Birendra Krishna Bhadra was a legendary Bengali radio announcer, cultural icon, and literary figure. He was born on August 4, 1905, in the village of Ahiritola, in the district of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. He is best known for his rendition of the “Mahishasura Mardini,” a recitation of a Sanskrit hymn that celebrates the Hindu goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura.
Bhadra’s voice was both powerful and melodious, and he had a unique style of recitation that captivated audiences. He began his career in the radio industry in the early 1930s when he joined the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC), which later became All India Radio (AIR). Bhadra quickly gained fame for his recitation of the “Mahishasura Mardini,” which he first performed in 1931, and it became an annual tradition.
The “Mahishasura Mardini” is a composition by the medieval Indian poet Ramprasad Sen, which has been set to music and is traditionally recited during the festival of Durga Puja. Bhadra’s rendition of the hymn became immensely popular and has become a staple of Bengali culture. His voice, which was both powerful and soothing, conveyed the essence of the hymn, and his recitation has been considered one of the most memorable performances in Bengali literature and culture.
Apart from his famous recitation of the “Mahishasura Mardini,” Bhadra was also a prolific writer and a skilled orator. He wrote several plays, stories, and essays in Bengali, which have been widely read and appreciated. He was also a scholar of Bengali literature and was respected for his contributions to the field.
Bhadra received several awards and honors for his contributions to Bengali literature and culture, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors. He passed away on June 3, 1991, at the age of 85, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of Bengalis, who still listen to his recordings of the “Mahishasura Mardini” and cherish his contributions to their culture.
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