Residents of Jalpaiguri are getting to see a different side of Saikat Chatterjee, the town’s former municipal chairman and once-prominent Trinamool Congress leader.
Away from political speeches, party banners, and the demands of public office, Chatterjee has launched himself as an online storyteller, showcasing the town’s rich heritage and introducing its lesser-known talents to a wider audience.
His new video miniseries on social media, titled “Jalpaigurir Gorbo” (The pride of Jalpaiguri), debuted ahead of Durga Puja.
Sporting a simple checked shirt, a microphone clipped to his collar, Chatterjee appeared in front of the camera in the role of a presenter, rather than a politician.
For the first episode, he visited the workshop of renowned clay artist Chanchal Pal, located near Bhatia Building in Jalpaiguri.
The eight-minute-and-50-second video offers viewers a glimpse into the life, work and family legacy of the celebrated artisan.
“I do not have a business profile on social media, so I am not exactly a vlogger. I am trying to bring the stories of talented people from our town, many of whom have never received adequate publicity, before the public. This is not a political initiative; it is about documenting history. In the future, I may also bring forward stories based on specific needs and relevance,” he said when asked about the new initiative.
Although Chatterjee appeared slightly hesitant initially, he soon grew more comfortable in front of the camera. He opened the video by recalling the contributions of prominent personalities associated with Jalpaiguri, including writers Debesh Roy and Samaresh Majumdar, as well as football legend P.K. Banerjee.
He then welcomed Chanchal Pal with a traditional “uttariyo” (scarf) and a bouquet before engaging in a conversation with him about his life and artistic journey.
The discussion brought to light a remarkable family legacy spanning three generations and 108 years.
In the conversation, Chanchal said he continued to preserve the traditional pottery and clay-art heritage passed down by his grandfather, Mukunda Pal, and
his father, the renowned artisan Naren Pal. The conversation also touched upon struggles involved in sustaining the family’s traditional craft.
The video has received an encouraging response on social media, with admirers posting comments and reactions. Many have shared the video.
Chatterjee’s transition from a prominent political figure to an online storyteller has sparked discussion.
Amalan Munshi, a local Congress leader, said: “He is doing so in his personal capacity.”
A Trinamool leader, who has actively done politics with Chatterjee, said: “He is a prolific speaker and narrator. It will be interesting to see whether he continues as a vlogger or will be active in politics again.”
BJP leaders, when asked about Chatterjee’s videos, refused to comment.