Two days around Kolkata: Journalism and beyond

Martin Chamberland was invited to cover Durga Puja in Kolkata. It was a joint collaboration between La Presse from Montreal, and Jaydeep Mukherjee of Meghdutam Travels on global sensitization of Durga Puja. A unique opportunity presented itself for interpolated journalism by chance. Martin Chamberland worked relentlessly with me in the ongoing monsoon of Kolkata to cover the mayhem of College Street, and a football final hosted by the Indian Football Association clicking photos to capture the stories for The Statesman.

25^th of September was a devastating day for the book sellers, readers, and vendors in College Street as the whole market faced devastating rains from an unexpected cloud burst over the city. Covering the book lanes of the largest second-hand book market in the world, the scenes were heart breaking. While on the journey, The Statesman was in conversation with Martin. He said, “We had hoped for the next generation of young journalists to be more aware, to be on the streets covering stories that mattered. But perhaps all around the world, journalists have become PR agents. They get it easy, so the hunger is going away fast.” Martin has been a photojournalist for more than 3 decades; he has covered Olympics, wars, and in-between travelling the world.

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Sitting in the Indian Coffee House, the conversation weaved from regional political, governmental neglect of the minority states, a lack of integrity in lieu of popularity, and most importantly the othering of the intelligentsia when they do not agree with the conformist ideologies. Martin added, “I don’t like war, I have been to Ukraine, and the aggression I saw there was not in favour of anyone; be it Ukraine or Russia.”

On the 26^th of September Indian Football Association hosted the Supreme Cup Eastern Zone final in Titagarh G.C Road football club playground. The final took place between Ghasiara Vidyapith (H.S) versus Chanda Bani Vidya Bithi. The event was sponsored by the Supreme Knowledge Foundation.

Present to felicitate the coaches and supervise the match was General Secretary of IFA Anirban Dutta, General Secretary of District Sports Association of North 24 Parganas Nabab Bhattacharya, ex-national footballer for India Kalyan Chandra, District Football Secretary Sachin Ghosh, and organiser of the event Prithvijit Ghosh. The IFA secretary said, “These grass root tournaments are the backbone of the football ecosystem here. It is important we promote these.” Kalyan Chandra said, “I am proud of these kids playing so passionately. I am sure they will go on to bigger clubs, and represent India on the global stage.”

The match ended 4-1 in favour of Ghasiara High School. They will go on to the state level to compete with three other zonal teams. All the players are under 14 years of age. They showed great zeal, raw emotions, and the hunger for victory. The man of the match was Emran Molla, and man of the tournament was Ranbir Halder. The organisers were so elated with the photos Martin took of the players that they felicitated him with a guest trophy, and a badge of honour. This was a completely new experience for the veteran photographer and he expressed, “I came to cover a match and became a star.”

The exchange between two journalists from the opposite parts of the world brought up issues which are similar to both parts of the world. With good memories, and funny stories shared of coffee, the exchange also brought on the frustration that sometimes presents itself for journalists on duty.

Photos By: Martin Chamberland, La Presse