Hiralal Chakraborty
Hiralal Chakraborty (1911–1968),was a freedom fighter, is known as one of the most popular publisher of modern Bengali Printing Publication.
Hiralal, second son of Nanda Kumar Chakraborty and Elokeshi Devi, born on 1911 at Khilpara, in Noakhali (now in Bangladesh) is an Indian publisher. Nanda Kumar was the 'Nayeb' of Zaminder of Khilpara. Hiralal completed his higher studies in East Bengal . He joined Indian independence movement in Noakhali District in 1930. He was a prime suspect but British police failed to catch him due to the lack of evidence. He was an employee of The East Indian Banking Corporation Limited . He established Khilpara Typing School in 1938 and started business there. He came to Kolkata in 1940 due to the volatile political movement in East Bengal and joined Nath Bank here. After the bankruptcy of Nath Bank, he established Prakashani Limited and Nababidhan Press at Jhamapukur, in Kolkata. In the late 40's to late 60's, Prakashani Limited was one of the leading Publisher in Kolkata. Prakashani Limited was famous for publishing Text books for school and college level students. Uma publishing was founded by him and it is still one of the top publishers in Kolkata.
Hiralal died on 12 May 1968 at the age of 57. After his death, Nababidhan Press and Prakashani Limited lost their glory.
His elder brother, Lokesh Chandra Chakraborty (1908–2000) was the principal of David Hare Training College of Jadavpur, Kolkata. Uma Publishing is another Publishing company which is owned by his son.
Hiralal's elder son Byomkesh was the AGM of Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation and his younger son Sumit is a banker.