India urges rethink on Ray ancestral home demolition
India has formally requested Bangladesh to reconsider the demolition of the ancestral home of filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s grandfather, Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury. The century-old building in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, currently under the control of Bangladesh’s Shishu Academy, was reportedly being pulled down due to its dilapidated state.
Shared Bengali Legacy
Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury was a pivotal figure in the Bengal Renaissance—founding the children’s magazine Sandesh and pioneering colour printing in Bengal. The ancestral house holds historic and cultural importance, symbolizing a shared heritage between India and Bangladesh.
Preservation Offer from India
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed “profound regret” over the demolition and offered cooperative support to restore and convert the property into a literary and cultural museum. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also appealed to Bangladesh, highlighting the house’s deep ties to Bengali identity and urging its protection.
Bangladesh’s Reason and Local Sentiment
Bangladeshi officials cited safety concerns, noting the unused building had stood abandoned for about ten years and posed risks, especially to children using nearby premises. Locals and poets in Mymensingh had also repeatedly called for its preservation, lamenting the loss of cultural heritage.
Diplomatic Undertones
The issue highlights broader cultural diplomacy between the two countries. India’s offer to help preserve the building reflects ongoing cooperation, especially as relations grow more constructive since April 2025 under the interim Bangladesh government.
What Comes Next
Bangladesh may now choose to halt demolition or salvage elements to incorporate into a new structure. India’s assistance could lead to creation of a museum celebrating the Ray family legacy. The coming weeks are expected to reveal whether both governments reach an agreement to balance safety concerns with heritage conservation.
