About
About
The Siddhi Bala Bose Library Association (SBBLA), commonly known as the City Bengali Club, is a premier cultural organization for Bengalis in Jabalpur, central India. Established in 1925 by Rai Bahadur Prabhat Chandra Bose, SBBLA has played a pivotal role in promoting Bengali culture and literature. Over the years, the association has grown to include various institutions such as a library, school, temples, and cultural venues, all dedicated to preserving and nurturing Bengali heritage. The association is renowned for its grand cultural and Puja celebrations, drawing eminent personalities and fostering a vibrant community spirit. Highlights of SBBLA include its extensive Bengali library, the Mokshada Devi Bengali Girls’ Higher Secondary School, and various community services such as a marriage bureau and event spaces. Through its diverse activities and dedicated efforts, SBBLA continues to serve as a cultural beacon for Bengalis in Jabalpur.
Board of Trustee
Centenary Journey
Siddhi Bala Bose Library Association
The institution was established in 1925 in Jabalpur with the aim of promoting the culture, art, language, and literature of the Bengali community and preserving this rich heritage. It is named in honor of Rai Bahadur Shri Prabhat Chandra Bose’s wife, Siddhi Bala Bose, who played a significant role in the establishment of this institution. In the same year, P.C. Bose laid the foundation of this library, which is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious libraries in the region.
The management of this institution has been carried out by the Council of Management since 1925. Rai Bahadur S.N. Barat (1925-1929) was its first president. Subsequently, this position was adorned by 22 prominent individuals, including S. C. Ghoshal, Rai Bahadur P. C. Bose, S. K. Chakraborty, Manoranjan Chatterjee, the first Indian Garrison Engineer Rai Bahadur Tulsidas Banerjee, Vibhuti Chatterjee, K. C. Niyogi, Purnendu Sengupta, L. K. Chaudhary, C. R. Dasgupta, High Court Justice C. P. Sen, senior physician Dr. R. N. Chatterjee, renowned physician Dr. S. K. Mukherjee, A. K. Dutta, and D. N. Chatterjee. Currently, Mr. Subrat Paul serves as the president.
The institution’s first secretary was Mr. N. L. Mukherjee (1925-1932). Subsequently, 26 distinguished individuals held the position, including former mayor Dr. S. C. Barat, S. K. Chakraborty, Amalesh Ghosh, P. C. Chatterjee, S. B. Banerjee, Debabrata Bhattacharya, C. C. Bhattacharya, B. B. Bandyopadhyay, Indu Bhushan Ganguly, Manoj Dasgupta, Samar Sen, Ramen Dutta, Dr. S. K. Mukherjee, Prashant Dasgupta, Bhaskar Ganguly, renowned doctor J. B. Sen, social worker Subrato Mazumdar, Atal Chowdhury, Dipankar Mazumdar, Kartik Banerjee (acting), among others. Currently, Mr. Prakash Saha holds this position.
The institution has been associated with many notable personalities, including the late former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.
Additionally, former Member of Parliament Mrs. Jayshree Banerjee is currently a life member.
Development Works
Over the last 100 years, the institution has completed numerous development projects with the support of donors, including:
1931: Establishment of Mokshada Devi Girls’ School and construction of Mohan Chandra Chatterjee Memorial Hall.
1939: Construction of Tarangini Puja Mandap and Tulsi Natya Manch.
1950: Building of Nari Mangal Samiti.
1965: Construction of a Guest House.
1972: Establishment of Kali Temple and installation of a statue of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
1981: Ambika Charan Banerjee Puja Mandap.
2002: Construction of Barat Ghar.
2004: Construction of Shed.
2008: Installation of Swami Vivekananda statue.
2009: Construction of New Durga Puja Mandap and cultural stage.
2012: Air-conditioned library.
2014: Construction of Vivekananda Yatri Niwas and renovation of Kali Temple.
2017: Paving of the Durga Puja Mandap area and school premises.
2021: Silver lotus pedestal, Jaba Charan, Silver altar in Kali Temple, reconstruction of nine forms of the Goddess, and inauguration of the recognized Bengali Community Mediation Center.
2022: Construction of Jagannath Temple.
2023: Expansion of the shed with profile sheets in the Durga Puja Mandap area and school premises, construction of Lord Jagannath’s “Mausi Ka Ghar” (temple), and launch of Swaranjali Music Art Academy.
2024: Construction of Barat Memorial Community Hall, renovation of Vivekananda Yatri Nivas, and creation of a grand gate at M. D. Bengali School.
Religious Events
Several religious and cultural programs are organized in the institution. Durga Puja is the main attraction. Other events include Lakshmi Puja, Satyanarayan Puja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, Shivaratri, Dol Utsav, Basanti Durga Puja, Snan Yatra, Rath Yatra, and Ganesh Puja.
Celebrations of great personalities and cultural programs include Vivekananda Jayanti, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti, Republic Day, Mother Language Day, Bengali New Year, Rabindra Jayanti, Kazi Nazrul Jayanti, and Independence Day.
Facilities
The institution provides several facilities for social welfare:
• Organized venues for weddings and events.
• Accommodation at Vivekananda Yatri Nivas.
• Stage for cultural programs.
• Community hall for social activities.
• Classes for learning Bengali language.
• Free homeopathy consultation center and physiotherapy service.
• Community Mediation Center recognized by the High Court.
• ICU bed, wheelchair, body freezer facilities.
• DashkarmaShop inside the premises.
• Matrimonial center for matchmaking services.
Sports and Other Activities
The institution promotes sports by providing facilities for table tennis, carrom, and chess. Regularly held activities include sports competitions, medical camps, and blood donation drives.
The Siddhi Bala Bose Library Association stands as a symbol of the preservation of art, culture, and literature in Jabalpur and remains an invaluable heritage for the Bengali community.
