Fr. C. L. MATHEW, SDB: 12 June 1943 — 30 May 2026

With deep sorrow and grateful remembrance, the Salesian Province of Kolkata announces the passing away of Fr. Chiriyankandath Mathew, SDB, who died on 30 May 2026 at 11:00 PM at Don Bosco Welfare Centre, Azimganj. He was 83 years old. A Requiem Mass was celebrated at Don Bosco Provincial House, Kolkata, on 1 June 2026 at 6:30 PM, and on 4 June 2026 at 2:00 PM his mortal remains will be laid to rest at Bandel Basilica. Kindly pray for the repose of his soul. Fr. C. L. Mathew, a beloved Salesian priest and devoted servant of God, has spent a lifetime in humble service to the Church, young people, and the wider community. His death leaves a deep void among confreres, parishioners, and the many laypeople whose lives he touched.

Born on 12 June 1943 in Wadakkancherry, Kerala, Fr. Mathew gave his life generously in the Salesian vocation. He made his First Profession on 24 April 1964 in Shillong, his Perpetual Profession on 9 April 1970 in Sonada, Darjeeling, and was ordained a priest on 22 December 1973 in Trichur, Kerala. From that time until his death, he lived as a faithful Salesian priest, educator, pastor, and companion of the young.

Life and ministry

Fr. Mathew was a Salesian through and through. Over the course of his priestly ministry he served in multiple roles: rector, principal, parish priest, assistant parish priest, bursar, confessor, and spiritual guide and a barefoot counselor.  In every ministry he exercised a practical, service-oriented pastoral style. He was widely known by many common faithful as a “helper-priest” who favored simple living and warm, accessible pastoral care. Colleagues and parishioners alike remember him as a man without malice or judgment, always ready to listen and to help.

Fr. Mathew served in a wide range of apostolates with steadfast commitment and simplicity. His assignments included Assistant Principal at DB Technical School, Park Circus (1974–1976); Assistant Principal, Don Bosco School, Park Circus (1976–1979); Assistant Principal, Don Bosco School, Liluah (1979–1982); Bursar, Don Bosco School, Azimganj (1982–1985); Principal, Don Bosco School, Bandel (1985–1989); Rector, Don Bosco, Krishnagar (1989–1995); Parish Priest, St. Albert’s Home, Monsada (1995–1998); Bursar, Don Bosco School, Liluah (1998–1999); Parish Priest, Catholic Church, Kalyani (1999–2006); Bursar and Assistant Director, DB SERI, Mirpara (2006–2007); Rector, DB SERI, Mirpara (2007–2010); Bursar, Don Bosco Welfare Centre, Azimganj (2010–2014); Assistant Director, Don Bosco Ashalayam (2014–2016); Assistant Parish Priest and Confessor, Don Bosco, Krishnagar (2016–2018); Bursar, Don Bosco Vidyaniketan, Kalyani (2018–2020); and Confessor, Don Bosco Welfare Centre, Azimganj (2020–2026)

In every mission entrusted to him, Fr. Mathew showed himself to be practical, attentive and deeply service-oriented. He carried out his responsibilities with quiet efficiency and a pastoral heart, always placing people before procedure and service before self. He was widely known as a “people’s priest” who lived simply, spoke plainly, and approached everyone with warmth and without judgment.

Care for the young

Fr. Mathew had a special love for young people, especially the boys in boarding homes and institutions under his care. He believed in accompaniment, formation through presence, and the quiet power of encouragement. Many former boarders and students remember him as patient, approachable, and steady—someone who listened, advised, and made time for them. His presence gave confidence to many who were still finding their way in life.

