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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.
