19/01/2026
“Meeting people who keep poetry alive despite busy professional lives is truly inspiring.”
My interaction with Engineer-Poet Abdul Malek at the Malda Book Fair 2026.
🌿📚
A Memorable Literary Encounter at the Shershabadia Vikas Parishad Stall ***
On 18th January 2026, at the Malda Book Fair, I had the opportunity to experience a truly memorable literary moment at the stall of the Shershabadia Bikas Parishad. This stall was not just a place for books, but a vibrant meeting point of language, culture, and creative thought. It was there that I had the privilege of meeting and having an enriching conversation with a distinguished poet, writer, and thoughtful personality — Engineer Poet Abdul Malek.
From the very first interaction, it was clear that he is not only a man of poetry, but also a deep observer of life. Our conversation repeatedly touched upon life struggles, responsibilities, faith, and an unwavering dedication to literary practice. Although he served in highly responsible administrative and technical positions as a civil engineer, the poet within him has always remained alive and active, which was clearly reflected in his words and expressions.
✍️ Brief Introduction of the Poet
Engineer Poet Abdul Malek was born on 31st May 1961 in Kaliachak town of Malda district. His father was a marginal farmer and his mother a homemaker. He lost his father at the tender age of three and was brought up under the loving care and guidance of his mother and grandfathers, growing up closely acquainted with poverty and hardship. These early life struggles deeply shaped his sensitivity and literary consciousness.
He completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering and later obtained an MBA in Management. He is also a Member of the Institution of Engineers (India) — MIE. He served with great competence in various responsible positions in India and abroad under the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), a Government of India enterprise, and retired from service on 31st May 2021.
Despite the heavy demands of his professional career, he never abandoned his literary pursuits. His poems and short stories have been published in several literary magazines. In addition to Bengali, he has also written extensively in Hindi and English, many of which were published in the monthly NHPC News Magazine and in various special festival editions.
At present, he serves as the President of Gangchil Sahitya Sanskriti Parishad, Malda district, and is also an Advisor to the little magazine “Jatrik.”
📖 Poetry Collections and Literary Journey
His first poetry collection, “Alo Andhare” (In Light and Darkness), was published on 25th September 2022 (Mahalaya).
His second book “Upolabdh i” (Poems and Stories) and his third poetry collection “Poems in the Light of Islam” were formally released at the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair on 8th February 2023 from the Tarun Majumdar Open Stage, and were warmly received by readers.
His fourth poetry collection, “Alo Chhaya” (Light and Shadow), is awaiting publication at the upcoming International Kolkata Book Fair. The foreword of this book has been written by Dr. Najibar Rahman, Principal of Kaliachak College, which itself reflects the literary value and importance of the book.
🤝 Our Discussion and Personal Reflections
Our discussion at the Shershabadia Vikas Parishad stall went far beyond poetry. We talked about society, education, language, culture, and the lives of marginalized people. It became clear that for him, literature is not merely an artistic pursuit, but a moral responsibility to stand with humanity.
What impressed me most was how, despite being an engineer by profession, he expresses human pain, faith, and realization through poetic language with such depth and sincerity. His life journey, achievements, and continuous literary dedication are truly inspiring for the younger generation.
🌿 Concluding Thoughts
This meeting at the Malda Book Fair 2026 was not just an introduction to a poet, but a deeply enriching learning experience for me. Encounters with such thoughtful and responsible writers reassure us that our society is still illuminated by sensitive and committed literary voices.
The stall of Shershabadia Bikas Parishad truly serves as an important platform for language and cultural exchange, where one gets the opportunity to meet such inspiring personalities — and that is indeed a matter of great pride and joy.
I sincerely wish Engineer Poet Abdul Malek good health, long life, and many more valuable literary contribution in the years to come.
Abdul Maleque
Abdur Rahim Vibes
