NCL
Social Worker

Nitish Chandra Laharry

· West Bengal — Died 21 July 1964

First Asian president of Rotary International and producer of Bengal's first motion picture, Bilat Ferat.

Nitish Chandra Laharry (1892–1964) was an Indian lawyer, social worker and film producer from Kolkata. He was the first person of Asian origin to be elected as the president of Rotary International and was the producer of the first motion picture of Bengal, Bilat Ferat. It was during his presidency that Rotary International started its Youth wing, Interact Club. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1963, for his contributions to society.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Nitish Chandra Laharry produced 'Bilat Ferat' in 1921, which stands as Bengal’s first motion picture, a rare venture for an Indian lawyer turned filmmaker at that time.

The Story

1
🎬 In 1921, Nitish Chandra Laharry produced 'Bilat Ferat', the first motion picture made in Bengal, highlighting the Bengali diaspora in England, marking a unique intersection of culture and cinema in colonial India.
2
📚 He earned the J. M. Tagore Medal for Law from the University of Calcutta, reflecting his academic excellence before he abandoned law for the film industry and later social work.
3In 1926, Laharry joined the Calcutta Rotary Club and swiftly became its secretary the same year, beginning a long association that would stretch across cities and decades.
4During the Bengal famine of 1943, as president of Rotary Calcutta in 1944, Laharry led initiatives to open food canteens and free medical camps amid one of the worst humanitarian crises in India’s history.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Rotary International Presidency

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1921, Laharry transitioned from law to produce 'Bilat Ferat', the first Bengali motion picture, a pioneering effort in Indian cinema's silent era.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Kolkata, Bengal
Nitish Chandra Laharry was born in Kolkata, British India, to a school teacher father, one of three sons.
1892
📚
Education
Graduated in English Literature
Completed graduate and master's degrees in English literature from Scottish Church College and St. Xavier's College, Kolkata.
1910
⚡
Career
Produced 'Bilat Ferat'
'Bilat Ferat', the first Bengali motion picture, was produced by Laharry, focusing on the Bengali diaspora in England.
1921
⚡
Career
Joined Rotary Club Calcutta
Became member and secretary of the Calcutta chapter of Rotary International in the same year.
1926
⚡
Career
President of Rotary Calcutta
Led Rotary Calcutta through famine relief efforts during the Bengal famine of 1943, establishing food and medical aid camps.
1944
⚡
Career
Elected Rotary International President
Became the first Asian to serve as global president of Rotary International, initiating the Interact Club youth wing.
1962
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India for contributions to social reform.
1963
🕊️
Death
Death
Nitish Chandra Laharry passed away, leaving a legacy in social work and international service.
1964
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He won the J. M. Tagore Medal for Law at the University of Calcutta, an award recognizing top academic achievement in law during British India.

02 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

During the 1943 Bengal famine, Laharry’s Rotary club set up free food and medical camps, directly aiding thousands amid one of India’s deadliest famines.

03 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 1962, Laharry was elected Rotary International president, becoming the first Asian to hold this global leadership position.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Laharry’s presidency at Rotary International broke continental barriers by placing an Asian at its helm for the first time, paving the way for greater inclusion within the organization. His leadership during the Bengal famine demonstrated Rotary's potential as an emergency relief force in India, while his role in founding the Interact Club established a lasting youth engagement model that continues to nurture future leaders globally.

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