Usman, ‘Sir’s’ driver, recalls a journey through life
Times of India | 9 August 2024
Kolkata: Md Usman, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s driver who worked for him for nearly 30 years, on Thursday promised his son Suchetan and wife Meera Bhattacharjee to be with them forever. “Sir is no more, but I am there for you,” he told them as Bhattacharjee left his Palm Avenue house forever.
Usman had driven Bhattacharjee’s car since 1982. “We have a 30-year-old relationship with Sir, so how could I sit at home after getting such news? I last came to visit him a few months back after he had returned from the hospital.”
Usman was appointed as Bhattacharjee’s driver by the CPM.Bhattacharjee took the initiative and absorbed him as a state govt driver. Every Eid, Usman brought homemade biryani for him, which he loved. “The memories of all those moments I shared with the former CM, the ups and downs of his political career are rushing back. I feel pained. I knew he was unwell but never thought that he could leave us. I can’t still believe that he has left forever. Life won’t be the same without him around,” Usman said.
Usman, too, is not in a good physical state. He has had a brain stroke. He can’t walk without a stick and help. Still, he promised to be with the Bhattacharjees whenever needed.
Bhattacharjee’s attendant, Haren Adhikary, was also shocked after losing a person who became his family member in the last four years. “He didn’t speak much but was very caring. This morning, after he took his breakfast, when I gave him medicine, he couldn’t take it. I made a paste so that he could swallow it but he failed to take it and collapsed in front of me. I can’t forget that moment. The person who I looked after as my father will be missed,” Adhikary said.
The small flat, the pile of books, old pictures and medical reports stayed behind as the person, who would always be remembered as an epitome of ‘simple living’, left his home forever on Thursday.