Gopal Debnath
GRS News India : kolkata, 30th. June 2024. Amidst the chaos of thousands of students protesting in the nation’s capital against the NEET paper leak, the abrupt cancellation of the UGC-NET examination, the sudden postponement of PG-NEET, and when the Indian Parliament is in turmoil. The Prime Minister and his cabinet appear clueless, leaving the futures of countless students in jeopardy due to a failing education system. Yet, in the midst of this national educational crisis, far away from Delhi, on a sultry Friday evening, in the city of Kolkata, a dedicated group gathers to honour the centenary of a man who devoted his life to education and the noble pursuit of teaching.
On the centenary birth anniversary of former Member of Parliament Prof. Dilip Chakravarty, it is fitting to celebrate a life dedicated to education, social justice, and public service.
At Rotary Sadan, Kolkata a remembrance program has been organised by Prof Dilip Chakravarty birth centenary celebration committee in association with various education and social welfare organisations to commemorate the centenary.
Born in Shologhar village, Dhaka, East Bengal, Prof. Chakravarty overcame early adversities, including the loss of his parents, to achieve academic excellence. He earned a gold medal in Economics Honours from Guwahati Cotton College and excelled in both his MA and Law examinations.
Speaking at the event, former West Bengal government minister Prabodh Ch. Sinha said, “Dilip Chakravarty’s role in improving teacher welfare in India, especially in West Bengal, was remarkable. He achieved this through his capable leadership and strong administrative skills. Throughout his life, he remained humble and let his work speak for itself.”
Prof. Chakravarty’s commitment to teaching led him to decline a promising government job in favour of shaping young minds. His teaching career began at Gurucharan College in Silchar and continued at Charu Chandra College and Umesh Chandra College in Kolkata. His advocacy for educators saw him confront significant political figures, including Education Minister Mr. Chagla and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, successfully improving teachers’ pay and benefits.
His leadership in the teachers’ movement was marked by his roles as secretary and later President of the West Bengal College and University Teachers’ Association (WBCUTA). He also played a crucial role in the All India Federation of University & College Teachers Association (AIFUCTO), serving as Secretary and President, thereby strengthening the movement on a national scale.
In 1971, amid the Bangladesh Liberation War, Prof. Chakravarty founded the Calcutta University Bangladesh Sahayak Samiti to support Bangladeshi refugees mostly teachers, writers and artists. His humanitarian efforts were posthumously recognised by the Bangladesh government with the Friends of Liberation War Award in 2012.
Eminent journalist and author from Dhaka, Shahriar Kabir, remarked, “Before the Indian government had even determined their role in the Bangladesh independence struggle, Dilip Chakravarty was already supporting the Mukti Bahini with arms. This is a little-known fact. He founded the Calcutta University Bangladesh Sahayak Samiti and played a crucial role in helping thousands of writers, artists, and teachers find refuge on Indian soil. His contribution to Bangladesh’s liberation was immense.”
Prof. Chakravarty’s political career culminated in his election to the 6th Lok Sabha in 1977, representing the Calcutta South Constituency. Despite being attacked and conducting his campaign from a hospital bed, he won a landslide victory.
Known for his relentless fight against injustice, he actively participated in movements such as the Silchar Bhasha Movement, Tibet Movement, and Assam Refugee Movement.
Speaking at the event social activist, Arun Srivastava said, “Samajwadi leader are scare now. Dilip Chakravarty is a true Samajwadi leader.”
As a parliamentarian, he served on the Committee on Estimates, the Court of Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the Consultative Committee under the Nagaland State Legislature (Delegation of Powers) Act. His involvement in various student and liberation movements, including the Quit India Movement and the Goa Liberation Movement, underscored his lifelong commitment to social and political causes.
Former West Bengal minister, Kiranmoy Nanda recalled, “Dilip Da was a real gentleman. An able leader, who always led from the front. He never shied away from adversities. In 1977, when we couldn’t get a candidates from Calcutta South Lok Sabha constituency, he came forward to contest and defeated the Congress heavy weight, Priyaranjan Dasmunshi.”
Prof. Chakravarty’s contributions extended beyond politics and education. He was deeply involved in Indology, philately, and the promotion of sports. His academic and professional achievements, coupled with his humble and compassionate nature, made him a beloved figure among colleagues and students alike.
As people of Kolkata celebrate his centenary, Prof. Dilip Chakravarty’s legacy continues to inspire future generations to pursue justice, equality, and the advancement of knowledge.
