OBIT: A thorough professional, and a gem of a person

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

I don’t know how to react to the demise of Chandan Mitra sir. For some years he was not well, actually he was pretty unwell. So this liberation from the diseased physical body is a relief to his soul that I know. Still, I am feeling quite sad by his passing away.

He was one gem of a person, a thorough professional. I first met him when I joined Hindustan Times (HT) as an intern in 1994. He was the Executive Editor at HT, Delhi. After the internship was over, he assured me that he will get me absorbed in the organization, as and when the vacancy arose. I thought he was just being nice.

Meanwhile, the Evening News, the then day paper of the HT group, selected me. Now I was in two minds – I didn’t want to join Evening News but the very fact that it was an HT publication worked in its favour. I didn’t know what to do. The Evening News editor wanted me to join with immediate effect. With no one to guide me, I turned to Chandan sir. I told him, “Sir, I have got a job offer from Evening News…,” and before I could say anything further, came his reply, “Do NOT go there, I prefer you sit at home for some time than join Evening News.”

And then he said: “Why don’t you begin writing for our Sunday Magazine as a freelancer. You will be able to make some money”. I was happy, and I did write a couple of articles for that HT Sunday Magazine, on each of which he carefully guided me. Then I got a job in another magazine and stopped freelancing with HT. When I told him about my new job, he was happy, and wished me well.

I thought, Chandan sir didn’t want to give me a job. But I was wrong. In three months’ time, I got a call from HT. The HT letter asked me to join in December. I was working wanted a month’s time to serve the notice period. And this I told Chandan sir. He said I will lose out on the seniority to others who were joining in December, nevertheless he was happy that I had my professional ethics in place.

I joined HT in Jan 1995. And, within a week’s time, faced an unprecedented situation. Someone – and till date I don’t know who that person was – had sent in a resignation letter on my behalf. I came to know of it when I went to the Personnel Dept for some work. “We have your resignation letter,” said the lady, and we have already moved your file from our records to the junk section. “But I didn’t send any resignation letter. Why would I. I am happy working here?,” I was almost in tears. “I cannot do anything,” she said, “Your name is off our records now.”

I came back to the news desk, almost in tears. I was in 12-6 shift that day, and the only one at that time apart from me was the News Editor Vasu. Vasu sensed something was wrong, and asked me what it was bothering me. After hearing me out told me, “go meet Chandan Mitra. Only, he can help you.”

There was nothing else I could do. There is nothing wrong in meeting him, I thought. What could be worse than what has already happened.

That day is still etched in my memory. I was standing outside his room, Chandan sir was not in office. I felt I was at the losing end. May be God doesn’t want me here, I thought. How will I disclose the news to my parents? Who is the person who sent the resignation letter in my name? And why? I was too new to the organization and had no friends or enemies. All the thoughts bothered me.

But I will leave office only after meeting Chandan sir, I thought. And waited.

Sometime later, Chandan sir entered the corridor, and walked into his room, gesturing me to come inside. Once again, before I could say anything, he said, “Don’t worry. Go back to the desk and resume your work. I will take care of the rest.”

I kept looking at him, with tears in my eyes, and heard him saying, “I don’t know who sent a resignation letter in your name. But I know you have an enemy. So, always be careful – while you move in and out of office. Be vigilant.”

I don’t know if I thanked him – I was too overwhelmed to utter a word, just kept nodding my head, in eternal gratitude.

Chandan Sir stayed for some more time at HT before he moved to Pioneer. He made frequent trips to the News Desk, and always made it a point to speak to each person on duty, from trainee subs to News Editor.

He always gave a somber and serious look, but never raised his voice even if he was angry over something. At least, I didn’t see him in foul mood ever. Chandan Sir was a gem of a person – kind and helpful, and a thorough professional. People like him are far and few between.

Goodbye, Chandan Sir. Shall miss you.