Buddha's tribute to CU canteen owner

TNN / Jan 5, 2008, 02:27 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

For more than half a century, Rakhalda's canteen at Calcutta University has been the meeting ground for future leaders of the state.

KOLKATA: For more than half a century, Rakhalda's canteen at Calcutta University has been the meeting ground for future leaders of the state. It was on the rickety benches of this ground-floor joint that leaders like Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Biman Bose, Shyamal Chakraborty and Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi honed their political skills before taking the plunge into public life.
From political debates and discourses to clashes and conspiracies, Rakhalda's canteen has seen it all.But less than a month after the proprietor, Rakhalchandra Ghosh, passed away, university authorities are set to convert it into a cybercafe — a stark contrast with the almost romantic austerity of the fifties and sixties when it had shot into fame.
On Friday, at a condolence meeting organized by CPM's student wing, SFI, to pay homage to the canteen-owner, who was "loved by all on College Street and beyond", a string of CPM leaders recalled their association with Rakhalda.
The chief minister, who always dropped in at the canteen during his visits to the university, recalled his first meeting with Rakhalda in 1965 when he enrolled in the university. "I kept in touch with him. I always enjoyed interacting with Rakhalda. We have lost a good human being," he said.

Biman Bose and Shyamal Chakraborty fondly remembered the days at the canteen when they would soak in Rakhalda's affection. "He was friendly with all young political workers. He would speak affectionately with me and even offer his advice to Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.
Rakhalda was never harsh with anyone who couldn't pay up on time and whenever there was something special on the menu, he would give it to us for free. I specially remember the fish fries and the special tea that his canteen would prepare for senate meetings. Something must be done in his memory," said Bose.

The Left Front chairman also recalled how, on Rakhalda's advice, he had saved the life of a man during a political clash. "It was Rakhalda who suggested that he be taken to the fifth floor and locked up in a room. He played a behind-the-scenes role in our political struggle," Bose said.
Citu state president Shyamal Chakraborty agreed. Describing Rakhalda as a father-figure, Chakraborty said he was indebted to him because he was always there to support youngsters. "From 1972 to 1977, we couldn't enter the university. When we returned to the campus in 1977, Rakhalda was the first to welcome us back. "'I missed you all'," he said.
A proposal to name the canteen after him has been passed. But with the new name, the canteen now looks set to lose its identity. Pro vice-chancellor (academic) Suranjan Das announced at the meeting that the canteen would now sport a "modern look in keeping with the demands of the time". "A proposal for a cybercafe has already been passed and we hope it will happen soon," Das said.

End of Article