A thoughtful initiative by Jhargram's 'bad boys' is winning hearts

KOLKATA: They were back benchers in school. They were notorious for all their mischiefs. Only thing that caught their fancy and attention was cricket. Nothing could stop them from playing cricket. That's why they ignored their parents' warnings and went to Jhargram, Kharagpur and Tatanagar to play cricket. They were rather infamous for their reckless attitude. Neighbours labeled them as 'bad boys', but nothing could deter their spirit.They accepted this name in good humour and moved on with life.
Now after many years those mischief makers have turned into upstanding men and are out to lend a helping hand to those in dire need.
All of them are within the age group of 25-30. While Pratik Maitra is a entrepreneur, Anup Thakur is a primary school teacher. On the other hand Biplab Hansda is a car dealer, Saikat Mondal is a mobile shop owner and Bijay Singh a PWD engineer. They have started a Facebook page in the name of Jhargram Bad Boys Foundation. Their only aim is to help poor and needy people.
In an interview to Ei Samay, Pratik Maitra said, "20 days ago, we were standing near Jhargram Five Point crossing. We were engaged in our regular 'adda' when we saw some poor people shivering in the cold. They missed their last bus back home and were left with no other choice than to spend the rest of the night in the open air. We felt bad. There are so many people who don't have a proper place to stay and don't have enough clothing to shield them in this winter. We wanted to stand by their side. What a better way to start the new year!"
It was almost 11pm on January 1. The mercury had dropped to 7-8 degrees. These 'bad boys' left their home with 50 new blankets. They went to the station area, Circus Maidan field, flyover area, Five Point crossing and areas around hospitals and wrapped 18 beggars with these new blankets.
They went through varied experiences in this short span of time. Most of the people whom they wanted to help didn't believe their intention initially and mistook them as goons or policemen. But with love and effort they won hearts.
Read this story in Bengali