Explore the World of Luxe Pret With Tarun Tahiliani at Lakme Fashion week 2023

From the runway of Lakmé Fashion Week 2023, witness the grandeur and artistry of Tarun Tahiliani's latest collection. Explore this special luxe pret collection at Lakmefashionweek2023—it promises to be an unparalleled experience like no other!

The TarunTahiliani LuxePret Collection, Sheer Drama, was showcased at the Lakme x FDCI Fashion Week 2023, and it paid homage to draped designs that transcended art. Every ensemble evolved into a fashion story of its own - with molten metallic drapes, ivory fluid silhouettes and handcrafted details that exuded an India Modern interpretation of luxe prêt: easy, comfortable and cool.

The collection is a visual feast of opulence, featuring structured draping and traditional embroidery reimagined in unexpected ways. Fans of the designer can look forward to a range of awe-inspiring designs in a spectrum of colors that range from neutral and nude shades to pastels, metallics and bold reds.

The color palette is a varied one, with the designers carefully selecting hues that embody elegance and grace. From warm ivory tones to calming beiges, chic rose pinks to electrifying violets, there's something for everyone! Highlighting these well-thought-out hues are subtle metallic accents that bring each piece alive. And for those looking for something brighter, the true star of this collection are exquisite embroidered red pieces that exude luxury and sophistication.

Structured Draping

Tarun's creations feature structured draping, which involves using different techniques to create a drapery effect - such as pleating, smocking, puffing and ruching. The result? A sophisticated appearance that gives the garment elegance, while still being comfortable.

Reimagined Embroidery

Next up, you'll find traditional embroidery totally reimagined in non-traditional sprays and settings—leaving a lasting impression on all that witness it! This intricate detail brings each piece to life through various stitches like bullion-knots, pearl beads and sequins.

Altogether, these techniques come together to form a unique luxe pret collection presented in a spectrum ranging from neutral, nude, pastel, metallic and red—giving you something for every occasion. Get ready to be adorned by light textures: because with Tarun Tahiliani at Lakmefashionweek2023 - you're in for a treat!

Tarun Tahiliani’s luxe pret collection at Lakme Fashion Week 2023 was truly an enchanting experience that drew inspiration from traditional Indian embroidery and craftsmanship. His light and airy textures juxtaposed with structured draping techniques, gave the collection a unique and modern look that had the audience mesmerized. With an array of vibrant colors, the collection showcased timeless Indian craftsmanship fused with modern design. It was a perfect representation of how traditional and contemporary styles can come together to create something magical.

Photo Source :

https://instagram.com/taruntahiliani?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Bongjournal is celebrating Women's Day the stories of amazing women by conveying their inspiring messages

International Women’s day, 8th March, is a day to celebrate the incredible contributions of women around the world on 8th March. On this special day, we honor and recognise the achievements of women on the social, cultural, economic, and political fronts. From ending gender inequality to promoting peace across nations, women have been pioneering positive change for centuries. This Women’s Day2023 is an opportunity for us to pay tribute to their resilience and courage in making our society a better place. Bongjournal is saluting their invaluable contributions and conveying inspiring messege from their views thoughts and stories of success.

For me, every day is women's day. We don't have to celebrate women's day on a particular day only when we could establish equal rights for every woman. Our society has always seen women in two aspects, rather divided into two. Bad women and good women second, upper class and lower class. Few even belong to even below that margin. Now, why this division? Few women in society get the advantage of education, healthy life due to their family background and opportunity. But all are not as lucky as these women. If some are not getting the opportunity that doesn't mean that they have no right to move forward. It is the duty of those progressive women to hold the hand of those less advantaged women to inspire them. Let's stand beside each other. Few women have managed to get independent, but the number is very few. There was a time when women were forced to be under the surveillance of their father, husband and sometimes their sons. But time has changed now. True independence can be defined as when women could make their own decision. with their own self-respect. But that doesn't mean waywardness. Only true independence of a woman could build a progressive society and heal the family.

Every year INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY , come up with a campaign theme, this year 2023 is embrace equity  DigitAll  innovation and technology for gender equality. We can all truly embrace equity, and raise awareness on digital education and inclusive and transformative education technology to empower today's women ....It's not just something we say. It's not just something we write about. It's something we need to think about, know, value and embrace. It's what we believe in, unconditionally. Equity means creating an inclusive world. Be Strength to Every woman, Come Forward to Support every Women Around You, who Needs it, which can be mental, emotional, social, informational and so on....with full on Confidence, Courage and a Good Intention, she can be your maid, your friend, your daughter, your neighbour ,  your colleague and anyone in and around You. Happy Women's Day to all the strong , intelligent,  talented and simply wonderful women. For me every day should be a Woman's day, where women should be celebrated,  respected, empowered, and supported. 

Only One Day , 8th March, can be Accepted to Celebrate all over the world... , because I feel, on the very same day, that Spark of the Feeling of Unity , Equality , Inclusivity in Diversity is ignited in everyone's mind...which creates more awareness among people about the motto of this Day and help in creating the Desired Change and Empower the entire planet equally. If you Ask me, it's STILL A LONG WAY TO GO. Women are doing wonders in almost every field, But if women were really independent, by now....  then why would these awareness,  empowerment and such programs are still taking place at all? The equality campaign, digital awareness of women campaign and so many more are still being conducted, all over the world, because  we are still struggling  in this patriarchal society to make our voices heard, to get our deserving platform, to get that Recognition, but I am hopeful,  that one day, all these hard work will get its due Recognition, and will Celebrate Women's Day in a much different way....it will be a Real Celebration of Victory....

Let us create an inclusive world together. We can all challenge gender stereotypes. Draw attention to bias and seek out inclusion. Collective activism is what drives changes from grass root action to wild-scale momentum. Together we can embrace equity, celebrate women's achievements and raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity. This is my message on international women's day when we embrace equity we embrace diversity and we embrace inclusion to me. International women's day means collectively fighting a positive change bringing about harmony and unity and helping drive success for all. Is there really a need for celebration? I would say equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there, so there is definitely a need for an international women's day celebration. let us all step forward and commit to embracing equity. Are women independent today? This is 2023. We have developed a lot now. compared to what we wore a century ago when we started working, women are earning, and girls are provided with education. According to me, women are independent to a certain extent. there is a lot more independence that we need to get. Let's stress equity today and always. Let's all step forward and commit to embrace equity.

On the occasion of International women's day, I just want to convey a message to other women that look forward. Particularly to those who are less advantaged in society. Forget all the disrespect, insult and abuse. If you keep on memorising these you couldn't progress. The time has come when you have to move on. Build your career. No work is shameful and I must say to those women who are already in a favourable position in society, to support and inspire them. So that they never felt neglected anymore. As well all know that improvement of the society depends on the progress of women. Even I believe that the victory of women means the victory of men too and vice-versa. Then only we could build a progressive society and world.

I want to say that every woman should work towards their financial stability & creative fulfilment. Being independent & content with one’s work brings about a self-assurance that is needed to live better. It helps in making the correct & relevant life choices.

There still exist areas where women don’t voice up their opinions, think for themselves & blindly admit submission to others.. As women we got conditioned more than being liberated. Different women will shed their conditioning & inhibitions at a different pace. Things have changed enormously & there is room for change. Always.

Sometimes questions arise like whether we really need to celebrate women's day. Just like we have 15th August to remind us that we are a free nation & can exercise our rights to freedom 24x7, let’s look at Women’s Day similarly. It’s the one day to reinforce the feeling that we have the whole year rigged in our favor & it’s upon us as to how we make the best use of it. Personally, that’s what Women’s Day means to me. Also, I am greedy for a few lifestyle deals & discounts available on this day

 

World Radio Day, an opportunity to encourage young generation

World Radio Day 2023 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the power of radio as a medium for peace. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Radio and Peace”. On this day, we can appreciate how radio has been used as an instrument of peace, cooperation and understanding between people around the world.

The aim of celebrating this international event is to recognise the importance that radio has played in bringing communities together and promoting a peaceful co-existence.

From broadcasting messages of peace to facilitating conversations between communities in conflict, radio has had a positive effect on our society. It has allowed us to connect with each other regardless of cultural differences and language barriers. Let us celebrate World Radio Day 2023 by reflecting on the power of radio to bring people together in times of conflict and cultivate an understanding between people from different backgrounds.

Since the digital media era started, radio has been struggling to maintain its position in the market. Despite being one of the oldest and most widely used mediums of communication, it is getting overshadowed by more modern technologies such as streaming services and podcasts.

On World Radio Day 2023, we should take a moment to reflect on how radio has evolved over the past two decades. From traditional radio broadcasts to online streaming services and podcasts, radio has remained an integral part of our lives.

For the next generation, the power of radio lies in its ability to bring people together. We can use it to form connections that transcend geographical boundaries and spread important messages across generations. We can also use it to tell our stories and cultivate understanding between different cultures.

World Radio Day is an excellent occasion to recognize the power of radio as a medium for entertainment, education and communication.Radio still provides us with a wide variety of content that we cannot get from any other sources. It also helps in bridging cultural divides and providing communities with access to information from all over the world. Therefore, it is safe to say that even though its importance may have diminished compared to past decades, it still plays a significant role in our lives today

As we look forward to World Radio Day 2023, it is important for us to recognise the potential that radio offers in our lives and remind ourselves of its importance as a way of connecting with people around the world. It is also an opportunity for us to pass on this knowledge and message of value to the next generation. Let’s use World Radio Day 2023 as an opportunity to encourage young people from all backgrounds and walks of life to explore their passions through radio broadcasting and discover new ways of communicating with each other.

Tell us in the comments section about your favorite radio station and why you like it?

Where to Go If You Love Amazing Traditional Sarees with Unique Designs Inspired by Kolkata Scenes

Shweta Dey

Shristi, a high-end fashion space, was launched recently in Kolkata. The boutique is bringing to the city a whole new range of traditional and concept based sarees. With their custom designs and unique collections, Shristi is creating an entirely new shopping experience for its customers. The boutique offers the latest trends in sarees from different parts of the country and has something to offer for everyone - be it traditional saree lovers or those who like to experiment with their fashion choices. With its wide variety of options, Shristi is sure to become a favorite shopping destination for Kolkatans!

the place where you can find amazing traditional sarees featuring Babu Bibi motifs and other unique designs inspired by Kolkata scenes and Satyajit Ray’s heroines. Shristi's mission is to bring together the best of traditional and concept based sarees in one place that are designed to make you look effortlessly stylish while also celebrating the beauty of your culture. This boutique strives to provide you with a comprehensive selection of sarees that will fit any occasion or style preference, so you can be sure that you’ll find something perfect for any event or occasion.

Krishna Khara, the founder & owner of Shristi is a painter herself who loves to use her paintings as her saree design. She has collaborated with her friend Soma Dey, founder of Goynar Shilpo Karigori & showcase her jewellery in her boutique as well. There will be home decor products as well

 

From Left to Right - Kakali Biswas (Digital Creator) & Krishna Khara (Founder/Owner of Shrishti). 

Shristi, has been designed as a creative space for women to come & envision themselves in a new way. The space has elements of the North Kolkata Bonedi Bari, that makes it a delight for anyone who wishes to visit here.

ছেলের হাতেই ডোকরা শিল্পের ভবিষ্যৎ দেখছেন রাষ্ট্রপতি-পুরষ্কারপ্রাপ্ত গীতা কর্মকার

 

সুদীপ পাকড়াশী

ডোকরা শিল্প ভারতের প্রাগৈতিহাসিক কর্মকাণ্ডগুলোর মধ্যে একটি। যার বয়স প্রায় চার হাজার! প্রত্নতত্ববিদরা এই শিল্পের নিদর্শন প্রথম দেখেছিওলেন হরপ্পা আর মহেঞ্জোদরো খুঁড়ে বার করার সময়! কয়েক হাজার বছর আগে এক বিশেষ ধরণের 'মেটাল কাস্টিং' পদ্ধতির প্রয়োগে সৃষ্টি করা হত নানা রকমের শৈল্পিক উপাদান। পদ্ধতিটির একটি নামও রয়েছে, 'লস্ট ওয়াক্স কাস্টিং'। ধাতুর পটের ওপর রাধা-কৃষ্ণের ছবি থেকে শুরু করে ধাতুর তৈরি গনেশ, কৃষ্ণের মূর্তি, ধাতুর তৈরি পটের ওপর লক্ষী ও তার কাহিনীর চিত্রায়ণ-সমস্ত কিছুর সৃষ্টি হয় এই শিল্পে। পরবর্তীকালে মধ্যপ্রদেশ এবং ঝাড়খণ্ড হয়ে ধোকরা শিল্পের চর্চার প্রতিষ্ঠা হয় বাঁকুড়া, বীরভূম ও বর্ধমানে। 

৫৩-বছর বয়সী গীতা কর্মকার জানেন এই ইতিহাসের কথা। পশ্চিমবঙ্গের অন্যতম ডোকরা শিল্পী এই মহিলা। বাঁকুড়ার বিঘনা, শিল্পগ্রামে ডোকরা শিল্পের সাধনা তিনি করে চলেছেন প্রায় ৪০ বছর ধরে! ২০০৩-এ রাষ্ট্রপতি পুরষ্কারও পেয়েছেন। কিন্তু কোথায় সেই পুরষ্কারের অহং! গীতা দেবীকে মনে না পড়ালে হয়ত তিনি নিজে থেকে বলতেনও না! তার স্মৃতিতে যে এখনও উজ্জ্বল শৈশবের অপরিসীম লড়াইয়ের দিনগুলো। দারিদ্র্যের সঙ্গে লড়াই। বাবা বিড়ি বাঁধতেন। চার বোন আর এক ভাই। অল্পবয়সে পিতৃহীন হতে হল। ভাই আর বোনদের ভাত যোগাতে হবে যে! মা-র সঙ্গে লোকের বাড়ি কাজ করতেন। তার সঙ্গে অন্যের জমিতে চাষের কাজ, মানে দিনমজুর হয়ে খাটা। তারই মধ্যেও হাতের কাজের শখ ছিল। কাপড়ের টুপি, বালিশের ঢাকা, মাফলার তৈরির কাজও চলত। সেগুলো বিক্রি করে কতই বা রোজগার ছিল।কত দিন যে ভাল করে খাওয়া জোটেনি!

ডোকরার কাজে মগ্ন শিল্পী 

সেই গীতা কর্মকারের এক বিকেলে বিয়ে হয়ে গিয়েছিল! পণ দেওয়া সম্ভব ছিল না। তাই সকালে মেয়ে দেখতে এসে বিকেলে তার বিয়ে হয়ে গিয়েছিল। স্বামীর নাম গোপাল কর্মকার। তার হাতেই ধোকরার হাতে খড়ি। প্রচুর পরিশ্রম করেছেন। গীতা বলছিলেন, "প্রথমে শ্বশুরবাড়ি গিয়ে ঘরের এত কাজ করতে হত যে ধোকরা শেখা হয়নি। তারপর মেয়ে হওয়ার আগে আমি স্বামীর কাছে শিখেছিলাম ধোকরার কাজ। সকাল থেকে বসতাম। তখন শুধু শিল্প গড়া আর ভাঙার কাজ ছিল। কতক্ষণ যে কাজ করতাম মনে নেই। বিকেল হয়ে যেত দুপুরের খাওয়া শেষ করত।" 

গীতা দেবীর ডোকরার কাজ প্রথম দেখেছিল দিল্লির হাট, কলকাতা নয়। সেটা ১৯৯৬। যদিও তার প্রথম পুরষ্কার পাওয়া রাজ্য সরকারের হাত থেকে, ১৯৯৯-এ। তারপর টানা ৬ বার সেরা ধোকরা শিল্পীর পুরষ্কার তিনি পেয়েছেন। গীতার কথায়, "ডোকরা পটের গায়ে একটা ছোট্ট নৌকার ওপর ছবিতে সৃষ্টি করেছিলাম বেহুলা-লখীন্দরের কাহিনী। সেটাই এনে দিয়েছিল সেরার সম্মান।" রাষ্ট্রপতি পুরষ্কার পেয়েছিলেন ২০০৩-এ লক্ষীর গল্প লিখে। ধোকরার পটে। কিন্তু টাকা বেশি পাননি। মাত্র ১০ হাজার! 

তবু পরবর্তীকালে ব্যাঙ্ক লোনের পরিমাণ সরকার বাড়িয়েছে। আড়াই লক্ষ থেকে ৬ লক্ষ টাকা করে দিয়েছে। এখন গীতা কর্মকারের নেতৃত্বে বাঁকুড়ার বিঘনা গ্রামে একাধিক ধোকরা শিল্পী। বংশ পরম্পরায় ধোকরা শিল্পকে বাঁচিয়ে রেখেছেন তারা। 

আর এর মধ্যে গীতা কর্মকারের আলাদা প্রাপ্তি, ছেলে তাপস কর্মকারও সম্পূর্ণ এক শিল্পী হিসেবে নিজেকে প্রতিষ্ঠা করেছেন। গীতার কথায়, "এবছর রাজ্য সরকারের সেরা ধোকরা শিল্পীর সম্মান পেয়েছে ছেলে। এর চেয়ে আনন্দের আর কী আছে আমার কাছে!" 

Academy of Fine Arts struggle for survival continues, now against the 'so-called' politics

 

People would have died for the Academy of Fine Arts, situated in the heart of the city in any other metropolis. None could have ignored the Academy which has a periphery of green public space, highly conducive to public transport, six free-flowing exhibition galleries comprising an area of 6300 square feet, an auditorium that has been hosting historic and revolutionary plays over the decades, and exceptional collection of contemporary paintings (not less than 1300), textiles, carpets, manuscripts as well as the sculptures created by legendary Ramkinkar Baij. 

The Academy of Fine Arts has not been unfortunately taken care of by the state government even though the sprawling Rabindra Sadan, Sishir Mancha, and Nandan with Bangla Academy were acquired by the state government as its property. The consequence was clear. The historic institution that was originally introduced in 1933 on the premises of the Indian Museum and later shifted to its present location following an initiative from Lady Ranu Mukherjee and her husband late Sir Biren Mukherjee and started its journey in 1959, began to decline from its pinnacle gradually since the era of Lady Ranu Mukherjee when she presided over its destiny in the 1960s and continued till the 1990s. 

During the period that spanned more than three decades, the Academy of Fine Arts was called the 'nerve center' of Kolkata. It was instrumental in creating space for the 'public art culture' and offering audiences to have a feel and appreciation. Distinguished scholars of the history of art and theatre-world across the country made incessant productions of culture and new explorations over the years.

The hall received a rude blow in 2020 that lasted till the middle of 2021 courtesy Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. According to the general secretary of the Academy of Fine Arts, Kallol Bose, the hall used to have an average earning of around Rs 12 lakh monthly before it was closed due to lockdown. The earnings were totally zero for two consecutive years even though 30-35 employees' salaries including permanent and non-permanent employees were cleared most of their monthly salaries after the executive committee took an overdraft of Rs 40 lakh. 

Since the beginning of last year, the scenario began to change. The Academy of Fine Arts started earning and Bose informed they had earned an average of Rs 10 to Rs 11 lakh every month throughout the year. But again, the organization is facing the hazard that is taking the traditional institution to vulnerability and this time, the obstruction is coming from a section of its staff. According to general secretary the particular section of the employees is actively associated with the ruling party of the state. 

Bose complained, "The particular section of the staff is demanding back-logs of their salaries for 2021 even though we have promised it would be cleared. Secondly, they agitate and try to jeopardize the operation by calling strikes against the demand that a non-permanent staff must be made permanent who was alleged of theft. How can we fulfill this demand?" 

Amidst the disturbance and lack of financial assistance, the executive committee is trying to make a reformation of its famous museum that has been closed to the public for around the last 10 years. Bose lamented, "The budget for the reformation and repairing of the museum along with the galleries was around Rs 8 crores. We received only Rs 50 lakh almost 15 years ago through a central government scheme. Still, there are nearly 1300 rare paintings and a few rare manuscripts. We have approached the central government, and state government a couple of times for financial assistance, but have not yet received any response." 

Still, patchwork is going at the museum and it is likely to be opened to the public once again soon. The people will again obtain the opportunity to witness the rare paintings of Nandalal Bose, and Abanindranath Tagore, and rare manuscript of Bhanusingher Padabali. 

Defying Dire Distress Anirban moves toward his goal

Sudeep Pakrashi

Anirban Ghosh is a name to reckon with in the field of Indian table tennis. He has not only won the men's singles title in the state championship this year once again, but Anirban has represented India also a couple of times. He was one of the members of the Indian team that participated in the Spanish Open Junior Championship in Barcelona in 2013. He took part in the South Asian Under-15 Championship held in Delhi and won an individual title in ITTF Global Junior Championship. Anirban who was ranked India's number one in the sub-junior category and also ranked one in youth at the junior level is presently ranked sixth in India in the senior category. Anirban also drew the attention of the Indian table tennis fraternity when in 2012 he, despite being the sub-junior national champion at the age of only 13 years, reached the semi-final in the men's category in the national championship and finally lost to his idol Sharath Kamal. Anirban also represented India to take part in Hungary Open Championship this year. 

The Dire Financial Distress

Anirban started playing table tennis in 2007. He was fond of playing cricket. But following encouragement from his uncle Anirban shifted his allegiance to table tennis. His father Abhijit Ghosh had a small shop for mobile recharge but it is closed for the last five years. His mother Kakali Ghosh is a housewife. Still, Anirban could continue the game thanks to his grandfather who supported him financially. Otherwise, the 24-year-old paddler had to go through sheer financial distress. 

He still recalls the day when his mother sold out her beloved harmonium to purchase the first racket for Anirban. 

The paddler said, "How can I forget those days? Within only six months of starting the game, I became runners-up in the state championship in the cadet category (under 12) and then my journey began. My father used to borrow loans against interest whenever I used to go outside Kolkata to take part in national zonal ranking tournaments. I finished within the top two in the competitions, received prize money and my father cleared the loan. This was the way I used to continue my game." Anirban's performance got affected also amidst the severe financial crisis. Still, he has not given up. The resident of Naihati seems to have shrugged off his dark time a little bit after he joined Indian Railways in 2018. 

Effect of Raman High-Performance Center

Anirban who started learning and training the game under the guidance of Amit Mukherjee and Sumit Mukherjee at Naihati Bijoynagar Club now practices under the tutelage of renowned former Indian international Subhramanium Raman's High-Performance Center in Chennai for around last two years. Anirban said, "Once I approached G.S Sathiyan, a student of Raman sir and one of India's best paddlers presently to practice with me. Then following his initiative I got admitted to Raman High-Performance Center. Training there is helping me a lot to improve. Raman sir is presently the coach of the men's Indian squad. So we practice under the observation of his wife, Olympian paddler Bhubaneswari Devi. Raman sir does not take any fees from me. I am hugely indebted. Following his initiative, I can do fitness training at Sports Dynamics which is looked after by R. Srinivasan who was appointed as the fitness trainer of the World Cup winning Indian team in 2011."

Anirban dreams of ensuring a berth in the senior national squad for the Asian Games next year and in a bid to ensure the qualification, the paddler has set his eyes on Asian Championship.

 

চিরবিদায়ের দিনেও উঠে এল কাব্যে উপেক্ষিতদের কথা

সুদীপ পাকড়াশী 

অবশেষে তিনি বিদায় নিলেন। প্রত্যাশিতভাবেই, ৮২ বছর বয়সে। দীর্ঘদিন ধরে কোলন ক্যানসারে ভুগছিলেন। ফুটবল পৃথিবীর প্রত্যেকটি মানুষ তার জন্য প্রতিটি দিন প্রার্থনায় বসেও,  মনে মনে হয়ত ছিল তার শেষ নিঃশ্বাসের অপেক্ষায়। গোটা ব্রাজিল আজ পেলে-ময়! 'অল রোডস লিড টু স্যান্টোস'-সেই বিখ্যাত ক্লাবের স্টেডিয়ামে যাচ্ছে মানুষ। তাকে একবার শেষ দেখার জন্য। সারাজীবন যে ক্লাবের মাঠ ছিল তার সঙ্গী। মারিও জাগালোর মত তার ফুটবলজীবনের সতীর্থরা, জিকো, রোনাল্ডিনহো, লিওনেল মেসি, ক্রিশ্চিয়ানো রোনাল্ডো, কিলিয়ান এমব্যাপের মত তার পরবর্তী প্রজন্মের কিংবদন্তিরা-প্রত্যেকের শেষ শ্রদ্ধায় তিনি সর্বোত্তম!

