Prof. Phani Bhusan Adhikari was acquainted with Rabindranath Tagore in 1910 while he stopped for a few hours in Shantiniketan enroute his working place at Benaras Hindu University after Summer Vacation. He wrote an eulogium titled "Bolpur Vidyalaya" [ Prabasi, Agrahayan issue, 1317]. He and his wife Sarajubala had deep liking in works of Rabindranath which influenced their children.Their third daughter Ranu [ good name Priti] had read all the short stories of Rabindranath in her childhood and wrote a letter to Rabindranath addressing;
Dear Rabi Babu,
I have read all the stories in your "Galpaguchcha" and have understood most of them . i could not follow "Kshudita Pashan" [Hungry Stone]. Well, the old man wanted to tell the story of the maid-servant of Iran, why didn't he complete the story.I like to hear that story. Do you let me inform the story. Moreover, in the story ' Joy Parajoy" did Shekhar marry the princess. Yes, or no.My elder sisters say he died. You please write that he remained alive and married the princess. Please ? If, actually, shekhar would die, I would be very sorry.I am very much [khuuuuuuuub as she wrote in Bengali ] impassioned to see . Make sure to visit to our place. Please don't forget. If you don't come, I shall terminate friendship with you. If you come, we shall offer you our bed room r your rest. We shall show you our dolls,...
Rabindranath didnot neglect the letter written by a girl, rather, gave a long reply on 19th Aug 1917, and wrote on the envelope " Ranu / 235 Ashanta Kundu / ...,
"Your name, Ranu, is very sweet - I had a daughter whom I called Ranu, but she is no more. This short name is ok for your home but a bit misfit to post a letter. If I have done anything wrong by writing your name "Ranu" on the envelope, I should not be held responsible. There is a difference in the pet name and a good name. If you write further , you should give your full name. "
This was published in Vichitra, [ Shraban 1334] and later in "Bhanusingher Patrabali".