 Healing and practical concern

Fr. Mathew often self-medicated and, out of pastoral concern, recommended these treatments to confreres and parishioners, who came to him for help. Beyond spiritual accompaniment, Fr. Mathew took a pastoral interest in the physical well‑being of those he served. He was also known for his pragmatic interest in traditional and natural medicine. Confident in DeChane (a century‑old herbal and alternative medicine tradition founded by the DeSouza family, to which Fr. Cyril D'souza belongs, in Hyderabad in 1917, a proprietary line of formulations blending Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and modern pharmacology)  and  also Ayurveda and Homeopathy independently. Fr. Mathew often used these treatments for himself and recommended them, out of pastoral concern, to confreres, parishioners, and lay people who came to him for help. He was remembered not only as a priest but also as someone who cared for bodily well-being with the same concern he showed for spiritual growth. His approach to healing was consistent with his practical, compassionate way of tending to bodily as well as spiritual needs.His readiness to share remedies, advice, and time earned him the affectionate reputation of being a healer in both body and spirit.

In a similar spirit of service, he helped many young couples who were facing difficulties in begetting children, offering them encouragement, practical suggestions and prayerful support while accompanying them with sensitivity and compassion.

 Personality and interests

Fr. Mathew was a man of conversation, thought, and quiet pleasures. He enjoyed logical discussion and took delight in playing chess and other simple pastimes. These interests reflected a personality that was thoughtful, disciplined, and calm. He combined intellectual seriousness with humility, and his ordinary pleasures were marked by the same simplicity that characterized his priestly life.

Memories from confreres

The confreres of the Province of Kolkata have expressed deep affection and gratitude for his life and witness:

• “Dear Fr. CL Mathew, you will be remembered by us as an Educationist and a Pastor after the heart of Don Bosco! Adieu and pray for us from heaven!” — Fr. Tomy Mathew, SDB
• “You were very affable, concerned to sick confrers and people in general and supply medicine too taking nothing in return. You will be remembered for your kindness.” — Br. Theophil, SDB
• “We have lost a loving and effective pastor, a concerned social worker, a physician with medicine and suggestions for good health.” — Fr. P. M. Mathew, SDB
• “Will always cherish the memories of Bandel when you were principal and I was a practical trainee.” — Fr. Tomy Augustine, SDB
• “I had lived with him in my community at Kalyani years ago. I have fresh memories of him since just 4 months ago I had met and chatted with him in DB Azimganj!” — Fr. E. A. Thomas, SDB
• “Many children in Ashalayam remember him fondly. His gentle and encouraging presence is well remembered.” — Fr. C. J. George, SDB
• “Good Lord, accept Fr. C. L. Mathew, your good servant through whom you continued your salvific works...” — Sanjla Babu, SDB
• “I missed Fr. C L Mathew as he left for eternal reward in heaven. He was so loving and caring to me when I was in Don Bosco Azimganj. It was he who gave me medicine for kidney stone during Corona pandemic when I was suffering during those days. He helped all the poor people with medicine and counseling. May God grant him eternal rest. Amen” – Fr. Xavier Lakra SDB

 Funeral arrangements

A Requiem Mass was celebrated on 1 June 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Provincial House Chapel, Kolkata. His mortal remains will be laid to rest at Bandel Basilica on 4 June 2026 at 2:00 PM. Further details regarding memorial services, if any, will be communicated by the Province.

How to Remember and Pray

Those who wish to mourn and give thanks for Fr. Mathew’s life are encouraged to pray for the repose of his soul, to offer Masses or personal prayers in his memory, and to support one another in this time of loss. In memory of his lifelong service to youth and families, donations to Salesian educational or boarding ministries may be made in his name if desired.

Closing tribute

Fr. C. L. Mathew will be remembered as a devoted Salesian, a loving and effective pastor, a trusted confessor, a concerned social worker, and a healer in both body and spirit. He embodied the Salesian spirit in a simple, pastoral, and practical way. Beloved as a Priest-guide, a spiritual companion, and respected as an educator and social worker, he leaves behind a legacy of quiet charity and steadfast service. He served with humility, kindness, and practical wisdom, leaving behind a legacy of quiet charity and faithful priestly ministry. He will be remembered for his pastoral care, his calm presence, and his unwavering commitment to serving others without spite.

We have lost a loving and effective pastor, a concerned social worker, a physician with medicine and suggestions for good health and sound spirit. We entrust him now to God’s merciful love and commend his soul to the prayers of the Church. May the Lord reward his life of generous dedication and grant him eternal rest.

