Jaipur, 21 November (HS). Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar today visited the house of freedom fighter and megastar of 1946 Calcutta riots Gopal Patha in Kolkata and paid tribute to him. Dilawar reached the residence of Gopal Patha at 39, Malanga Lane in Calcutta and met his grandson Shantanu Mukherjee, his two granddaughters Anita Mukherjee and Niharika Mukherjee and greeted them by presenting them with a garland and Ramayan.
Seeing the Education and Panchayati Raj Minister at their home, the family members of Gopal Patha gave an emotional welcome to the Minister. Minister Dilawar also went to the office of Jatiya Attan Samiti run by Gopal Ji Patha and paid his tribute by garlanding the portrait of Gopal Patha. Gopal Patha’s grandson Shantanu Mukherjee presented Gopal Patha’s portrait to the minister. Remembering that day of 16 August 1946, his family members told the minister that if Dada had not been there, Kolkata would not have been in India today. Dada and his comrades bravely fought the Muslim League and the rioters supported by it. Due to which the rioters could not succeed in their plans and Calcutta was saved from going to Pakistan.
It is noteworthy that after the Muslim League announced direct action on 16 August 1946, a massive massacre started in Calcutta. The rioters started killing Hindus. At that time, Gopal Mukherjee, who was also known as Gopal Patha, sounded the trumpet of struggle against the rioters and fought them bravely. And saved the lives of thousands of Hindus. In the riots that lasted for four days, Gopal Patha led 10 thousand rioters to their death. Ultimately, because of Gopal ji, the plans of the Muslim League were foiled and the lives of thousands of Hindus were saved.
Education Minister Madan Dilawar told the family that not only West Bengal but the entire country is indebted to your grandfather. We salute his great struggle and courage.