Madan Mohan Mukherjee was a celebrated poet, cultural activist, and educationist from the Bishnupriya Manipuri community, known for his literary contributions and advocacy for his people’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Born to Babadhan Mukherjee and Shyamjed Mukherjee in Anipur village, Durlabhcherra, Karimganj district, Assam, Madan Mohan was the second of three brothers. He received his early schooling at the local village school and completed his matriculation in 1952 from Karimganj Government High School. He pursued higher education at Guru Charan College, Silchar, graduating in 1957 with a degree in English.
Madan Mohan Mukherjee began his professional career in 1957 as the Headmaster of Sibergool High School. In 1958, he moved to become the Headmaster at Chargola Valley Public High School.
Later, in 1968, he served as the Headmaster of Ratabari High School and subsequently at Karimganj High School. Throughout his teaching career, he remained deeply committed to education and cultural preservation.
In 1963, Madan Mohan Mukherjee served as the Joint Secretary of the Sahitya Parishad. During this time, he was part of a delegation that met with the Chief Minister of Assam to submit a memorandum emphasizing the importance of primary education in the Bishnupriya Manipuri mother tongue. This initiative highlighted his commitment to cultural preservation and linguistic rights.
Madan Mohan’s literary passion was kindled by the inspirational poetries of Gokulananda Geetiswami.
His first poem was published in 1955 in a magazine called “Purbashree”.
Over time, his poems found space in several reputed journals from Kolkata, such as Jayashree, Satyajog, and Sanghaat.
His famous works include:
- Thoigo
- Tenna Kokkok
- Rupai Moutup
- Loilaat
His poetry often reflected themes of cultural pride, spiritual reflection, and social commentary, and resonated widely within and outside the Bishnupriya Manipuri community.
Madan Mohan Mukherjee’s literary prowess is acknowledged through his poetic tribute to Gokulananda Gitiswami, a revered figure in Bishnupriya Manipuri culture. In his poem, Mukherjee expressed the profound impact of Gitiswami’s performances, illustrating the deep emotional resonance of his art:
“One day after going to hear the songs composed and sung by you, somehow I gave away my heart to you… I am thinking as if after giving something to you I came back alone somewhat bewildered.”
This excerpt not only showcases Mukherjee’s poetic talent but also his deep appreciation for the cultural expressions of his community.
Though specific literary works by Madan Mohan Mukherjee are not extensively documented, his role in advocating for the Bishnupriya Manipuri language and culture remains significant. His efforts in both literary circles and cultural advocacy have contributed to the preservation and promotion of Bishnupriya Manipuri heritage.
For his remarkable literary achievements, the Bishnupriya Manipuri Sahitya Sabha honored him with the title “Sahitya Saurabh”. In 1995, the Government of Assam recognized his contributions by awarding him an Honorary Literary Pension.
Madan Mohan Mukherjee also ventured into politics. He contested in the Assam Legislative Assembly Elections twice — in 1962 and 1967 — although he did not win either time. Nonetheless, his political efforts were in line with his lifelong dedication to serving his community.
Madan Mohan Mukherjee passed away on 5 October 2004.
His life and works remain a source of pride for the Bishnupriya Manipuri community, and his contributions to literature and education are fondly remembered.
(c) Shankar Sinha for Bishnupriya Manipuri Sahitya Sabha