Deepak Jyoti -2025
March 22, 2025 – On the occasion of the 24th death anniversary of East Bengal Club’s modern architect, Deepak (Paltu) Das, a floral tribute and lamp-lighting ceremony was held in the morning at the club tent. The homage was led by former players Bhaskar Ganguly, Manoranjan Bhattacharya, Prashanta Banerjee, Bikash Panji, Anit Ghosh, General Secretary Rupak Saha, Executive Committee member Debabrata Sarkar, and other committee members.
From 1 PM at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, East Bengal Club honoured eminent personalities from various walks of life with the “Deepak Jyoti” Award, inspired by the ideals of Deepak (Paltu) Das.
The programme began with the screening of a video on Deepak (Paltu) Das.
Renowned singer Shampa Kundu performed, and was felicitated by Rajat Guha.
Club President Murari Lal Lohia formally inaugurated the day’s proceedings with his address.
Before the Under-13 and Under-15 teams set out to play in the National Round after winning their Zonal Round, the players and coaches were felicitated and encouraged.
Deepak Jyoti Award recipients:
Raghu Nandi (eminent football coach) – felicitated by former players Ranjit Mukherjee and Alok Mukherjee.
Pranab Kumar Nandi (eminent cricket coach) – felicitated by former cricket captain Sambaran Banerjee and Ranadeb Bose.
Anindya Mitra (senior advocate) – felicitated by President Murari Lal Lohia, Vice-President Advocate Ajay Krishna Chatterjee, and Advocate Bikash Dutta.
Kamal Kumar Duggar (distinguished social worker) – felicitated by Football Secretary Saikat Ganguly and Executive Committee member Suman Dasgupta.
Hon’ble Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya – felicitated by General Secretary Rupak Saha.
Mayank Jalan (prominent industrialist) – felicitated by Hon’ble Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya and Executive Committee member Debabrata Sarkar.
Bhaichung Bhutia (former player) – felicitated by General Secretary Rupak Saha.
Dr. Shivaji Basu (eminent physician) – felicitated by Assistant Secretary Dr. Shantiranjan Dasgupta and former player Bhaichung Bhutia.
Mamata Shankar (Padma Shri awardee, eminent dancer and actress) – felicitated by President Murari Lal Lohia, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Tennis Secretary Indranil Ghosh.
Sabyasachi Chakraborty (distinguished actor) – felicitated by President Murari Lal Lohia, Vice-President Kalyan Majumdar, and Bhaichung Bhutia.
I.M. Vijayan (Padma Shri awardee, former Indian football captain and ex-East Bengal player) – felicitated by his former teammate Bhaichung Bhutia, in the presence of other ex-players of the club.
A talk show featuring I.M. Vijayan and Bhaichung Bhutia was held, moderated by renowned sports editor Gautam Bhattacharya.
