Kolkata, the City of Joy, which used to be somewhat easy-going in the past, is ever-changing and constantly evolving to keep pace with the extreme dynamism across all borders in this contemporary world. We are thus living in a fast-paced city with our ardent desires in mind and have not learned to step back. While juggling different roles- as a parent, a spouse or a son, another important role autorickshaw drivers play is that of a chauffeur, earning a meagre amount by toiling day and night.
Just like every year, this year too, Hazra Park Durgotsab surprises the audience by bringing forward the idea of telling a story of autorickshaw drivers through their pandal.
This Puja of South Kolkata has come up with an eye-catching theme ‘Teen Chakar Golpo’ (Tale of 3 Wheels) this year. Hazra Park Durgotsab which turns 81 this year is celebrating with a theme to pay tribute to a chauffeur of an autorickshaw which was inaugurated by: Janab Firhad Bobby Hakim, who is the Hon'ble Mayor of Kolkata; Sri. Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, who is the Minister of Agriculture, Govt of WB; Sri. Baiswanor Chatterjee, who is the MMIC, KMC; Sri. Sayan Deb Chatterjee, who is the Joint Secretary of Hazra Park Durgotsab Committee & many other eminent personalities.
Speaking to the media, Sri. Sayan Deb Chatterjee, Joint Secretary of Hazra Park Durgotsab Committee said, "We have a negative feeling about auto drivers. But we never want to know about their daily struggles, difficulties, their family life, their ambitions and dreams. The pandal recreates the auto stand, surrounded by local buildings, auto parts etc. From the familiar role of auto drivers competing against each other to net passengers and haggling for exact fares, we present their humane side, working 24x7 to feed their families while juggling roles as a parent, a spouse or a son. Though their daily earnings are meagre, they try to keep their families happy and put in all that they can for the good education of their kids. We have also depicted their stories in voice-overs."