Amiya Nath Chatterjee

Chhapra, Nov. 23: Amiya Nath Chatterjee — Amiyada to his friends and acquaintances — was born a Bengali but has served the cause of Bhojpuri and Hindi literature and theatre for the past 40 years.

On November 20, the 70-year-old retired history teacher, who has not only written over a dozen plays but also acted and directed them, was awarded Nataraj Kala Samman for his contribution to arts. State information and public relations minister Brishen Patel handed him the award at a function in Patna.

Awards are not new for this veteran writer though. He has been felicitated by Bharat Vikas Parishad, Rotary Club, Sangeet Natak Academy and Doordarshan. Chatterjee told The Telegraph: “Writing and performing drama gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction. I feel I have achieved something.”

He added that Chhapra is his inspiration.

Chatterjee came to the town in 1941 with his mother Swarnalata Devi, and has lived here since then. He worked as a teacher in Government Inter College (earlier Zila school) till 1994.

Residents of the town also praised his work. K.K. Dwivedi, the former principal of Jagdam College, Chhapra, said: “Amiyada has contributed a lot to the cause of Hindi and Bhojpuri in the post-Independence era. His dramas depict honesty and transparency, and reflect his commitment.”

Journalist Chandra Prakash Raj said: “Amiyada has achieved a lot in adverse situations. However, he plunged into creative work and his life is inspiring.”

Chatterjee has had a busy writing career and his production has been prolific. He is the author of a number of Hindi plays like Prayaschit, Aag Mein Pani, Aakhir Kab Tak?, Parivartan, Mukti Sangram, Garam Kot and Lahu Ka Rang Ek Hain. Many of these were staged at Kalidas Rangalaya in the state capital.

He is, however, unhappy with the current crop of Bhojpuri films. Chatterjee said: “Popular Bhojpuri films and songs are causing more harm than benefit to the language. Songs and scenes with obscene symbols are harming the image of the language.”