I was in office, as usual busy in finding out the dwindling sales comparing to various earlier periods; and preparing myself to listen to stories on recession and all possible reasons by salesmen as to why they could not achieve the sales targets. It is in this busy schedule, I got a call from my nephew, wanting to know – what is sorrow of West Bengal? He is in his fifth grade, preparing hard for his exams and sure enough this question has got something to do with his preparation.
I could have scratched my head for a while, to recollect my school days. Could have taken a memory test; or tested my understanding of West Bengal Geography – to help him find an answer. However, I thought this being an easy question, I should not strain my brain; and instead find out from any one of my friends and colleagues associated with West Bengal.
First – I found this gentleman, who has joined our office recently; from one of the Tata group Companies from West Bengal. Very much associated with West Bengal – a senior executive; and I was sure of the answer. So I asked him – What’s the sorrow of West Bengal? - He looked seriously into my eyes, as if making sure I am not kidding him. Even without battling his eyelids, he replied – Mamta Bannerjee; and seriously walked away, as if he was forced to say something which he never wanted to tell in his entire life!!
This time, I tried to pose this question to another colleague – who is quite an intelligent person; and quite jovial in his approach. He said – Karats, Prakash and Brinda, and winked at me and just walked past without allowing me to ask him for explanation!
I was sure these answers have got nothing to do with my nephew’s studies. I was pretty sure that he will not be able to use these answers even to improve his General Knowledge – for next few years. Determined to find out the answer, this time, I asked the old Accountant in my office, who is a no-non sense, thorough gentleman, working with us for quite a long period. On hearing the question, he looked lost in thoughts, looked like he is traveling down the memory lane to recollect the answer – and finally said: The communism; with a pale voice and heavy heart. Sure enough, this gentleman who is from West Bengal, living outside his birth State ever since he passed his degree has a reason to look sad in his reply.
It is already five-ten minutes since my nephew asked me the question and waiting for the answer. I did not want him to be waiting anymore. Also, it is a question of my own reputation at stake – and had to answer. So called my nephew back – and told him – it is Hoogly – something I could recollect and associate with West Bengal instantaneously. There was a silence from that side for a minute – and he told me, No uncle – I found the answer myself – it is river Damodar and came the click sound of the receiver being hung up.
I could have scratched my head for a while, to recollect my school days. Could have taken a memory test; or tested my understanding of West Bengal Geography – to help him find an answer. However, I thought this being an easy question, I should not strain my brain; and instead find out from any one of my friends and colleagues associated with West Bengal.
First – I found this gentleman, who has joined our office recently; from one of the Tata group Companies from West Bengal. Very much associated with West Bengal – a senior executive; and I was sure of the answer. So I asked him – What’s the sorrow of West Bengal? - He looked seriously into my eyes, as if making sure I am not kidding him. Even without battling his eyelids, he replied – Mamta Bannerjee; and seriously walked away, as if he was forced to say something which he never wanted to tell in his entire life!!
This time, I tried to pose this question to another colleague – who is quite an intelligent person; and quite jovial in his approach. He said – Karats, Prakash and Brinda, and winked at me and just walked past without allowing me to ask him for explanation!
I was sure these answers have got nothing to do with my nephew’s studies. I was pretty sure that he will not be able to use these answers even to improve his General Knowledge – for next few years. Determined to find out the answer, this time, I asked the old Accountant in my office, who is a no-non sense, thorough gentleman, working with us for quite a long period. On hearing the question, he looked lost in thoughts, looked like he is traveling down the memory lane to recollect the answer – and finally said: The communism; with a pale voice and heavy heart. Sure enough, this gentleman who is from West Bengal, living outside his birth State ever since he passed his degree has a reason to look sad in his reply.
It is already five-ten minutes since my nephew asked me the question and waiting for the answer. I did not want him to be waiting anymore. Also, it is a question of my own reputation at stake – and had to answer. So called my nephew back – and told him – it is Hoogly – something I could recollect and associate with West Bengal instantaneously. There was a silence from that side for a minute – and he told me, No uncle – I found the answer myself – it is river Damodar and came the click sound of the receiver being hung up.
1 comment:
The sorrow of West Bengal varies:
These are:
a)The river Damodar:If you are a student of Geography (or history, since the river is now under control).
b)Mamata Banerjee:If you are Basudeb Bhattacharaya,Ratan Tata, a rickshaw puller in Singur or anyone else interested in the welfare of West Bengal
c)The Communist Parties: If you are someone who wishes to do business in West Bengal.
d)Howrah Railway Station/Traffic:If you are a railway passenger on the way to catch a train.
d)Atmospheric Pollution: If you have just worn a new white shirt.
May be, you should just re-title this post as "The Sorrow of the City of Joy"
An ex-resident of West Bengal
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