On 26^th September, 2026, The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies and Sri Aurobindo Bhavan Kolkata jointly organized a seminar and an exhibition commemorating the bicentenary of Rajnarain Bose (1826–1899), one of the leading intellectuals of nineteenth-century Bengal, at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan Kolkata. Commencing at 5:00 p.m the programme brought together scholars, academics, cultural personalities, and distinguished guests to reflect upon Rajnarain Bose’s contribution to the intellectual and cultural awakening of nineteenth-century Bengal and the development of nationalist consciousness.

The programme commenced with the inauguration of the exhibition titled “Rishi Rajnarayan Basu: Ek Sankhipto Jibonalekkhy” in the presence of distinguished guests that included Sri Jagannath Chattopadhyay, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Higher Education and Technical Education, Training and Skill Development, Government of West Bengal, Swami Suparnananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Balaram Mandir, Kolkata, Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee, Former Chief Justice of the Calcutta and Bombay High Courts, Dr. Anirban Ganguly, Chairman & Trustee, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.

The exhibition curated by Prof. Arindam Mukherjee, Director, The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, Kolkata presented a comprehensive overview of Rajnarain Bose’s life and work. It covered his family background, education, professional career, religious and philosophical outlook, ideas on nationalism, literary output, and his connection with Deoghar. It included his photographs, his correspondence (a number of unpublished letters), literary reviews of his writings and poems written about him. By portraying different facets of Bose’s life and thoughts, this exhibition intended to acquaint the visitors, particularly the younger generation, about the significant role played by Raj Narain Bose in the evolution of modern Indian political thought.

The inauguration of the exhibition was followed by addresses from the distinguished guests, who highlighted various aspects of Rajnarain Bose’s life, ideas, and contributions to society, education, literature, and the development of national consciousness. A pledge to spread the ideas of Raj Narain Bose to the younger generation came up during the disquisition.

The inaugural programme was followed by a discussion session titled “Rajnarayoner Samaj Chinta O Jatiyotabad”. The session was chaired by Prof. Arindam Mukherjee , Director, ISCS , Kolkata and featured scholars like Dr Shekher Bhowmick, Associate Professor, Department of History, Vidyasagar College, Dr Rajarshi Chakrabarty, Associate Professor, Department of History, Burdwan University,  Prof. Rabiranjan Sen, Associate Professor & Head, Department of History, Katwa College and Dr Sailendra Laha, Aurobindo Bhavan, Kolkata. The speakers deliberated on Rajnarain Bose’s social philosophy, intellectual contribution, and nationalist thought.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Arindam Mukherjee, Director of the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, Kolkata, who expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests, speakers, scholars, and all those who contributed to the successful organization of the event