My Samajda

 Sunday 20th September, 2026 is Sukumar Samajpati’s birthday. Born in 1940 at Pabna, now in Bangladesh, since the age of 3 he has been a resident of Kolkata. In the 1960s we were told by our parents to try to be like Sukumar Samajpati.

Why was it so? That’s because he was an all-rounded personality. A role model for future generations. His orbit was wide and deep. As an academic student he excelled. As a right-winger he was good enough to be in the Indian football team during India’s golden decade in the 1960s. As a classical vocalist he was outstanding with classical tunes flowing in profusion. Rhythm and rhyme matched each other whether on stage or on the field of play.

He was truly matchless. As if these credentials were not exemplary enough, Samajda went on to become a general manager of India’s leading nationalized commercial bank. I doubt if any other Indian sportsman can match such diverse disciplines at such a high level of competence. ‘Lifetime Achievement’ awards from the Government of West Bengal and East Bengal Club were mere formalities.

He still remains the same relaxed person that he has always been throughout his life. While strumming the tanpura, his melodious rendering had the connoisseur nodding in appreciation. With the ball at his feet his dribbling and finishing had the crowds in ecstasy. When he spoke on platforms, audiences heard his erudition in awe. His forays into All India Radio football commentary earned universal admiration.

His manner of speech; his impeccable conduct; his helpful nature, his accessibility to the most simple people all combined to give a halo around his distinguished self. But he carried himself so lightly that nobody would ever feel awkward in his presence. He had time for everyone.

Never would he flaunt his talents to gain any advantage. On the contrary he was the ultimate personification of modesty. He showed paths to others; not blocked them. Grace and graciousness personified, he was hand-crafted by the Creator himself. Otherwise how would a person have so many sterling qualities?

If a popularity contest of All-Round Talents was held, he would be right on top of the chart. Self-effacing, the elegant gentleman still remains the role model that he was.

From my personal experience, I am proud to say that I learnt a lot just by observing him. First met him at Writers Buildings where the former sports minister Subhash Chakravarty requested some of us to sell tickets at street corners to raise money for the stadium-to-be at Salt Lake. I was apprehensive, had little idea to stand on the road and attract attention for donation.

Subhashda had original ideas. He said,” If popular sportspeople are on the streets, then sports-lovers would throng and donate. It is just Rs 10 per slip. Once the stadium comes up, these Rs 10 doners will be happy to think that they also contributed for a single brick! Of course the whole amount will come from the government and big corporate sponsors. But every sports lover must feel the stadium also belongs to him.” Wonderful, unique ideas, without doubt.

Samajda appreciated the idea and also understood my dilemma. He encouraged me, “Just be there. You will see what the sports loving Calcuttans would do.” Sure enough the wads of tickets vanished within minutes! Even a street-beggar bought one and shook my hand! I understood the crazy love of sport of our citizens. Thanks, Samajda, you opened my eyes.

In the 1980s when I was a part of Banks Sports Board, we decided to send talent-spotters to north-eastern states to discover young prodigies. Almost every former sportsman wanted to join thinking of rewards and remuneration to follow. I requested Samajda to suggest a name of a sincere, strong sports personality among his bank employees. Without any hesitation he said, “Bhaskar Ganguly.”

Yes, that was the perfect choice of a man who was a daredevil who could not be influenced. Bhaskar came back with the name of Bhaichung Bhutia on his lips. That began a career and the start of north-east dominance in Indian football. That’s the kind of quiet visionary Sukumarda has always been.

Just a few years ago, Samajda picked me up on his way to meet another of my favourite footballer Tulsidas Balaram, perhaps India’s most-complete player ever. Balada would not let me touch his feet, so I told him, ”Then you bless me by touching my head.” He embraced. Wonderful time together with two of India’s finest gentlemen-sportsmen. Within a few months Balada was no more.

Samajda’s autobiography KHELA SURER GALPO KATHA (Ekalavya publisher) is a must-read for all genuine lovers of sport. Reveals the man and his contemporary society in totality. Available in Amazon as well. The architect of the book is his highly talented daughter, Shrijata. Shrijata happens to be a gold medallist throughout her academic career and a doctorate , no less.

Last week went to meet him at his South Calcutta residence, where three intelligent, talented generations of Samajpatis lead a happy existence. His son is the exceptionally talented classical vocalist, the renowned Sandipan Samajpati. So is his daughter-in-law, Shalma. Soma Boudi, not to be outdone, happens to be a former scientist having done her doctorate in chemistry.

Samajda’s dad was a brilliant portrait painter apart from being a quality soccer player. Now we know where highly talented family lineage came from!

My young friend Siddhartha – a professional architect, former junior Bengal cricketer and BCCI qualified coach – gave me company as a die-hard Samajda fan. Amazingly, Sid’s dad had also told him eulogies of the man we were to visit. Our parents actually thought alike! Thanks to Sid’s skills Samajda’s spontaneous embrace was clicked right on time!

We did not have his address. We did not need it. Every man on the street seemed to know where the star of the 1960s lived! I wonder how many of the present generation sportspeople will have the same response from the common man on the street.

That was Samajda’s greatness. He remained the common man with uncommon credentials of the top order. Our parents were not wrong to advise us to follow the man. One of my role-models.

Bhaktipurna Pranams, Samajda and Boudi.