Pictures by Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Tutu Bose Rests in Eternal Sleep; ‘The Maidan Will Never Be the Same Again’—Arch-Rival East Bengal, Too, Is Plunged into Grief. Tutu Bose is no more! The mood is somber even at East Bengal. The arch-rival club, too, shared an emotional tribute on social media. Tutu Bose rests in eternal sleep! Mohun Bagan has lost a gem; the Maidan has lost a banyan tree—a towering figure. And today, a shadow of deep mourning has fallen upon the rival club as well. In an emotional social media post, East Bengal Club wrote: "Rivalry is our identity. Yet, our bond transcends that rivalry. Over the years, mutual respect, admiration, and those spirited, playful banter sessions on the Maidan have woven us together. Rest in peace, Tutu-da. Without you, Kolkata’s Maidan will never be the same again."
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Tutu Bose Rests in Eternal Sleep; ‘The Maidan Will Never Be the Same Again’—Arch-Rival East Bengal, Too, Is Plunged into Grief. Tutu Bose is no more! The mood is somber even at East Bengal. The arch-rival club, too, shared an emotional tribute on social media. Tutu Bose rests in eternal sleep! Mohun Bagan has lost a gem; the Maidan has lost a banyan tree—a towering figure. And today, a shadow of deep mourning has fallen upon the rival club as well. In an emotional social media post, East Bengal Club wrote: "Rivalry is our identity. Yet, our bond transcends that rivalry. Over the years, mutual respect, admiration, and those spirited, playful banter sessions on the Maidan have woven us together. Rest in peace, Tutu-da. Without you, Kolkata’s Maidan will never be the same again."
The rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in Indian football spans a century. There have been numerous footballers who, through transfers, have played for both clubs at different times. The fierce battles and clashes are confined strictly to those 90 minutes on the pitch; off the field, the very concept of rivalry ceases to exist. From the club officials down to the supporters, the cordiality and mutual respect shared between the two clubs are truly unique. And once again, the century-old club situated on Leslie Claudius Sarani has reaffirmed that very identity. When the club by the banks of the Ganges lost its towering stalwart, East Bengal could not help but extend a supportive shoulder in solidarity.
Tutu Bose Rests in Eternal Sleep; ‘The Maidan Will Never Be the Same Again’—Arch-Rival East Bengal, Too, Is Plunged into Grief.
Tutu Bose Rests in Eternal Sleep; ‘The Maidan Will Never Be the Same Again’—Arch-Rival East Bengal, Too, Is Plunged into Grief.
Tutu Bose is no more! The mood is somber even at East Bengal. The arch-rival club, too, shared an emotional tribute on social media. Tutu Bose Rests in Eternal Sleep; ‘The Maidan Will Never Be the Same Again’—Arch-Rival East Bengal, Too, Is Plunged into Grief.
Tutu Bose Rests in Eternal Sleep! Mohun Bagan has lost a gem; the Maidan has lost a banyan tree. Today, a deep shadow of grief also looms over their arch-rival club. In an emotional social media post, East Bengal Club wrote: "Rivalry is our identity. Yet, our bond transcends that very rivalry. For years on end, mutual respect, admiration, and the spirited banter of the Maidan have bound us together. Rest in peace, Tutu-da. Without you, the Kolkata Maidan will never be the same again."
The rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in Indian football spans a century. There have been numerous footballers who, having switched allegiances, have played for both clubs at various times. The fierce battles and intense clashes are confined solely to those 90 minutes on the pitch; outside the stadium, the very concept of rivalry ceases to exist. From the club officials to the supporters, the cordial relations and sense of mutual courtesy shared by the two clubs are truly unique. And once again, the century-old club situated on Leslie Claudius Sarani demonstrated this very spirit. When the club by the banks of the Ganges lost its towering stalwart, East Bengal, too, could not help but extend a supportive hand in solidarity.
The State Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, was also left grief-stricken by the passing of Tutu Basu. He wrote on social media: "I am deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Swapan Sadhan Basu (Tutu Basu)—former President of Mohun Bagan Club, former Member of Parliament, and a veteran sports administrator. Mohun Bagan Club and Tutu Basu were synonymous with one another. His exceptional contributions to sports administration over many years will remain eternally memorable. His leadership, foresight, and genuine passion for sports will continue to inspire future generations. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, relatives, well-wishers, and countless admirers. I pray to the Almighty for the eternal peace of his departed soul. Om Shanti."
The Chief Minister visited the Mohun Bagan Club premises to pay his final respects to Tutu Basu. He was accompanied by the State Sports Minister, Nisith Pramanik. From Left Front Chairman Biman Bose to BJP MLA Swapan Dasgupta, and extending to Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor Firhad Hakim—prominent figures from across the political spectrum were present. Former MLA Atin Ghosh and CPM leader Shatarup Ghosh also attended. Today, these familiar faces of the political world came to pay their final respects to Tutu Bose. Today, there were no party lines. Actress Moon Moon Sen and her daughter, Raima Sen, were among the attendees. Also present were former footballer Subrata Bhattacharya, Shilton Paul, and Bengal coach Sanjay Sen. CAB President Sourav Ganguly and former Cricketer Laxmi Ratan Shukla were also spotted on this day.