May he rest in peace.

-          Soroj Mullick SDB, 1^st June 2026, Nitika DB, Kol-15 

THE HOPE BUILDER OF BENGAL: FR. LOUIS GOBETTI SDB

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

On this death anniversary of Fr. Gobetti SDB, here is  a historical narrative of his much appreciated missionary achievements in the diocese of Krishnagar as the Vicar General for many years, then as  the Parish priest of Ranaghat Catholic Church, later as the Prior at Bandel Basilica, the renovation of the Basilica, his efforts in settling Catholic Families around the parish Church campus through buying of land and housing scheme, his contribution in editing the Our Lady of Bandel magazine, his authorship of books, his administrative style, his many successes and his lasting legacies.

Born in Tarcento, Italy, in 1921, and ordained in 1945, Fr Gobetti arrived in Bengal as a young seminarian, carrying little more than faith and fortitude. Through second world war, internment, and cultural crossings, he remained steadfast—a missionary not of conquest, but of communion.

Fr Gobetti died on September 22, 2011, in the very sanctuary he served—a shepherd who never abandoned his sheep. His legacy is not buried; it is planted. In every prayer whispered at Bandel, in every candle lit by the faithful, his spirit lives on.

Missionary Achievements in Krishnagar Diocese

Rev. Fr. Gobetti played a vital role in building up the Diocese of Krishnagar. His contribution to the Kolkata Province is immense. Ranaghat Parish, Kalyani Parish, Bandel Basilica are his sky- Touching achievements.

Fr. Gobetti served as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Krishnagar from 1948 to 1969, working closely and devotedly with Bishop Louis L.R. Morrow, who called him his "alter ego." During this time, Fr. Gobetti spearheaded extensive pastoral development despite the diocese's impoverished state. He was deeply involved in evangelization, education, and formation of clergy and religious members, learning Bengali to better connect with the local people and ensuring that liturgical materials were available in Bengali. His tireless efforts transformed Krishnagar Diocese by acquiring land, establishing schools and boardings, and facilitating the growth of the Catholic community, including the relocation of about 24 families to new premises with great patience. He also provided transport, instruments, and resources to support the diocese's mission and schools.

Fr. Gobetti's most impactful contributions to the Diocese of Krishnagar were multifaceted and transformational:

1. As Vicar General from 1948 to 1969, he worked closely with Bishop Louis Morrow and was described as his "alter ego," providing constant support in the administration and pastoral care of the diocese.
2. He mastered the Bengali language to effectively communicate and minister to the local people, preparing and printing liturgical texts and prayers in Bengali, making the Church more accessible to the faithful.
3. Education was his foremost priority. He ensured that nearly 100% of Catholic children in the diocese attended school, often personally escorting children to boarding schools. He emphasized Christian catechesis alongside formal education.
4. He helped build and improve mission infrastructure including schools, boardings, hospitals, dispensaries, and welfare homes, which significantly uplifted the community.
5. Fr. Gobetti was deeply involved in land acquisition and settling Catholic families in the diocese to provide them stable homes and foster community growth.
6. He meticulously organized the diocese's administration, placing great importance on proper record keeping, adherence to liturgical norms, and stewardship of Church properties.
7. His pastoral care extended to supporting village catechists, improving their living conditions, training, and resources to aid effective evangelization across rural areas.

 Through these contributions, Fr. Gobetti helped turn Krishnagar from one of the poorest dioceses into a thriving community with a beautiful cathedral, expanding mission presence, and a well-organized Church structure centered on education and pastoral care.

Parish Priest of Ranaghat Catholic Church

Before his tenure at Bandel, Fr. Gobetti spent 17 years as the parish priest of Ranaghat in Nadia district. There, he played a major role in settling displaced families migrating due to the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. He helped settle over 300 families in Nadia and Hooghly districts by facilitating land purchase and housing schemes, providing these families with stable homes and a sense of identity within Christian paras (villages). His efforts in Ranaghat also fostered numerous vocations to the priesthood and religious life, nurturing future leaders of the Church, including bishops and sisters.

