Kolkata, 13 October (H.S.): Makhanlal Sarkar, a 97-year-old veteran leader who accompanied Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee during his historic 1952 Kashmir journey, will inaugurate Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata this year. He is scheduled to open community puja pandals in the Ballygunge and Dhakuria neighbourhoods of the city. Organisers noted that their decision to invite him stems from his close association with Dr. Mookerjee during a pivotal era in Indian history.

Reflecting on his past, Sarkar recalled his early childhood in Comilla (now in Bangladesh), where memories of traditional community celebrations remain vivid. He later spent formative years in Siliguri, fondly remembering the Town Station puja where the idol of Goddess Durga was brought aboard a toy train. When asked whether he ever discussed Durga Puja with Dr. Mookerjee, Sarkar explained that the nation had just achieved independence, facing widespread poverty and the daunting task of nation-building. Consequently, their interactions remained strictly focused on political strategy and organizational work. This festive season, he plans to spend time with his daughter and grandchildren in Gaighata.

Associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 1945, Sarkar served as an organizational coordinator across West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling following the party's formation in 1980, and served as district president for seven consecutive years. During the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought Sarkar's blessings by touching his feet. Expressing satisfaction with the initial five months of the state administration, the veteran leader suggested that the Chief Minister prioritize initiatives to tackle unemployment.

Even at 97, Sarkar maintains a disciplined daily regimen. He wakes up at 5:30 AM for a morning walk and adheres to a modest diet consisting mainly of black tea, sattu, or milk and roti. He retires to bed by 9:30 PM, though live cricket broadcasts occasionally disrupt that schedule given his lifelong passion for the sport. Having transitioned from listening to Mahalaya on the radio to watching it on television, he now spends most of his days engaging with family and recounting historical memories with his three granddaughters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh