Hungry generation

Bhookhi Peedhi Andolan ke kavi evam lekhak

Hungry Generation was a literary movement in the Bengali language during the 1960s in Kolkata (then Calcutta), India. Initiated by Malay Roy Choudhury, Shakti Chattopadhyay, and Samir Roychoudhury among others, the movement sought to change the existing norms of Bengali literature and culture, challenging the traditional literary practices and societal norms.

Origins and Development

The Hungry Generation, also known as Hungryalists, emerged in the early 1960s as a reaction against the post-colonial cultural and political milieu of West Bengal. The name "Hungry" was inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer's line "In Sowre Hungry Tyme", and it aimed to express a deep dissatisfaction with the status quo and a hunger for a new kind of expression. The movement was officially launched with the publication of a manifesto, which called for a more spontaneous, unapologetic approach to literature, emphasizing freedom of expression and a break from the constraints of traditional literary forms.

Literary Characteristics

The literature produced by the Hungry Generation was marked by its rebellious tone, use of colloquial language, and exploration of taboo subjects such as sex, drugs, and existential angst. The movement was influenced by the Beat Generation in the United States and shared similarities with other contemporary movements that sought to challenge societal norms and literary conventions.

Major Figures and Works

Malay Roy Choudhury was a pivotal figure in the movement, known for his controversial poem "Stark Electric Jesus" which led to his arrest on charges of obscenity. Shakti Chattopadhyay and Samir Roychoudhury were also central figures, contributing significantly to the movement's literature and ideology. Other notable members included Subimal Basak, Tridib Mitra, and Basudeb Dasgupta, who contributed through their poetry, essays, and manifestos.

Impact and Legacy

The Hungry Generation had a profound impact on Bengali literature, challenging and ultimately altering the literary landscape of Bengal. Despite facing censorship, legal battles, and societal backlash, the movement succeeded in inspiring a new generation of writers and artists. Its influence can be seen in the works of later Bengali poets and writers who embraced a more open, experimental approach to literature.

The movement also garnered international attention, with figures such as Allen Ginsberg visiting Kolkata and interacting with members of the Hungry Generation. This international exchange further solidified the movement's place in the global literary consciousness.

Controversies and Challenges

The Hungry Generation faced significant opposition from the government and conservative literary circles. Members were subjected to arrests, and their works were often censored or banned. The legal battles, particularly the obscenity trial of Malay Roy Choudhury, highlighted the challenges faced by the movement in its quest for literary freedom.

Conclusion

The Hungry Generation was a seminal movement in Bengali literature, embodying the spirit of rebellion and the desire for a new form of expression. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the movement left an indelible mark on the cultural and literary history of Bengal, paving the way for future generations of writers and artists to explore new horizons.