“ Dadu [grandfather] was so fond of all my friends,” says Subhajyoti Basu, grandson of former Chief Minister of West Bengal Jyoti Basu. Subhajyoti, a second year student of the New York University film school, paused to add: “It was just not may friends, but Dadu was so fond of all the kids around”.
“He got two bananas once, gave one to me and the other to Sarbeshwarda’s [the family cook] son and said ‘I am standing here…let me see who finishes it first,” said Subhajyoti. Memories galore surfaced as Jyoti Basu’s immediate family gathered earlier the week — the week that marked Jyoti Basu’s 106th birth anniversary — at the sprawling south Kolkata residence of Chandan Basu, son of Jyoti Basu. They discussed how the Jyoti Basu Memorial Foundation, dedicated to work among under-privileged children, may evolve. Jyoti Basu handed over ₹10 lakh from his paltry savings to his daughter-in-law Rakhi Basu to run an organisation for children.
“He asked us to do something for the children, particularly for those whose childhood is stolen from them,” Ms. Basu said. The Foundation, a non-profit, non-political body, was formed in 2011. Since its re-launch earlier this year, it distributed study materials besides bags, bottles and stationery among 2,300 students and interactive apparatuses to 115 schools. The objective, Ms. Basu said, is first to ensure “quality education” and then “to impart skill training to ensure jobs” as the children grow up.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too focussed on skill development and West Bengal has emerged as the “top performing State” as far as skill training and employment is concerned, a recent BJP release noted. The Foundation is not aligned to the Prime Minister’s programme, Ms. Basu said though there could be “converging areas”.
“It has nothing to do with politics,” she said.
Mr. Chandan Basu distanced the Foundation’s work from politics when asked if Jyoti Basu’s relevance in today’s politics is more than ever before. “That is a political question,” he smiled.
“Rather I would say I have very fond memories of my father with children.
“On each of his birthdays, the children used to visit him in his [Salt Lake] place, conducted by the NGO Pather Panchali. He used to be so happy chatting and told us to work among children, if possible,” Mr. Basu said. However, as Chief Minister he could do many things but he was “restricted” too.
“We do not have any such restriction and thus can engage with the Foundation independently,” said Mr. Chandan Basu. The organisation is working with the Ramakrishna Mission in parts of Kolkata and planned an intense anti-child labour campaign using mainstream and social media.
“We got tremendous response [after relaunch] and many are coming forward to financially support us but we are not after funds,” said Ms. Basu. Rather the Foundation is now trying to develop a network with voluntary outfits and NGOs to identify children in need. Subhajyoti, an upcoming film maker, plans to shoot and produce multiple versions of awareness videos to promote the cause on social media platforms.
“The tiny films will tell us more about Dadu and his brainchild — the Foundation for the children,” said Subhajyoti.
