Prof. (Dr.) Tapan Kumar Biswas

Biography of Prof. (Dr.) Tapan Kumar Biswas

Introduction

Prof. (Dr.) Tapan Kumar Biswas, a distinguished scholar and educator, has dedicated his life to the study and preservation of folklore and folk literature. Born on September 13, 1964, in the culturally vibrant region of West Bengal, India, Dr. Biswas embarked on a remarkable academic journey that spans over two decades, enriching the academic world with his expertise, dedication, and visionary leadership.

Academic Journey

Dr. Biswas laid the foundation of his academic pursuits at the University of Kalyani, where he completed his undergraduate studies in Bengali in 1987. His passion for folk culture and language led him to pursue post-graduation in Bengali from the same institution in 1989.

His unwavering commitment to the field prompted him to delve deeper, and he earned his Ph.D. in 2004 and a D.Litt. in 2012 from the University of Kalyani.

Teaching and Academic Experience

With an insatiable thirst for knowledge and dedication for imparting it to future generations, Dr. Biswas embarked on his teaching career. His academic journey began at Asutosh College, affiliated to the University of Calcutta, where he joined as an Assistant Professor in 1996. As a part of his phenomenal journey, he joined Department of Folklore at the University of Kalyani in 2000 and has been continuing here since then.

Over the course of his illustrious career, he ascended to the position of Associate Professor in 2008 and eventually Professor in 2011. His total teaching experience in the university system spans an impressive 26 years, a testament to his commitment for nurturing young minds.

Administrative Leadership

Dr. Biswas’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. He assumed various administrative roles, including Dean of the PG Faculty of Arts & Commerce at the University of Kalyani from 2017 to 2020. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping academic policies and ensuring the smooth functioning of vital academic centres.

He also served as the Vice Chancellor (Officiating) at the University of Kalyani for a brief but impactful period in 2017. His administrative prowess extended to Harichand Guruchand University, where he served as the Vice Chancellor from January 30, 2021 to January 29, 2023 and again from March 9, 2023 to June 8, 2023.

Areas of Specialization

Dr. Biswas’s expertise lies in Applied Folklore and Folk Literature, as well as Folk Language. His deep knowledge in these areas has made him a sought-after authority in the field.

Awards and Honors

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to academia and cultural preservation, Dr. Biswas has received several prestigious awards. Notably, he was honored with the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement National Award in 2019 by the International Institute for Social and Economic Reforms (R.), Bengaluru.

In 2023, he received the esteemed “Ekaler Droṇacharya Sanmanana” (একালের দ্রোণাচার্য সন্মাননা) from The Gouri Cultural and Educational Association, cementing his status as a true luminary in the field.

Publications

Dr. Biswas is a prolific writer with 12 published books to his name. His publications delve into various facets of folk culture, language, and literature, offering valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Bengal’s cultural heritage. Notable works include “Banger Loksanskriti: Prasanga Darjeeling O Jalpaiguri” and “Lok Abhikaran Shilpa.”

He has also contributed extensively to academic journals, both nationally and internationally, shedding light on the significance of folklore and its integration into contemporary society.

List
  1. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar, “Banger Loksanskriti: Prasanga Darjeeling O Jalpaiguri”, Ebong Prantik. 2nd May, 2022, ISBN 978-93-85454-48-6, Bengali.
  2. Malo, Dr. Nanigopal & Dr. Tapan Kumar Biswas, “Bangalar Manchonatoke (Nirbachito) Lokosanskritir Upadaner Provab O Prerona (1990-Bartamankal)“, Kalabati Book Publishing, Kolkata, ISBN: 978-93-93085-14-6, May, 2023, Bengali.
  3. Mandal, Chanchal & Prof. Tapan Kumar Biswas,. “Lokonatak Ashtak“, Byanjanbarna, Kolkata, January 2016, ISBN 978-93-84729-16-5, Bengali.
  4. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar, “Loksanskriti: Shosan O Sangram“ Marali Prakasani, 22th May, 2023, ISBN: 975-51-957808-7-0, Bengali.
  5. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar, “Lokshilper Sankat O Sambhabana“, Karulipi, June 2023, ISBN: 978-93-93841-66-7, Bengali.
  6. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar & Dr. Nanigopal Malo, “Malojatir Sanskriti“, Karulipi, June 2023, ISBN: 978-93-93841-68-1, Bengali.
  7. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar “Lok Abhikaran Shilpa“, Ebong Prantik, 26th July, 2022, ISBN: 978-93-85454-49-3, Bengali.
  8. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar & Dr. Sujan Roy, “Lokbhasar Nana Matra“, Ebong Prantik, 2nd February, 2022, ISBN: 978-93-85454-47-9, Bengali.
  9. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar & Dr. Sujan Roy, “Loksahitya O Lokbhasa“, Ebong Prantik, 1st January, 2022, ISBN: 978-93-85454-46-2, Bengali.
  10. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar, “Lokdharma O Loukik Deb-Debi“, Marali Prakasani, 31st May, 2023, ISBN: 978-81-957898-5-6, Bengali.
  11. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar & Dr. Nanigopal Malo “Shishu O Kishorder Manosik Bikashe Lokshilpo“, Karulipi, 5th September, 2021, ISBN: 978-93-86028-16-7, Bengai.
  12. Biswas, Dr. Tapan Kumar, “Lokkabi Lalan“, Marali Prakasani, 20th May, 2023, ISBN: 978-81-957898-6-3, Bengali.

Prof. Biswas’s Multidisciplinary Research Impact

Multidisciplinary Research and Scholarly Impact: Prof. Biswas’s Contributions to Folklore, Tribal Communities, and Literary Exploration.

The research works of Prof. Biswas have enlightened all spheres of the society which contain not only the literary sides especially the Folklore but also numerous aspects of tribal and downtrodden communities.

He has made distinguished research work on remarkable and reformative contribution of Shri Shri Guruchand Thakur on folk education which makes the resounding effect on Matua Community.

He has manifested string of facts through his unfathomable and industrious research works such as the history of the Toto, a marginal tribal group in North Bengal, ethos and culture of Muslim minority of South Bengal, traditional attires of various Assamese ethnic groups.

Literary section of his research work has expounded and substantiated various facets of Folklore which include Kathasahitya of Mahasweta Debi, folk culture of Bengali Theatre since 1990, influence and motivation of folk culture in the political movement of North Bengal, impact of folklore in the literature of Kalidas.

His multidisciplinary approach in the field of research work, in tune with present academic curriculum, makes him an outstanding and distinguished academician.

Conclusion

Prof. (Dr.) Tapan Kumar Biswas’s journey is an inspiring tale of dedication, passion, and scholarly excellence. His tireless efforts in the realms of folklore and folk culture have not only enriched academia but have also played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Bengal. As he continues to nurture young minds and lead by example, his legacy as a beacon of knowledge and cultural preservation remains undiminished.