SpringFest

Yesterday, @swapan55 won as an MLA from Rashbehari in Bengal. I wanted to share a personal story on the huge impact @swapan55 has had on my life (and am sure countless others too). In 1998, we had a very long break after exams (May) to the time the college actually opened (November). Every Sunday evening, I used to go to the library of my dad's office. I started reading India Today magazine there. One such Sunday, I was reading the cover article titled "The Ugly Indian". I was just so mesmerized by the writing of that piece. I read it perhaps 3 times that same evening, and kept wondering how is it possible for someone to write so beautifully while actually criticising all of us! So mesmerized I was - the next day morning, I literally copied and wrote down that entire article, just to understand how can someone write so brilliantly! I just wanted to experience the flow of writing, through Swapanda's article - that's how much I fell in love with his writing. And at the end of the article, I wanted to continue the flow and pen (literally😀) some of my thoughts and see if I can do it! It was the first time I wrote my thoughts. The three images below are snapshots of that article, "written" by me (replete with P.T.O and "contd."!). In today's lingo, Swapan Das Gupta was one of the OG influencer. His articulation is one of the key reasons we were able to multiply our influence once social media era had begun. The arduous path he has traversed to be where he is today, is why he has so many silent admirers like me. I had first written about this in my blog in 2013 - x.com/ssudhirkumar/s… . Till that time, I didn't imagine that I will interact with him. I first met him in 2018 (4th picture)- and didn't know what to speak with him, apart from the usual niceties! That's why his victory as an MLA in the most difficult state (remember, he contested earlier election too) feels very very special. It makes us want to work more for the cause he has devoted his entire life to. All the best Swapan da, for the more challenging work that will surely come your way 🙂

In the sweltering heat my regards to all parties who worked hard for the #bengalvoting . There will be winners and losers like in any game. Please maintain your composure. Dont get rattled or exuberant based on exit poll results. May the best party win. #bjpjitbebangla #tmc