THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, Aug 21: The city bid a tearful farewell to one of its most revered social workers, Deva Prasad Ghosh, who passed away at the age of 90 at his residence in Baradwari. Known affectionately as “Debu Da” by his friends and admirers, Ghosh was a prominent figure in the city’s social and cultural landscape, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations. Deva Prasad Ghosh’s final rites were performed at the Subarnarekha Burning Ghat.
Founding member of Jharkhand Bengali Samiti
A founding member of the Jharkhand Bengali Samiti, Ghosh played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity of the Bengali community in Jamshedpur. His most notable contribution was the introduction of Vande Mataram Day in the late 1960s, marking the first celebration of its kind in the city.
His dedication to preserving and promoting Bengali culture was further exemplified through his role as the editor of Samiti Samachar, the official mouthpiece of the Jharkhand Bengali Samiti.
Founder and editor of spiritual magazine Saraswat Anandam
Ghosh’s influence extended beyond cultural initiatives. A man deeply inclined towards spirituality, he was the founder, publisher, and editor of Saraswat Anandam, the first spiritual magazine to be published from Jamshedpur.
This magazine, registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), served as a beacon of spiritual thought and discourse in the region.
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Resolved the drinking water problem at Keenan Stadium
A brilliant student of Sakchi High School, Debu Da was not just a man of letters but also of action. He was a civil engineer by profession and used his expertise to address some of the city’s most pressing infrastructural issues.
One of his significant contributions was resolving the drinking water problem at Keenan Stadium by leading the installation of a comprehensive network of pipelines. His engineering firm also played a key role in laying the drinking water pipeline in the new building of Tata Main Hospital (TMH).
Advocacy for senior citizens
Debu Da was also known for his advocacy on behalf of senior citizens. In a noteworthy instance, he wrote to the then chairman of the State Bank of India, Arundhati Bhattacharya, highlighting the difficulties faced by elderly customers in accessing the bank’s first-floor branch. His plea led to the relocation of the branch to the ground floor, making it more accessible to all.
Contributions to child rights
Ghosh’s contributions to the community were not limited to infrastructure. A passionate advocate for child rights, he wrote letters to the Secretary General of the United Nations and several Indian Prime Ministers, championing the cause of children with the same fervour as human rights.
He also supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, although his contributions in this area were often overlooked.
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A promoter of Indian tradition and animal welfare
In the realm of cultural heritage, Ghosh was instrumental in staging the first Sanskrit play at the Milanee Hall, further showcasing his dedication to preserving and promoting Indian traditions.
Ghosh also extended his compassion to animals, serving as an advisor to the honorary secretary of Jharkhand Animal Welfare Society (JAWS), the city’s first organization dedicated to animal welfare. The society expressed its profound condolences on his passing, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to the cause.
