Kamal Ghorui
An artwork of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on an electric box outside his Elgin Road residence is being repainted today on his birth anniversary. Originally painted in January 2018 as part of an initiative led by activist Mudar Patherya, the artwork was later defaced with massage parlour advertisements, sparking outrage among citizens. Within 24 hours of the defacement being flagged, the artwork is being reworked and restored today on Netaji’s birth anniversary, once again drawing attention to civic responsibility. “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,” said Mudar.
The original artwork in 2018
Defaced Netaji Artwork Electric Box on Elgin Road
The repainting is being carried out by artist Ranjit. Recounting the swift action, Mudar 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.” Mudar also stressed that such efforts should not rely on individuals alone. “All those citizens who want others to clean up their city are basically shrugging off their own responsibility,” he said, urging locals and neighbourhood institutions to step up.