পেলের ফুটবল পরিসংখ্যান আজ ক্লিশে হয়ে গিয়েছে। তার ফুটবল দক্ষতার কথাও লিখতে লিখতে আজ ক্লিশে হয়ে গিয়েছে। সুর্যের আলোর মত তা গনগনে। বিশ্বফুটবলের ইতিহাস তার সামনে নির্দ্বিধায় মাথা নুইয়েছে। তবু, পেলের চিরবিদায়ের দিনেও ব্রাজিলের অন্যতম সেরা পরিসংখ্যানবিদ এমিলিও কাস্তানোর লেখায় উঠে এল, মানুষ পেলে কিন্তু ফুটবলার পেলের উচ্চতায় পৌঁছতে পারেননি!

সাল ১৯৭০, বিশ্বকাপ জয়ের পর সতীর্থদের কাঁধে চেপে ফুটবল জগতের ব্ল্যাকপার্ল পেলে 

পেলের করা গোলসংখ্যা আসলে ১২৮৩ নয়, ৭৫৭টি! কিন্তু সেটাও মাত্র ৮১২টি ম্যাচে! অবিশ্বাস্য স্ট্রাইক রেটে। কাস্তানোর পরিসংখ্যান বলছে, পেলের ৫২৬টি গোল এসেছে প্রদর্শনী ম্যাচ থেকে। এই বিষয়টির চেয়েও কাস্তানোর পরিসংখ্যানে উঠে এসেছে আরও একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ তথ্য। 

ব্রাজিলের এক ম্যাগাজিনে এই বর্ষীয়ান পরিসংখ্যানবিদের প্রশ্ন, পেলের ঐতিহাসিক সাফল্য তো তার একার চেষ্টায় আসেনি। সঙ্গে ছিলেন তার অবিস্মরণীয় সতীর্থরা। তাদের কতজনের কথা তিনি মনে রেখেছিলেন পরবর্তীকালে? একবার তার দেখা সেরা ১২৫জন ফুটবলারের তালিকা তৈরি করেছিলেন পেলে। কিন্তু বিস্ময়করভাবে সেই তালিকা থেকে বাদ গ্যারিঞ্চা, ভাভা এবং ডিডি! আরও আছে, সেই তালিকা থেকে বাদ পড়েছিলেন গারসন, জোয়ারজিনহো, জিটো, গিলমার এবং জাগালোরও নাম! এরা কারা? পেলের সাড়ে সাতশো আন্তর্জাতিক গোলের প্রায় প্রত্যেক গোলে যাদের কারও না কারও অবদান ছিল! যেমন গারসন। কাস্তানোর পরিসংখ্যানে দেখা যাচ্ছে, পেলেকে হাজারের বেশি গোলের পাস দিয়েছেন এই ব্রাজিলীয় মিডফিল্ডার! গারসন বলেওছিলেন সাক্ষাৎকারে, "আমি পাস দেওয়ার জন্যই খেলাটা শিখেছি, গোল করার জন্য জন্য নয়।" সেই মানুষটাকে পরবর্তীকালে ভুলে গেলেন ফুটবল সম্রাট!