Prior of Bandel Basilica and Renovation

In the quiet corridors of Bandel Basilica, where prayer mingles with history, the memory of Fr Louis Gobetti endures like incense—rising, fragrant, and unforgotten.

Fr. Gobetti's legacy is particularly strong in Bandel, where he served as Prior and parish priest for over two decades. He was instrumental in the major renovation of the Basilica of the Holy Rosary; an ancient and historically significant Christian shrine declared a minor basilica in 1988. The renovation included structural repairs, embellishments using granite and marble, new fiberglass-stained glass windows depicting the mysteries of the Rosary, enlargement of the balcony, installation of bells, and landscaping the precincts for a serene pilgrimage atmosphere. Fr. Gobetti led the fundraising efforts, securing funds from Italy, as well as Anglo-Indian and Chinese communities in India and abroad. This extensive renovation elevated the status and beauty of the basilica, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually.

Fr. Gobetti's leadership was pivotal in the renovation and revitalization of Bandel Basilica, transforming this historic shrine into a more majestic and welcoming pilgrimage center. His role as Prior and parish priest involved overseeing the entire renovation project for over two decades.

Key aspects of his leadership in the renovation include:

• Comprehensive Restoration: He spearheaded extensive structural repairs, including strengthening of walls with granite and marble, restoring the ancient facade, and enhancing architectural integrity while preserving historical elements.
• Artistic Enhancements: He initiated the installation of new fiberglass-stained glass windows that beautifully depict the mysteries of the Rosary, adding vibrant spiritual symbolism to the basilica's interiors.
• Facility Upgrades: Under his guidance, the balcony overlooking the church was enlarged, and several bells were installed to enhance liturgical celebrations. The precincts were landscaped to provide a serene environment for pilgrims.
• Fundraising and Resource Mobilization: Fr. Gobetti actively secured funds for the project, drawing support from Italy, as well as from Anglo-Indian and Chinese communities in Kolkata and abroad, reflecting his adeptness in mobilizing resources.
• Community Engagement: He involved the local Catholic community in these efforts, strengthening their connection to the basilica and fostering a shared sense of ownership and pride in the renovation accomplishments.

Through this visionary and hands-on leadership, Fr. Gobetti not only preserved an important religious monument but also reinvigorated it as a vibrant center of faith, pilgrimage, and community life in Bengal.

Apostle of Bandel, Builder of Hope

For over 70 years, Fr Gobetti served the Church in India, most notably as Vicar General of Krishnagar, mentor to Sisters of Mary Immaculate, and prior of Bandel Church, where he shepherded souls, settled the displaced, and sanctified the ordinary. 

Under his pastoral gaze: Bandel Catholic community blossomed from 150 to over 900 families. Migrants found homes, dignity, and belonging. Religious Sisters were welcomed to educate and uplift. The Basilica was renewed—its bells ringing with mercy, its doors widened in welcome.

He was not merely a builder of structures, but of stories. Through Our Lady of Bandel magazine and his inspirational writings, Fr Gobetti chronicled the faith of a people and the grace of a place. His missionary journey, captured in Mosaic of a Missionary docufilm, remains a testament to resilience and reverence.

In 2008, the Catholic Association of Bengal honored him for his pastoral excellence. But his truest reward was the love of his flock, the laughter of children he baptized, and the peace he cultivated in Bandel’s soil.

Fr. Louis Gobetti SDB was a remarkable Salesian missionary whose life and work left a significant and lasting impact on the Catholic Church in Bengal, especially in the Diocese of Krishnagar, the parish of Ranaghat, and the historic Bandel Basilica.

