Do you think Nababarsha celebration has intensified by leaps and bounds in our country?

The English New Year that people observe in our country has a business essence attached to it. Ironically, for the 15,000 people who observe it, we need to deploy 6000 security personnel to protect them. However, in Bangla Nababarsha, where lakhs of people celebrate spontaneously there is little need for security restraints. It is so because people are vigilant themselves and guard against any unwarranted situation. The spirit of Naba- barsha is something that people hold close to their heart and feel a natural protective instinct to preserve it against any force.

How do you remember Nababarsha as a student?

I can trace it back to the 60s when Nababarsha celebrations had begun in the capital. Chhayanaut played the most important role of giving the Bangalees a day to celebrate and rejoice. This was and remains an occasion celebrated by people across all religion, caste and creed.

What other words such as Tele Joley Bangalee, Machey Bhatey Bangalee---would co-relate with "Bangaleepona"?

According to Tagore,
ToiloDhala Snighdho Tonu(Body dipped in oil)
Nidra Roshey Bhora(smug in a deep slumber)
Mathaye Khato Bohorey Boro(Short in height but broad in width)
Bangalee Shontaan(The Bangalee )

How does your institution Biswa Sahittya Kendra (BSK) observe the Nababarsha?

Bangla and Bangla related celebrations are observed here through out the year. This is one day when we take a break and relax.

How does BSK carry out its work to create a learned society - a Utopia if you like?

Our main goal is to help develop well-rounded individuals. We want to see a continuity of our country's strong set of values flow though the generations. So, we try to nurture moral values, and all the positive qualities in the young minds. After our initial success in the capital, we plan to go national. As one of the many innovative initiatives BSK has extended its library of over 10 lakh books through "mobile libraries" - that travel to certain locations and opens its doors for the eager minds.

Any dream come true?

Dreams are never realised. Otherwise it wouldn't be a dream. The more you try to reach your goal the more elusive it becomes. That's what drives people to reach out for more, try more and ultimately achieve what at first seems unachievable.

Awards received

Awards are aplenty, but to me an award is the last step to one's achievement. After that there is nothing more to attain. Awards are a way of killing off any future aspiration. For me, the sparkle in the eye of an audience, the instantaneous applause after achieving something, is an award I treasure above all.

What don't your fans know about you?

One thing people don't know about me is that I am by nature very shy, sensitive and reclusive. The more I want to avoid people and work in isolation the more I get involved. So you can say for me reality and desire are mirror-opposites.

Three unfulfilled wishes

Too many - I am still counting.

If you were re-born who would you want to be?

Earlier in my TV interviews I had always said that I would love to be re-born as a beautiful lady. Now, I guess I want to be born as no one but myself.