As I sit by the Kashimitra Ghat, a student’s question echoes in my mind. The sun’s rays are reflecting on the Hooghly River while a group of young friends are chatting on the staircases of the ghat. “Who is a comrade?” my student’s question suddenly hits me and memories of Bachchu flood my mind.
Bachchu, born on March 1, 1944, lived in a yellow old house at 11, D Ramdhon Mitra Lane near Town School, Shyambazar. He used to study at Sailendra Sarkar School and later joined Presidency College. It was there that he fell in love with the Left ideology while studying alongside Rabindranath Tagore.
Bachchu’s uncle, a poet and a Leftist, had a profound impact on him. After college, Bachchu became a Bengali teacher at Dum Dum Adarsh Vidya Mandir. He had already joined the Communist Party by then and had become a member. The family printing business was struggling, and the food movement was sweeping across Bengal. The Vietnam War was also on. Amidst the turmoil, Bachchu couldn’t continue his teaching job. The party entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the youth organization wing.
A Born Leader
It was the Kolkata of the 70’s. On one hand, the police, while on the other, the extremists were torturing the revisionist Left-wing youth workers around Kolkata.
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Bachchu’s hideout was then the Laha Colony ground. One day, he came across a news from a fellow comrade that Goutam, a party worker from Dum Dum, was allegedly attacked, slaughtered and left to die at the Kashimitra Ghat.
As soon as Bachchu heard the news, he rushed to Goutam, rescued him and rushed towards a hospital. Goutam’s body was soaked in blood with his left ribcage exposed and flesh hanging loose.
A Tribute to a Fallen Comrade
On August 8, 2024, former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passed away. His comrade, whom he had once saved from the Kashimitra Ghat, Goutam Deb, rushed to pay his last respects just after being discharged after a major surgery from hospital.
When asked about his fellow comrade by the journalists, Deb replied, “Who would stay forever?”
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A Leader With a Heart
Beyond his political achievements, Bhattacharjee’s compassion and empathy inspired countless individuals. His dedication to public service was unwavering, earning him the nickname “Buddha-da” among the people.
A Patron of the Arts
Former Chief Minister of West Bengal and communist leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s love for literature and culture was evident in his patronage of the arts. He played a pivotal role in promoting Bengali cinema and theatre, recognizing the talents of iconic artists like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen. His government’s initiatives helped preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Bhattacharjee used to be called Bacchu by his parents and friends.
A Lasting Legacy
As we reflect on Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s remarkable tenure (2000-2011), it’s clear that his impact extends far beyond politics. Though controversial. He embodied the spirit of a true leader, leaving behind a legacy of hope, progress, and humanity.
The Singur movement would certainly be recalled with his name. The man with only agenda of public welfare went against the party line, however, became a fallen angel. He restated- ” History would judge me regarding Singur”.
Today, as we face new challenges, his example reminds us of the power of compassion, vision, and dedication to the greater good.
And as Bacchu, former Chief Minister of West Bengal Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee started his last ride along with his comrades from the two-room mundane flat of Palm Avenue’s government housing, the answer to my student’s question came floating in the unknown stream.
Although great chaos still reigned under the heaven. We are far away from the sun, yet its warmth is felt. Comrade.
