The five fishermen who rescued an elephant calf from the swollen Teesta river are now sought-after guests at Durga Puja inaugurations across north Bengal.
For Mithu Das, Bishwanath Das, Rajesh Das, Gopal Das and Bablu Das, residents of Gajoldoba in Jalpaiguri district, life has taken an unexpected turn since they saved the calf on September 21.
The five, all in their thirties, are using their newfound recognition to urge people to protect wildlife, conserve nature and keep rivers free of pollution.
Their festive engagements began on Mahalaya, when they attended a programme at Dhupguri’s Dakbungalow area on Saturday.
“We attended a programme where clothes were distributed to 250 dhakis (traditional drummers) on Mahalaya. The organisers also felicitated us,” said Bablu.
The fishermen were recently felicitated at The Telegraph School Awards for Excellence at the Birla Divya Jyoti School auditorium in Siliguri.
Bablu said several prominent Puja organisers in Siliguri and Jalpaiguri had sought their consent to inaugurate pandals between October 13 and 16.
“Such experiences are new to us. We have been invited to inaugurate a number of puja pandals in Siliguri and Jalpaiguri from October 13. We are appealing to people to protect wildlife, conserve nature and prevent river pollution,” he said.
The five are members of the Uttarbanga Matsyajibi Forum, or the North Bengal Fishermen’s Forum, formed in 2019.
Fishing is their sole occupation, and the Teesta is central to their lives. Bablu, the organisation’s secretary, said their public engagements offered an opportunity to highlight threats to the river and the lives it sustains.
“Some factories and individuals still dump waste into the river. Some people also catch fish using poison or electricity. These practices contaminate the water, endanger aquatic life and put people and animals at risk. We are urging people to stop them,” he said.
The fishermen have also requested the district administration to provide life jackets and boats to help them carry out rescue operations during emergencies.
Mithu Das said their familiarity with the Teesta had enabled them to assist in animal rescues during calamities, but essential equipment would make their efforts safer and more effective.
“We depend on the Teesta for our livelihood and also help rescue animals and respond to emergencies. If the administration provides us with life jackets and boats, we will be able to strengthen our efforts,” said Mithu.