AFTER the demise of Comrade Jayant Ganguly, Comrade DP Bakshi took over charge of the Party in Jharkhand. Till his last breath, he had a special affection for Jharkhand. Though the focus of his work was basically on the working class, he also took a keen interest in guiding the Party work in Giridih, Palamu and other rural areas. As I observed it, I feel these are the things for which Comrade Bakshi (Pranab Da) is best known: 1) He continuously educated Jharkhand Party activists and trade union activists in developing an organized, well-planned and systematic work style; 2) Despite occupying high offices in the Party he set an example by always striving to learn small as well as big things from common activists; 3) He was worthy of emulation in that he shouldered great responsibilities without ever publicising himself; I never saw him hesitate to try out new experiments. 4) We can never forget his contribution in personally advising Comrade Mahendra Singh and helping him to sharpen his role in the Party. He took a special interest in encouraging dalit activists from rural areas; 4) he made a significant contribution to ideological development of the Party through his writings. Needless to say, his work among railway workers benefited Jharkhand as it did other States. He also had a special interest in nurturing cultural activism - inspiring comrades to organise a two-day cultural festival in Ranchi in which leading cultural figures including BP Kesri, Mukunda Naik and Ramdayal Munda participated, to promote and strengthen the understanding of Jharkhand’s indigenous culture.
Pranab da also earned the respect and affection of women comrades in particular by being ever ready to participate in cooking, cleaning and other labour in party offices as well as people’s homes. Again, quietly, without a fuss, he set an example that other male comrades could learn from.
We shall remember and cherish Comrade DP Bakshi forever.
