At 82, Paritosh Bhattacharya Still Travels Daily from Madhyamgram to Kolkata to Sell Books, But Why?

If you've ever wandered into the famous Indian Coffee House on College Street in Kolkata, you've probably met him — Paritosh Bhattacharya, the quiet yet enigmatic figure who roams the tables, carrying books of rare Bengali literature and sparking lively conversations with anyone willing to listen. But who is he really, and what makes him one of the most beloved personalities in Kolkata's intellectual circles?

The Refugee Life of Paritosh Bhattacharya

At 82, Paritosh Bhattacharya's story begins long before he became a familiar face on College Street. Born into hardship, he lost his father before he was even born and grew up in his maternal grandparents' house in Chittagong. During the Partition, he was forced to flee with his mother and sister to Calcutta as refugees. "I remember before moving to my maternal aunt's house near Star Theatre in north Kolkata, my mother, sister, and I spent a few days at Sealdah Station. I was too young to understand what was happening, but I still remember the sorrow on their faces—it stays with me to this day,” he recalls with a reflective smile.

Paritosh Da went on to say, “I hated the slum area we lived in after settling down in Kolkata. It wasn’t just about being isolated from others, it was the overwhelming loneliness. I felt emotionally distant from the world around me."

For Paritosh Da, books became a lifeline. "Sometimes I’d read even without understanding, just to ease my pain," he says. Due to the hardships he faced, he couldn’t finish his schooling and dropped out around class 3 or 4. But he taught himself to read, and his Sanskrit pronunciation is remarkable, something we noticed when he recited one of his favourite Chanakya Shlokas. "I learnt English and Sanskrit through books. I believe you must memorise some passages by heart," he shares with a laugh.

A voracious reader, Paritosh Da developed a deep hunger for knowledge. Books were his escape, offering him a world of ideas and stories far removed from his immediate surroundings.

When asked about the first book that had a profound impact on him, Paritosh Da chuckles. "I have to tell you a little story about this," he says, eyes twinkling with mischief. "It all started when I was in class 2 or 3. My mother was in Bihar, and I was attending a Patshala—a kind of village school. One day, I found a book hidden under a worn-out almirah in the corner of the classroom. It was in poor condition, but I couldn’t resist it. I couldn’t read it at the time since the teacher and other students were always around, but one day during break, I sneaked it into my bag. After school, I ran outside, sat by the road, and opened it. It was Kurukshetra by Nobin Chandra Sen."

Paritosh Da’s face lights up as he recalls the moment. "I was thrilled when I saw the author’s name. He was from my hometown, Chittagong. A famous author from my very own place! It felt like a personal connection, and I couldn’t wait to read it. It was the first time I understood how books could connect you to new worlds."

Reflecting on his past, Paritosh Da adds, "I didn’t receive proper schooling, and I had to drop out early, which created a constant conflict within me."

Years later, Paritosh Da’s journey took an interesting turn when he started selling books. A man named Nikhilesh Ray, from a small village in Cooch Behar, would often buy dozens of picture books from him. "The children in his village loved these books more than chocolates," Nikhilesh explained. "I bring them these books to spark their curiosity and love for reading." Hearing this, Paritosh Da reflected on his own childhood and said, "If I could advise my younger self, I’d tell him to read picture books. They’re easy to understand, fun to read, and especially beneficial for children. Books like Panchatantra, Batish Singhasan, Hada Bhoda, and Chotoder Mahabharat—these books not only made reading enjoyable but also sparked curiosity in ways words alone couldn’t."

How a Man Become a Book Seller Without a Proper Schooling

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Paritosh Bhattacharya is one of those rare individuals who has embraced a solitary life with grace, never bothering about material things. For almost 50 years, he has been selling books at the College Street Coffee House, and at 82, he continues his daily journey from Madhyamgram to College Street with unmatched passion. A thin, short man with white hair and a beard, dressed in an unironed cotton kurta and carrying his rustic jhola filled with books, he arrives at the Coffee House around 5 PM. There, he moves from table to table, eager to spark the interest of readers with his collection of rare, vintage Bengali literature. His books are old but affordable, including treasures like a first edition of Nazrul’s works, a Signet edition of Banalata Sen with cover art by Satyajit Ray, and early volumes of Rabindranath Tagore's poetry.

