Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Artwork Restored on Birth Anniversary in Kolkata
An artwork depicting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on an electric box outside his historic Elgin Road residence in Kolkata is being repainted today, on his birth anniversary. This restoration effort comes after the original painting, created in January 2018, was defaced with advertisements for massage parlours, sparking widespread outrage among local citizens.
Swift Action and Civic Responsibility
The defacement was flagged by concerned residents, and within just 24 hours, the artwork is being reworked and restored. This rapid response underscores the power of community action in addressing civic issues. Activist Mudar Patherya, who led the initial initiative in 2018, emphasized the significance of this event. He stated, "If citizens get down to the ground and fight, Calcutta can be changed in 24 hours. We've proved it, with just one electricity box. But it's a damn good test case of how people can take control."
Artist's Role and Community Efforts
The repainting is being carried out by artist Ranjit, who was mobilized quickly to restore the tribute to Netaji. Recounting the swift action, Mudar Patherya said, "I told Ranjit, 'Drop everything and go there. Whatever help you need, I'll fix it on the spot.' He started work in the morning, and by evening, it was already done." This highlights the collaborative spirit that drove the restoration process.
Call for Collective Responsibility
Mudar Patherya also stressed that such efforts should not rely solely on individuals. He urged locals and neighbourhood institutions to step up, noting, "All those citizens who want others to clean up their city are basically shrugging off their own responsibility." This message reinforces the need for ongoing community engagement to preserve public art and maintain civic pride in Kolkata.
The restoration of the Netaji artwork serves as a poignant reminder of his legacy and the importance of active citizenship in urban spaces.
