In the Midst of Books, a Silent Warrior Keeps Tradition Alive

🖊️Manish Paul

 

Every year, the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair unfolds countless stories through the books it showcases. Yet, this year, among the buzzing crowd and the pages of printed words, a different kind of tale emerges. 

It is a story of survival, preservation, and love for culture, embodied by a living statue—Gopal Mondal from Kulpi, South 24 Parganas. Dressed in a golden body and a black dhoti, Gopal stands motionless amidst the crowd, a living symbol of a lost art. He holds a wooden scale in one hand, which displays a picture from the book fair, flanked by images of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sarada Devi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. These figures speak volumes about the cultural richness and modernity of Bengal.

Gopal Mondal is not just any artist; he is a modern-day 'Bahurupi'—a traditional performer who stays still, embodying the spirit of cultural continuity. When asked about his reasons for taking part in this silent performance, Gopal shares, “The tradition of Bahurupi is fading away. I want to preserve it for the new generation. Moreover, it is not just a means of livelihood for me, but a way to keep alive my love for this art." The crowd marvel at his stillness, and some even express awe at his incredible patience and dedication. One visitor says, “The level of endurance and stillness he maintains is truly remarkable. People like him deserve to go viral.”

Gopal’s presence at the Kolkata Book Fair is more than just an art performance. It’s a quiet revolution—blending love for tradition with the need to survive in a modern world. His story is one of resilience, and it reminds us of the cultural treasures that often go unnoticed in the fast-paced world.

Every year, the Kolkata Book Fair not only celebrates the written word but also showcases the unsung heroes like Gopal Mondal, whose silent yet powerful presence keeps the spirit of Bengal’s culture and heritage alive.