তাছাড়া পেলে তো তিনটে বিশ্বকাপ খেলেননি! আসলে দুটো বিশ্বকাপে ছিল তার চোখে পড়ার মত উপস্থিতি! ১৯৬২-র বিশ্বকাপে তিনি মাঠে ছিলেন মাত্র দুটো ম্যাচে! ব্রাজিলের সেই বিশ্বকাপ জয়ের আসল নায়ক কে? গ্যারিঞ্চা! যাকে পেলেরও ওপরে বসিয়েছিলেন ফুটবল বিশ্বের বহু বিশেষজ্ঞ। ১৯৬২-তে-ই গ্যারিঞ্চা পেয়েছেন ব্যালন-ডি-ওর! তার আগে ফিফা-র সর্বকালের সর্বশ্রেষ্ঠদের তালিকায় গ্যারিঞ্চার ঢুকে পড়া। অথচ, পেলের ১২৫ জন পছন্দের ফুটবলারের তালিকায়ও নেই গ্যারিঞ্চা! 

উশৃঙ্খল জীবন যে সময় তাকে অপরিসীম দারিদ্র্যে পৌঁছে দিয়েছে তখন কোথায় ফুটবল সম্রাট! আর লিওনেল মেসি? সেই একই ব্যালন-ডি-ওর হাতে নিয়ে ট্রফিটা উৎসর্গ করছেন তার বার্সেলোনার সতীর্থ জাভি-কে! যার পা থেকে বেরনো ঠিকানা-লেখা পাসেই ক্লাবের জার্সিতে মেসির অধিকাংশ গোল! অথচ, পেলের তালিকায় গারসনের নামই নেই! এমিলিও কাস্তানোর পর্যবেক্ষণ প্রবল সমালোচনার মুখে পড়তে পারে। কিন্তু চাঁদকে দেখতে হলে তার কলঙ্কগুলোকেও দেখতে হবে! চোখ বুঁজে থাকার উপায় নেই! 

Ganatra awaits his biopic, hopes to survive financially finally

Sudeep Pakrashi

Bipin Ganatra can finally come out of his financial predicament at the dusk of his life once his biopic gets released. Otherwise, the 66-year-old man is already famous for his outstanding contribution to society. Ganatra has been offering this service for the last four decades at a huge risk to life. As its reward, Ganatra has received laurels a galore including the Padma Sree in 2017 and the 'bravery and honesty' award from Kolkata Police. 

The Fire fighting

Bipin Ganatra is a volunteer firefighter who does not have formal training. Only out of passion and incredible determination Ganatra has been driving himself into the buildings that have caught fire and helping the official firefighters of the Fire Brigade to rescue the people trapped there. Ganatra's habit of doing social work began in his childhood. He always went to Calcutta Medical College, sitting there in the emergency ward, offering any kind of help to any patient before doctors came and started their treatment. But his passion for fire-chasing developed following his elder brother's death in a fire trap. Ganatra was only 15 years old at that time.

Whenever Ganatra sees any fire engine on the road or whenever he watches any fire incident on television, he immediately rushes and begins helping the Fire Brigade firefighters. Ganatra who has attended more than 150 fires so far, still remembers the fires at AMRI hospital, at Stephen's Court, Park Street, and obviously, the massive fire at the building in Burrabazar, Strand Road where Ganatra himself was trapped in the fire, jeopardized after watching slabs cracking and falling downwards. Ganatra was finally rescued by the firefighters of the fire brigade and admitted to the hospital also. 

The Fight for Survival

Still, his financial struggle for survival has not stopped. Sitting in his room where he was born, opposite Calcutta Medical College and where the room space is not more than 10-square feet Ganatra revealed "I am blessed with friends. They fulfill my requirement. I do have not any earnings. I just manage five-six thousand rupees every month and manage to lead my life. I have an advantage that I am alone." Simultaneously, he expressed regret also stating, "The left-front government gave me a gold medal. The present government offered me a job of home guard job. I refused it. In the last 40 years, I have received only three thousand rupees along with the gold medal from the left-front government only once in 1995. I was handed the kit of a firefighter at that time by the top brass of the fire brigade. But today as I am becoming older I feel I need some financial security. Didn't I deserve some kind of financial reward for what I have done? " 

The Ray of Hope Finally

One of the country's big corporate houses has already made a documentary on Bipin Ganatra's service. Ganatra said, "I have not yet seen the documentary but the director who made the documentary has decided to make a biopic on my life. I hope I will get some money finally after the film is released."