Editorial and Literary Contributions

Apart from his administrative and pastoral work, Fr. Gobetti was a prolific writer and editor. He edited the "Our Lady of Bandel" magazine and authored several Christian spiritual books that inspired many. His contributions to Christian literature were recognized nationally, notably by the Indian Catholic Press Association in 2004. His writings and editorial work helped promote and sustain faith formation within the Catholic community

Some notable books authored by Fr. Louis Gobetti SDB are Christian spiritual works that have inspired many in the Catholic community in Bengal. While specific titles are not listed in the available sources, it is documented that he authored several books of Christian inspiration. His literary efforts were recognized nationally, with the Indian Catholic Press Association awarding him for his outstanding contribution to Christian literature promotion during its national convention in Kolkata in 2004. In addition to books, Fr. Gobetti was also the editor of the magazine "Our Lady of Bandel," contributing to Christian faith formation through print media. His books on meditations titled,  One Hundred Meditations for All (Bandel Basilica Publication), priesthood and Religious Life,  Called by God-Vocation, with short anecdotes, Amar Dikhshasnan (My Baptism, in Bengali) and on the Catechists, are noteworthy.

There are no detailed titles available in the sources found, but his authorship contributed significantly to the spiritual and educational life of the Church in Bengal. If needed, further archival or diocesan sources might provide a list of his book titles specifically.

Administrative Style and Legacy

Fr. Gobetti was known for his hands-on pastoral approach, deep commitment, and altruistic service. He emphasized education, formation, and community building, always prioritizing the spiritual and material welfare of the people he served. His administrative style included patience, strategic acquisition of land for community settlements, and persistent fundraising for mission development. He was recognized by multiple awards from Italy and the Catholic Association of Bengal for his outstanding contributions. His legacy continues in the thriving Catholic communities he helped build, the renovated Bandel Basilica, and the ongoing influence of his writings and educational initiatives.

In summary, Fr. Louis Gobetti's missionary career was marked by visionary leadership as Vicar General in Krishnagar, compassionate parish ministry in Ranaghat, transformative renovation of the Bandel Basilica, and a lasting legacy in community settlement, literature, and pastoral care in Bengal's Catholic Church.scribd+3

Fr. Gobetti's administrative style benefited his missions in several key ways:

• Hands-on, Meticulous Leadership: He maintained close supervision and active involvement in every aspect of mission work, ensuring effective implementation of projects and proper stewardship of resources.
• Strategic Planning and Patience: His approach to acquiring land and settling Catholic families was methodical and patient, allowing for sustainable community development rather than quick, unstable fixes.
• Focus on Education and Formation: He prioritized education, personally encouraging attendance and ensuring proper catechetical instruction, which helped cultivate well-formed Christian communities and future Church leaders.
• Organizational Discipline: He emphasized proper record-keeping, adherence to liturgical norms, and organized administration, which improved operational efficiency and accountability within the missions.
• Resource Mobilization: Fr. Gobetti was skilled at fundraising and securing support from diverse sources including foreign benefactors and local communities, enabling large-scale projects like the renovation of Bandel Basilica.
• Personal Connection and Compassion: His approachable and compassionate demeanor helped him build trust with both clergy and laity, fostering strong communities and vocations.

This balanced combination of strategic vision, administrative discipline, resource mobilization, and personal pastoral care allowed Fr. Gobetti to lead his missions to lasting success and growth.

May his memory be a blessing, and his witness a call—to serve with joy, to welcome with courage, and to build with love.  

MAMATADEBI, YOU CAN DO IT… An open letter to the Chief Minister of Bengal

      Smt. Mamatadebi,

 Congratulations, for taking oath for the third consecutive term as the Chief Minister of Bengal, to preserve the federal state’s democratic governance with honesty, sincerity and dedication.

 Bengal has vanquished communalism cultivated by the BJP. In your own words, it is an inclusive “victory of Bengal people, victory of the country, victory of democracy”. As you yourself have said rightly, “Bengal saved India today”, it confirms “what Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow.” This victory has significance for all the Indian secular parties, struggling to stop the RSS-fed regressive ideology and communal juggernaut.

