Didi turns designer, crafts logos, flags for state
She may be the chief minister of an important state and one of the tallest Opposition leaders in India, but for her relatives, Mamata Banerjee’s real gift is as a designer.
“She knits extremely fast. I remember a particular instance when she started knitting a sleeveless sweater for me on December 31 and I could wear it on January 1. She also experimented with designs on sweater,” said Mou Banerjee, her niece.
Over the past few years, the 62-year-old chief minister has crafted logos and drawn up Durga Puja idols and pandals. In May, she even designed the flags that will replace the now-banned red beacons atop the cars of officials and ministers in the state. “It was quite incredible to watch the entire process. First, she mooted the idea of a flag to replace the beacon. Then she floated the idea of the flag and the possible design. She emphasised that the flag should have two aspects — the theme of Bengal and a logo specific to the cadre. Finally, she produced the final design,” said an official present at the meeting.
Banerjee has even designed a full idol and a pandal for a community Durga puja and a theme logo for the state.
From administrative meetings to assembly sessions, she is often seen scribbling images and designs on paper.
Those who are close to the firebrand CM say she remains awake till late at night, thinking about design and painting.
Bureaucrats recall how she made the logo for Bengal keeping in mind the requirement of an umbrella brand for all campaigns for the state’s indigenous products. She also named it ‘Biswa Bangla’. She also took upon herself the logo design of Sabuj Sathi — a scheme for distribution of cycles among school children.
Prominent painter and TMC MP Jogen Chowdhury, said Banerjee is an extremely passionate human being and her urge to create designs was a reflection of that. Ramkumar Dey, former secretary of Bakul Bagan Sarbojonin Durgatsav committee, said he remembered the day when Banerjee, then the Union railway minister, conceptualised and designed not only the Durja Puja pandal but also the idol. “Imagine her busy schedule. But she did not rush... instead she started planning and designing in May...”