India tells Dhaka to reconsider demolition of Satyajit Ray’s ancestral home, offers help to repair

India has urged Bangladesh to stop the demolition of Satyajit Ray’s ancestral home in Mymensingh. The Indian government has also offered technical and financial help to restore the building. The home, once belonging to Ray’s grandfather Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, holds deep cultural value for both nations.

A Home with a Rich Legacy

Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, a pioneer in Bengali printing, literature, and children’s publishing, once lived in the house. His son Sukumar Ray, a poet and satirist, and his grandson Satyajit Ray, the legendary filmmaker, followed in his footsteps. Together, they shaped the cultural and literary landscape of Bengal.

In 1989, the house was converted into the Mymensingh Shishu Academy. But for the past decade, it remained neglected. Without upkeep, the structure weakened over time. Local authorities recently began tearing it down, citing safety concerns and a plan to build a safer, modern facility.

India’s Strong Response

India’s Ministry of External Affairs reacted swiftly to the news. Officials reached out to their Bangladeshi counterparts and asked them to reconsider the demolition. The MEA emphasized the site’s cultural importance and suggested a collaborative restoration effort.

“We have offered financial and technical assistance to help restore the site,” said an MEA spokesperson. “This house is not just a structure. It’s a piece of our shared heritage.”

India’s proposal aims to preserve the legacy of the Ray family and turn the house into a museum. Such a space would celebrate the artistic and literary contributions of the family and strengthen India-Bangladesh cultural ties.

Mamata Banerjee’s Emotional Appeal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed sorrow over the demolition. She called it a “heartbreaking” move and urged both countries to save the site. She said the home deserved protection as a tribute to Bengal’s cultural past.

“Satyajit Ray is not only a figure of Bengal’s pride. He is a symbol of India’s cultural excellence,” Banerjee said. She proposed that the house be transformed into a museum to honor the Ray family’s creative achievements.

A Larger Heritage Concern

This situation has sparked a wider debate about heritage conservation. Many historians and activists feel that development should not erase historical identity. They argue that governments must explore restoration before choosing demolition.

Bangladesh officials maintain that the structure had become unsafe. They say a semi-concrete replacement will be safer for children. However, critics argue that no plan exists to preserve the original heritage value or replace it with a cultural center.

“The house isn’t just an old building,” said a Kolkata-based historian. “It’s a symbol of the Bengal Renaissance and deserves restoration.”

Intellectuals and Public Outcry

Social media saw an outpouring of emotions after the demolition began. Hashtags like #SaveRayHome and #CulturalHeritage began trending. Writers, artists, and filmmakers joined the campaign. Many described the loss as “deeply unfortunate” and a “blow to shared culture.”

Director Goutam Ghose expressed shock and called the event a cultural tragedy. Others, including descendants of famous Bengali authors, urged for an immediate halt to the demolition.

Reports also suggest that a group of Bengali intellectuals may file an appeal. They want both governments to collaborate and preserve the home.

A Vision for Shared Heritage

India’s restoration proposal goes beyond this one structure. It reflects a vision of using cultural diplomacy to build stronger regional ties. Restoring the Ray home could serve as a model for future projects that honor cross-border heritage.

If turned into a museum, the site could draw tourists, scholars, and cinema lovers. It could celebrate the rich history of Bengali literature, art, and cinema—while also promoting friendship between the two countries.

Experts believe that preserving such heritage sites fosters unity. It also educates younger generations about the region’s cultural milestones.

What Lies Ahead

The next steps depend on how Bangladesh responds to India’s proposal. The demolition work is already underway, but India’s appeal may lead to a pause or a change in plans. If Bangladesh agrees, both nations can work together to restore the site and build something meaningful.

A museum or cultural center would not only preserve the legacy of Satyajit Ray and his family. It would also symbolize the region’s ability to cherish and protect its shared past.

Final Thoughts

The ancestral home of Satyajit Ray is more than a building. It’s a part of a cultural heritage that spans borders. India’s offer to help reflects a commitment to preserving this legacy. If both countries act together, they can create something lasting—a space where history lives on and inspires future generations.