Sri Aurobindo

Letters of Sri Aurobindo

Volume 4

Letter ID: 993

Sri Aurobindo — Roy, Dilip Kumar

April 4, 1944

You came here on this day! I feel so joyful. Also because yesterday the Gurudas Library¹ sent me the account book. I will be able to offer Mother a very good amount out of the sale of my own books which I wrote here in Pondicherry. I mean, I do not include the sale of my father’s books which is dwindling now. But just because of it I want you to permit me to keep Rs. 1000 for a new edition Sajani Das undertook to publish (as I informed you). This is but an investment as they will push well and I am sure I will be able to offer Rs. 1500 in about a year.

So I hope you and Mother will permit. I make this proposal to increase the Ashram income not for any personal motive – though of course I would like my father to be recognised as a great poet as Sajani Das² and others are beginning to admit now he was. I would like you to read Sajani’s tribute to him which I enclose herewith. You know the Tagorites cut him for a long time because he (my father) called Tagore effeminate and an “actor”. JVow many say he had to protest as he (my father) stood for virility in literature, as Sajani too says. He will issue a royal edition of his poems and songs only. The plays will be with Gurudas. I hope I am clear?

¹ Gurudas Library: Publisher of Dwijendralal Roy and Dilip Kumar Roy’s books.

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² Sajantikanta Das (1900-1962) was a renowned critic who criticised Nazrul, wrote satiric poems and was associated with Probashi, Dainik Bashumati of which he became the editor and of Bangashree. He joined Sanibarer Chithi while studying for M.Sc. and from the eleventh issue he became the editor and soul of it. Several noted authors joined his group. He established Saniranjan Press and Ranjan Publishing House.

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