 You have emerged more strongly as a pragmatic, a down-to-earth politician, to lead Bengal and ultimately the nation. Having pushed back divisive politics, you have held up, as in Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s words, India’s “secular ethos, democratic resilience”. He called you Mamatadebi in his congratulatory message (The Telegraph, 3^rd May 2021). You are ready now to ground fight against a vicious polarised ideology with a strong democratic ideology of AITC (if there is any), while discharging your constitutional responsibility by pledging to protect everyone, appeasing no one. Remember, all communities have helped you to govern Bengal for the third time despite the violation of ethical electioneering by the Centre with all its power, machineries and resources. Your ‘politics of populism’, the multi-faceted welfare schemes and Prashant Kishore’s I-PAC strategy, together have given you the people’s mandate. You have with you the success to show once more on the development and governance fronts.

 Bengal’s inclusive socio-cultural and pluri-religous heritage, enriched by the past and present luminaries, must be saved by all means.  Before everything else, it is time now to handle the Covid-19 pandemic crisis effectively, otherwise, your government will surely be crippled by its gross mismanagement of the second wave of the Covid-19, as it did to that of Modi’s.

 This election has been "a victory of Bengal's tigress." The AITC is built on the sheer energy of you and it revolves around you. What be it, kindly, follow the philosophy of Raj dharma. More than a hype, your humility will save from any mistake you make on the way. For example, as an administrator you follow the culture of ‘welfarism’ and the ‘politics of populism’ with no long-term plan to consolidate the state economy through development projects. Besides, everyone knows, you have an allegedly pro-Muslim stance (if not all minorities in the same measure!).

 As a Banglar meye, a native, protect all of us from all ‘evils’ that prowl around, and provide us with courage and strength, to live in peace and harmony. Keep Bengal united. And for this, here below are the DOs and DON’Ts that I recommend you to follow:

 

DOs :

 

1.      Put the systemic administration right, with law and order: stop all post-poll violence and acts that inflict deaths and distress in many families, and divide communities.

2.      Let the Police do their job independently, do not patronize them. Bring back law and order in the state, immediately.

3.      Initiate an urgent process and plan through the party decision, to tackle the Covid pandemic, straightaway. Handle the pandemic crisis with firm hands, bur with a nursing heart.

4.      The democratic nature of Bengal has to overcome ‘political repression’ right from the start of your third term of governing.

5.      Be aware of widespread discontent against the Trinamul at the grassroots level; an anti-incumbency trend mostly around the local Trinamul leaders and units; disaffection with Trinamul syndicates, extortions, commission cuts, dadas, mastans (musclemen) and other anti-socials. 

6.      Curb the syndicates, dangabaji and goondagiri at every level.

7.      Clean up your party and the government; stop all kinds of corruption, coercion, criminality and mismanagement by your tier-leaders at various levels, starting from the ‘grassroot.’

8.      Close all bomb-gun-factories in Bengal, and stop all smuggling of arms from outside.

9.      Get rid of the scam tainted party leaders and other corrupt colleagues around you.

10.  Personally take care to stop the bribe (cut-money) which has become a part of the political culture of Bengal.

11.  Create a cadre-based party machinery that is committed (with the educated young), a coherent and consistent ideology integrated with values and principles, and collaborative leadership so that the party may not disintegrate. 

12.  Work for the dignity and rights of the people in Bengal, upholding each culture, tradition and practice, for the state is for everyone - irrespective of creed and caste.

13.  Encourage inter-faith dialogue, social friendship and fraternal solidarity.

14.  Be more sensitive to all inter-faith and all-inclusive sentiments. 

15.  Uphold the secular and moral values of Bengal to make this ‘Sonar Bangla’ truly a Pluralist society.

16.  Bring out the best of Bengal’s unifying socio-cultural traditions.

17.  Work with logic and systemic approach, through the SWOT strategy, having a Goal, Objective, Action Plan, and above all a Mission. Learn from Prashant Kishore’s I-PAC strategists.

18.  Be a credible leader for Bengal and a model of governance to the nation.

19.  Stop for good, the Hindutva juggernaut with a clear alternative ideology-based policy.

20.  Unify all non-BJP parties, initiate more welfare outreach, encourage Bengal’s pluralistic multi-cultural identity against the communal Hindutva and social polarization.

