.
INTERVIEWER:
Dada, I wanted to ask youâwe see where the library is today, but how did it all begin? Could you tell us about that initial journey that led to this great milestone?
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
It was basically a prefixed destiny. I never imagined that Girija Library would reach this position or that I would specifically become a publisher of spiritual books. After I left my job, I started writing and drawing, thinking I would start a publication for my own work. I had other side businesses for my livelihood.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
Around that time, we got a big opportunity to acquire the rights to Radhavinod Goswamiâs famous 22-volume set of the Bhagavatam from Harihar Library. The owner of Harihar Library had passed away, and his son, our former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, along with his mother, gave the rights to us. When we published and released those 22 volumes, they started selling immensely.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
During that period, a famous scholar from Kolkata, Ajay Bhattacharya, gave me two small books by Barada Charan Majumdar. He told me to publish them, saying they were books on Kriya Yoga. At that time, I was young and didnât understand much about them. I initially sent them to the press, but then I got nervousâwhat if they didnât sell? I brought them back.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
Later, I researched more and found out that he was the Kriya Yoga Guru of both Kazi Nazrul Islam and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The book contained the procedures of Kriya Yoga, which is usually a secret oral tradition, but he had opened it up. So, I sent it back to the press.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
I mentioned that everything is prefixed. Just as I was thinking about writing an introduction for the book, I unexpectedly met Barada Charan Majumdarâs family. I met a gentleman who turned out to be the husband of Barada Charanâs granddaughter. He invited me to their home in Murshidabad. I stayed in the very room and slept in the very bed that Barada Charan used to use. At that time, I hadnât fully realized his spiritual stature. After I studied more about him, I was humbled. We published the books, and today, much of the recognition Barada Charan Majumdar receives is thanks to Girija Library.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
Then we published several more books. Once, on a trip to Badrinarayan, I met a Sadhu named Kalikananda Abadhut. He was an expert in Kula Kundalini. I convinced him to write a book about his experiences. That book, Kula Kundalini Tattva Sadhana, still has a huge demand today. Then we published Tibetâs Mysterious Yoga and Tantra in three parts.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
Let me tell you why I say everything is prefixed. One day in 2010 or 2011, I wasnât supposed to go to the office, but a meeting was canceled, so I went in early. A man in white clothes with a beard came in and said he came from Omkareshwar. He said, âMa (the Goddess) ordered me to come here. She said this manuscript must be published by Girija Library.â He knew I was supposed to be elsewhere and that my plans had changed.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
That manuscript became the Tibet books. Itâs an extraordinary story. It involves a 450-year-old Sadhu named Uthsung Lama in Ganganj. The author, Debdip, eventually passed away, and the third part was finished by Sribatsh Shankar Swami. The events describedâmeetings between souls and spiritual realmsâare incredible.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
We also published Barfani Dadaji Maharaj of Amarkantak. Books like these made Girija Library a household name. Now, my son is joining the institution as I prepare for retirement in about ten years.
INTERVIEWER:
Dada, one more question. In these 30 years, the world has moved from offline to online. How has Girija Library adapted?
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
We have adapted. Our books are available on Flipkart and Amazon. During the lockdown, when people couldn't come out, they ordered online. We have a website, and we send our catalogs via WhatsApp.
INTERVIEWER:
Has the readership changed in 30 years?
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
There is no change. People think only older people read spiritual books, but thatâs not true. I see 17-18-year-old boys looking for these books. I remember a father whose son is an engineer in Dubai; the son requested his father to take him to meet me because he loves our books.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
Also, while most literary books stop after a few editions, spiritual booksâabout 95% of themâkeep getting reprinted. The book I published 30 years ago is still relevant and selling today.
INTERVIEWER:
Gurudev, youâve heard Dadaâs journey. What are your thoughts on his work and his visit today?
GURUDEV:
It is my great fortune. He came once before when it was very crowded, and I couldn't host him properly. He has published a book called Aloukikata: Tirth-e Tirth-e Mandir-e Mandir-e, which includes my spiritual journey at Tarapith. He asked me if I would be okay with it being published, and I told him to go ahead.
GURUDEV:
He is very thorough. He doesn't just publish anything; he observes and researches personally before releasing a book. That is why his books are so in demand.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
I brought some books for Gurudev today: Ma Bhabatarini Leela Mahatmya, Kali Murti Rahasya, and Ramakrishna and Girishchandra.
GURUDEV:
These are excellent books. Anyone on a spiritual path should read them. I am very happy that he is doing this work. I also met his son, Pranjal, and told him to keep up the family tradition. Itâs a matter of great love and dedication.
INTERVIEWER:
Dada is a pioneer in this field. We are honored to have him here at Shantidham.
PRASANTA CHAKRABORTY:
I am very happy to be here and spend this time with Gurudev.
GURUDEV:
It is by Godâs grace that he has achieved so much. I wish him and his son, Pranjal, the very best.
INTERVIEWER:
Thank you, Gurudev. Thank you, Dada. Pranam.