For Paritosh Da, it’s not about running a traditional bookstore or selling books for profit. It’s about connecting with people, igniting curiosity, and sharing his love for literature. As he roams between the tables, he spots potential readers and starts engaging them with questions like, “Can you, did Rabindranath use ‘Sri’ before his name or not?” His inquisitive nature always leads to lively conversations—no wonder he’s a favourite at the Coffee House!

We couldn’t resist visiting his home in Madhyamgram, where he lives alone after losing his beloved wife in 2021. Despite his fading eyesight due to age, Paritosh Da continues to read and sell books with the same enthusiasm he had in his youth. His two-room home is packed with over 15,000 books stacked on chairs, floors, verandahs, and even the bed. “It’s dangerous,” he laughs, “but I can’t help myself. Books are my world.” His rare collection includes first editions of Jibansmriti by Rabindranath Tagore, Meghnadbadh Kavya by Michael Madhusudan Dutta, and Raga-Kalpadruma by Krishnananda Vyasadeva, found in unexpected places like old newspaper shops. He’s also come across family histories, such as the history of a branch of the Kar family in Calcutta, and rare local histories, including a history of Barasat.

Paritosh Da once stumbled upon an incredible collection of old books belonging to a descendant of Rani Rasmoni. Yet, despite these treasures, he never regrets parting with any book. “I spent most of my life under the shelter of others,” he reflects. “Back when I lived with my sister's in-laws in cramped spaces, I gave away books—sometimes without reading them, sometimes even without paying for them. At first, I was angry, but then I learned to let go of things, even the most precious. I have no regrets in life. If I changed anything, I might lose a part of me.”

Though he lives simply, Paritosh Da has had the privilege of selling books to some of Bengali literature's greatest figures, including Satyajit Ray, Sunil Gangopadhyay, and Shakti Chatterjee. When asked what he would do if he had unlimited money to open his dream bookstore, he replied eagerly that he would create a place where people could come, stay, read, and share knowledge. “People have more knowledge than what is written in any one book,” he says. “Books reflect different perspectives, and no one can read them all in one lifetime. I want to build a place where people can share these perspectives and grow their love for books.”

One meeting that left a lasting impression on Paritosh Da was with Sunil Gangopadhyay. Despite not being in his best health, Sunil began to recite a poem, and his entire persona seemed to transform. The aura of his words captivated everyone, and Paritosh Da recalls that moment with awe.

Known for his rare collection of first editions and vintage books, Paritosh Da stands out in the crowd. His ability to spark curiosity in readers is unparalleled. When asked how he decides which books to carry with him each day, he grins, “I cracked the formula,” he says, “by carrying rare gems like Raj Kahini and Pothir Pachali—books that sell themselves.” His method is simple: ignite curiosity. Over the years, he’s perfected the art of turning casual passersby into lifelong customers with just a few words about a book’s hidden charm.

"Amake Mone Rekho" – Don’t Forget Me

For Paritosh Bhattacharya, reading is more than just a hobby—it’s an obsession. He immerses himself in all sorts of genres, from history and geography to patriotic poems, especially those written by Dinabandhu Mitra. Growing up in Chhattogram, a region steeped in the history of freedom fighters, has shaped his love for books about India’s struggle for independence. His personal favourites focus on the bravery of figures like Master Da Surjo Sen, and this passion for patriotism is reflected in the books he offers.

When asked about the most significant change he’s witnessed, Paritosh Da sighed, "With the rise of technology, people no longer buy physical books as they once did. The lively discussions and debates around books are fading as everyone prefers reading on tablets or phones." Despite the changing times, his passion for rare literature remains unwavering, and he continues to be a living archive of Bengali literary gems.

Paritosh Da shared a funny story about how his own autobiography came to be. He recalled how, years ago, a conversation with someone at the Coffee House turned into a discussion about his life. At the time, he didn’t take it seriously, but 20 years later, he was surprised and pleased to see it published as his autobiography. “I never thought anyone would remember me like that,” he said with a smile.

When asked what title he would choose for a book about his life, Paritosh Da replied without hesitation: “(Amake mone rekho) Do not forget me.” He shared his advice for anyone interested in bookselling: focus on collecting rare and precious books, often found with kabadiwalas or scrap dealers and old newspaper shops. According to him, understanding which books to collect and how to spark curiosity in readers is the key to success in the book business.

If you want to support and encourage his unique way of life, there are two ways you can help: donate old or rare books, or buy one of the many treasures Paritosh Da carries with him. Your support will help him continue spreading the love for literature and ensure that his mission endures for generations to come.

Where: Indian Coffee House, College Street, Kolkata

Contact: ‪090385 97525‬