21.  Uplift the subalterns : ST, SC, OBC, Dalits, etc.

22.  Have a mix of compassion, sympathy, confidence with the heart of a servant-leader.

23.  Revive the educational culture of Bengal through standard institution of learning with monitored quality teaching and good infrastructure.

24.  Build up a Centre-friendly government, with win-win attitude for the common development of the state.

25.  Place yourself at the forefront of truth, honesty, humility and simplicity.

26.  Deliver on the promises you make.

27.  Form a new team of lieutenants for the future, following the APP model of volunteer- cadre system, delivering on governance and dealing with corruption from the very grassroot level.  

28.  You are Mamatadebi for all sections of society, especially women and the vulnerable groups, and therefore, continue to work for the people.

29.  You need to do course corrections too, keeping away personal ‘ego’   and work as a team.

30.  As a dominant "agent of national political change", first vow to make Bengal Mission a success.

31.  Save democracy, for the people of Bengal have reposed their trust in you for your grit to fight the central authoritarianism.  

32.  Let your heart continue to appeal to the emotion and hearts of its people. We shall then reciprocate positively.

33.  Cultivate a culture around the basic norms of civility that Bengal holds dear.

34.  Use the media assiduously to hammer out your vision and an action plan.

  

DON’Ts :

 

1.      Do not indulge into toxic politics of communal polarization, and the politics of caste. Though, through the politics of regional pride and social welfare, you have tried to limit such polarisation.

2.      Do not allow your grassroot leaders to use threat tactics and take law in their hands in connivance with the local police. 

3.      Do not prevent the local Thanas to work independently and keep law and order in the region.

4.      Do not fall prey to the religious polarization policy of the BJP; shed Hindutva pitch and practice to prove your Hindu identity to the people, in order to win them over.

5.      Do not allow the inclusive cultural heritage of Bengal to be destroyed by the BJP’s alien Hindutva invasion.

6.      Do not do politics of ‘tokenism’, doling out just a superficial ‘pleasing taste’. Instead, maintain your appeal as a strong and honest administrator, giving the best you can.

7.      Do not dissatisfy the intellectual cultural elite and the learned of Bengal. Neither should you divide them.

8.      Do not lure non-party intellectuals and activists in Bengal, who are against the BJP that is trying to tear apart the secular fabric of Bengali society with its Hindutva ideology. Respect them as being the conscience of the people and allow their free thinking and expressions in various forms. Then only, secularism will be safe in Bengal and in India.

9.      Do not do minority/clubs-appeasement, with Puja bonus, money, footballs and such freebees. Serve all the 91 million people of Bengal. 

10.  Do not do something that your people will revolt against. We deserve an honest politician and a good leader in you.

11.  Do not allow your ministers and party leaders to make illegal money either for the party or self (e.g. alleged Coal scam, Cow scam, Cut-money, Sarada, Narada, etc.).

12.  Never allow any attempt from anyone/party to polarise Bengal along religious lines.

13.  Never allow your enemy to succeed. Get the first wind of any defection drive and stop it immediately.

14.  Do not fall into nepotism and appeasement politics. Respect all the party leaders equally.

15.  Do not create a cult figure invincibility for blind followers/partymen and women.

16.  Don’t be too impulsive, while working by instinct, discern well for the decisions to be made.

17.  Do not be ‘cheap’ in your speeches. Invest time and preparation, integrated with more ‘stuff’ that are built on reason and are capable to convince the listeners through progressive thinking. Let them not be unorganized ‘freebees’, but stuff (Derek O’Brien’s Model) that the listeners remember for long. Keep the dignity of statesmanship.

 

 Developmental Schemes for Poriborton:

 ‘Poribortan’ (change), your first term election slogan, won you the confidence and approval of the people. Today we have seen and experienced development taking place in villages, towns and cities of Bengal. Some schemes initiated by your government had its impact and helped increase people’s confidence that you are for the people. Therefore, follow this:

    1.      Make sure that all the schemes that are introduced, reach to the really deserving. Stop your local leaders from extorting cut-money from the financial and construction schemes or from other charitable groups.

2.      With a compassionate heart for the poor, kindly continue with the many schemes meant for them, reform some with effectiveness, and introduce new ones.

