Danbir Randa Prasad Saha, widely known as R.P. Saha, was a determined, self-reliant and compassionate humanist who rose from extreme poverty. Through hard work, talent and unwavering willpower, he became renowned across Asia as a philanthropist.
He was born on 16 November 1896 in Mirzapur of Tangail district, on a sacred Ekadashi morning. His parents were Kumudini Saha and Debendranath Saha.
At the age of seven, his mother died without treatment, leaving a deep wound in his young heart. From that painful experience he pledged that one day, if he became capable, he would stand beside those deprived of medical care. Later, poverty, his father’s second marriage, neglect from his stepmother and frequent hunger shaped his resilient character.
At the age of 16, he moved to Kolkata in search of work and joined the Bengal Ambulance Corps. During the First World War, he rescued 38 soldiers from the brink of death and gained praise from many quarters. Later, with the help of British official George V, he joined the Railway as a TTE but lost the job due to conspiracy. Even then, he did not give up. With his small savings, he began a salt and coal business in Kolkata in 1932, which marked the turning point of his life.
Gradually, he purchased a ship named ‘Bengal River’ and three power houses in Narayanganj, Mymensingh and Cumilla. He later expanded into jute bale manufacturing and leather businesses, establishing himself as a successful entrepreneur.
Devoted to public welfare, Randa Prasad Saha established a charitable dispensary by the Louhajang River in 1938, which eventually became the 750-bed Kumudini Hospital. Despite being deprived of proper education himself, he founded the renowned residential institution Bharateswari Homes in 1942 to promote women’s education. He also founded Kumudini Nursing School, Kumudini College, Debendranath College, Mirzapur University College, S.K. Pilot School and many more institutions.
He founded the Kumudini Welfare Trust of Bengal with the mission of human development and social welfare. His grandson Rajib Prasad Saha currently manages various institutions under the Trust, including Kumudini Women’s Medical College, the Nursing College and Kumudini Handicrafts.
A lover of art and culture, he regularly organised theatrical and cultural programmes at the Kumudini complex, where he himself also performed. During the devastating famine of 1350, he opened a community kitchen that saved countless lives.
During the Liberation War of 1971, on 7 May, the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators Al-Badr and Razakar abducted Randa Prasad Saha and his son Bhavani Prasad Saha. They were never found again. This remains an irreparable loss in the history of Bengal.
His institutions continue to uphold his philosophy and dedication. His contributions still serve as sources of education, healthcare and employment for thousands. Though he is no longer alive, his work, vision and generosity continue to illuminate society.
With deep respect and eternal reverence to this great philanthropist.
SS