“Eso Manush Hou” (এসো মানুষ হও), meaning “Come, become human,” is a powerful Bengali book originally written by Swami Vivekananda. The book, published by the Udbodhan Office, Kolkata, focuses on youth personality development, human values, education, service, and independent thinking. It encourages young people to rise above superstition, cultivate strength of character, and develop a fearless and purposeful mindset. Swami Vivekananda believed that true humanity emerges from a combination of knowledge, compassion, discipline, and self-confidence—qualities that this book aims to nurture.
The book holds a special place in Vivekananda’s teachings because it calls upon every individual, especially the youth, to awaken the dormant power within. His message is simple yet transformative: becoming human is not just a biological fact but a moral and spiritual achievement. Through stories, reflections, and motivational guidance, “Eso Manush Hou” inspires readers to refine their personality, develop clarity of thought, and live a life dedicated to truth and service. The text remains widely read in Bengal and across India as a guiding light for character formation.
In 2005, this influential work received a unique reinterpretation when Dr. Uttam Das, an Assamese writer and researcher, converted the entire book into mirror language (দাপোণৰ ভাষা). Mirror language is a writing system in which every letter is reversed, appearing as if reflected in a mirror. Readers must either hold the text in front of a mirror or mentally reverse the letters to read it. This demands patience, concentration, and inner focus—qualities that complement Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-discipline and introspection.
Dr. Uttam Das’s mirror-language version does not alter Vivekananda’s teachings; instead, it adds a symbolic layer to the reading experience. Just as a mirror forces us to look at a reversed image, spiritual growth requires us to look inward, challenge our existing perceptions, and transform our thinking. In this sense, mirror language becomes an artistic and philosophical tool that supports the message of “Eso Manush Hou.”
By presenting the book in Daponor Bhasha, Dr. Das brought Vivekananda’s teachings to a new audience and demonstrated how traditional wisdom can be reimagined through experimental language techniques. His adaptation highlights the universality of Vivekananda’s message and proves that creative forms of expression can deepen the impact of spiritual texts.
In summary, the original “Eso Manush Hou” by Swami Vivekananda remains a powerful guide to personality development and human awakening. The mirror-language version created by Dr. Uttam Das in 2005 stands as a unique tribute—preserving the message while transforming the medium. Together, they encourage readers to reflect, rethink, and rise to their highest human potential.