3.      Implement and complete with honesty and transparency all the schemes (central and state) that are sanctioned.

4.      Build infrastructures for income and employment generation, through industrialisation. Get land for it.

5.      Do not keep ministers who are non-performers in your cabinet. Do not keep those convicted in various cases, as mere representations.

6.      Make district  and panchayat administration totally  transparent,  to oversee the implementation of the projects: The National Food Security Act, Shabuj Sathi, Kanyashree,  Ruposhree, Rural Development, Drinking water connection, Duare Sarkar, Didike bolo, SC/ST/OBC/BPL certificate distribution, etc.

 

 Save the Nation: 

 The pandemic has turned traumatic. The alleged gross failures of Modi’s administrative management of the second wave of Covid were reflected in the West Bengal mandate. It is time to transcend the state politics, and save the nation from the pandemic crisis. Besides, with your national profile and popularity of ‘Bengal tigress’, you are destined to play a major role in the unity of all regional forces in the country. The time is now, to work towards co-operative federalism. As your victory has given a “fresh lease of life” to multi-party democratic traditions, try to build a formidable political force in the country with the help of the regional parties to fight the BJP hegemony at the Centre. 

 The divided non-BJP opposition parties in India, are looking towards you with a lot of hope. I hope other leaders in India wake up to your cry of preventing the democratic edifice from collapsing. Let your appeal for a ‘national democratic/federal front’ be realized in order to save India from destructive forces, particularly the BJP with its RSS ideology. It is a mandate on you and your co-parties, to head a government of 1.4 billion people living in 31 federal states and union territories. It is high time, that you bring yourself as the leader of the 'united federal front' to take on the BJP in 2024, along with all the regional party leaders, including Congress. Let others give up their ego and accept your leadership, and fight Modi-Shah at national level. As a spirited politician and a “Bengal Tigress”, you are most suited to replace all other aspiring unfit leaders, like Rahul Gandhi.

 Remember, this is a battle for safeguarding the socio-cultural soul of India, starting with that of Bengal, as the BJP has already alloyed Hinduism with subaltern castes and extracted ‘pound of flesh’ out of it. A hate-filled communal politics of BJP to transform India into a Hindu rashtra, will be bad for our society, our Constitution and the Indian Republic. You will have to get into the national battle field, bringing about a better socio, political and cultural changes while safeguarding the plurality and diversity of India.   Please, put a stop to the “transition to a constitutionally proclaimed ‘Hindu Nation’.” Be brave O Mamatadebi with your common touch to foil this game plan. Satyameva Jayate.

 Conclusion:

 As the symbol of “Ma-Mati-Manush”, you will have to be Bengal’s collective consciousness to uphold its rich social, cultural and religious heritage; to support secularism and save democracy. To be so, kindly retain your internal coherence when so many others enter and exit, and reduce contradictions. Smt. Mamatadebi, if you are inspired by the ideals of St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta, allow her compassion and love shine through your political services in Bengal. Let this be the victory of freedom for the most downtrodden and the marginalized.

 As you refuse to be defeated by destructive powers with self-confidence, you need to bow down before the Divine-connector. Remember, One-Woman rule can lead the state/nation from one misjudgment to another, from one tragedy to another. Never make arbitrary decisions, instead listen to others’ views too. All your party leaders must shed their arrogant behaviors.  With your simple, sincere and frugal lifestyle, and with acknowledging your limitations, you can continue to conquer the hearts of millions in India.

 Nobody in the recent party politics has such energy, grit, and presence as you have. You remain a loved and trusted leader.  Your leadership will define the trajectory of democracy in this country. Bengal is the critical milestone to where we are headed as a nation. It will mean the difference between India retaining the vibrancy of a multi-party democracy. Therefore, taking along all stakeholders, your associates and advisers, you will have to offer, - other than a toxic mix of religion and hyper-nationalism - a secular, federal, democratic and republic India to all its citizens.  Let this Khela (game) go on…

 Yours sincerely,

A common citizen of Bengal