Kolkata: Worry over rare documents in singed Udbodhan building

KOLKATA: Monks of Ramakrishna Math & Mission experienced mixed feelings on Thursday morning after surveying Mayer Bari and the nearby Udbodhan office. They were relieved that the former, where Sarada Devi lived, had escaped the fire on Wednesday, but were concerned about the rare possessions preserved at the Udbodhan office that was partially damaged.
With cracks developing in the first-floor walls of Udbhodhan building, RKM authorities feared the structural stability may have been compromised and will require extensive repair and renovation.According to Swami Nityamuktananda, a senior monk who looks after Mayer Bari, the order is waiting to access the building after the forensic team’s visit to assess the damage and loss. The first thing they will look for is the maiden issue of Udbodhan Patrika, which was kept on the second floor along with other rare documents.
“The first issue is a prized possession since it was Swami Vivekananda who started it over a century ago,” the monk said, adding that they will scan the archives and library at RKM headquarters in Belur Math to check if there is a copy.
Udbodhan is the only Bengali publication of Ramakrishna Math & Mission, whose publication began in January 1899. Over the years, Udbodhan evolved into a publishing house. ‘Udbodhan Patrika’ was published from Mayer Bari till 1966, when construction of the present Udbodhan Bhawan was completed and the magazine office was shifted there.
Swami Nityamuktananda also expressed concern about the fate of rare manuscripts and reference books. “We are praying that all the invaluable historic documents have been spared,” he said.
The RKM authorities will engage architects and engineers to conduct a structural stability test of Udbodhan building. Thereafter, fire consultants may be engaged.