Men in uniform are often considered to be the traditional sentinels of law and order who have the uphill task of ensuring peace, security and order. In reality, these determined and utterly committed cops are pretty interesting personalities chiefly noted for their fortitude, self sacrificing temperament, not to speak about their deep sense of values and discipline. One such remarkable endearing character happens to be Mr Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay, ACP (2) Central Division, who is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the areas around Hare Street and the Jorasanko Police Station.
As a police officer, he has an illustrious career in Kolkata Police. He started his career in the Special Branch of Kolkata Police in 1987 and then led the forces in an exemplary manner in his stints in Jorasanko, Burra Bazar, Muchipara and Shyampukur police stations. Be it catering to an anti-rowdy squad or assisting the Sinthee police station to grow, Mr Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay led from the front with his usual charm.
The man, who literally started his high-profile career as the Personal Security Officer of the late Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi, incidentally has innate talent in writing poems and probably that’s what symbolizes his versatility and avery tender humane concern that makes him so different from the traditional picture of policemen in our society.
“The best moment for him was undoubtedly the time when Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee launched ‘Nijoswi Ujara Sesh Raat’, a book of poems by Mr Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay at the Kolkata International Book Fair 2018”.
In the early 80’s, young Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay was deeply engrossed in his college life. Historically, the Bankura Christian College is itself an epitome of art and culture. Being a student of the English department, he spearheaded the literary movement in the college and took care of the Prometheus Magazine, which has a legacy of its own. He himself acknowledged, “What a time we had! I am indebted to that phase of my life which inculcated the literary values in me and I enjoyed every bit of responsibility I was entrusted with.”
In his college time, he started contributing to many other magazines and there in his natural flair for writing was very evident. During his post graduation days in Burdwan University, he was given the charge of curating and editing Potroput magazine, the official publication of the students’ union. Even today, the college professors remember Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay as the student who introduced wall magazines across all departments. Wall magazine became the cultural symbol of the University where students contributed with articles, drawings, collages, montages and various art forms which were unique in many ways. In spite of his hectic schedules during the post graduation studies, Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay devoted his time to selecting the poems for the magazine and was often the main man behind all cultural activities in the university premises.
In the year 1986, his life took a dramatic turn. With three of his friends, Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay came to Kolkata to submit his application for recruitment in the erstwhile Calcutta Police. That was indeed an eventful day and Mr Mukhopadhyay still remembers it vividly, “I had my terms and conditions for accompanying them to Kolkata. After submitting the application, we went to erstwhile Blue Lagoon and then witnessed Chima Okarie playing his devilish best in Mohun Bagan jersey. We returned home at night by train and my friends were thankful to me for guiding them in Kolkata.” Interestingly, he cracked the examination and passed the physical test quite comfortably. This became a turning point in his career. A young passionate writer coming from a middle-class family getting the responsibility in the City of Joy and that too during a turbulent period of time is no mean achievement either. His father, who was a retired officer in the West Bengal Police force, was very happy to know that his son has joined the forces. This youngman bubbling with hope, determination and courage, viewing the natural romantic notion of the profession, not to mention of course the challenging assignment day in and day out, kept his calm and grew intellectually, going beyond his official duties and commitments.
In 2009, Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay’s first poem got published in ‘Desh’ magazine. He shared an interesting anecdote regarding this. “I remember when I sent ‘bochor seshe kuriye paoa song bochorer metho podyoguli’ for the first time, it was rejected by Desh. I was disheartened but I made it a point that I’d edit it in such a way that the editorial team would accept it. It did happen and my close associates were really surprised to see my tenacity and robust optimism. Since then there has been no looking back for me.” Many people are unaware of the fact that Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay’s poems have been published numerous times by his pen name Gautam Bharadwaj. Gautam Bharadwaj is not exactly the alter ego of Mr Mukhopadhyay, but a character scanning the poet’s heart. “Gautam Bharadwaj is an honest man. He believes in transparency and looks at life respecting his conscience. He is emotional but not maudlin. His passion and concern for the underprivileged of the society reflect the tender human touch that makes him admirable and commendable. It is indeed a pleasure to have a friend of his calibre”, said Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay. As of now three of his books have been published. He is also a goodfolk singer and has amazed the audience many a time with his impromptu gigs in spite of his tight schedule.
The best moment for him was undoubtedly the time when Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee launched ‘NijoswiUjara Sesh Raat’, a book of poems by Mr Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay at the Kolkata International Book Fair 2018. He himself later acknowledged, “That was indeed a proud moment of my life as our most loving and caring Chief Minister introduced my book of poems and applauded me for the all-out effort. I think this is a big achievement for Gautam Bharadwaj too.”
Mr Buddhadeb Mukhopadhyay has still quite a good many years to serve the Kolkata Police and combat more challenging situations. It is certain that a such a valiant man with a fine blend of power and human consideration will contribute immensely to the making of more and more young men with distinct values and character. The poetry of earth is never dead and one has no hesitation in acknowledging his on growing advent as a poet and writer.
