Nagpur loses Bhishmapitamah of football

DADA MITRA PASSES AWAY

A TRIBUTE

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Feb 21, 2018

ALL the arrangements were in place at Hinganghat to introduce a postage stamp on his 100th birthday. But God Almighty had other plans.
Durga Pado Mitra, fondly known as Dada Mitra by football lovers in central India and specially in Nagpur, fell six months short of completing his century.
Dada Mitra, aged 99, went for heavenly abode on early Wednesday morning (February 21) due to old age.
The last rites were performed same afternoon at Mokshadham where a large number of football and hockey lovers paid their last respect.
There was a wave of shock and disbelief among his well-wishers and friends as the news of Dada’s passing away spread.
Sports organiser Prof Dongarwar from Hinganghat had made all necessary arrangements to felicitate Dada on his 10th birthday. He had also sought necessary permission to introduce a postage stamp in Dada’s name. But that was not to be.
Dada, born on August 13, 1918, was not keeping well for past couple of weeks after he fell at his Surendra Nagar residence.
Dada, a 1991 Shiv Chhatrapati Award winner was known as ‘Bhishmapitamah of football’.
Even in life’s evening, barring last couple of weeks, Dada was glowing bright. Wherever there was football, Dada, in his trademark white dhoti-kurta would be seen. He was mad for soccer. His passion for football was alive till his last breath.
In his late 90s, an age when many retire from their daily routine, Dada was still going strong.
A few years back when this scribe met Dada at Triloki Nath Sidhra’s shop in Sitabuldi, Dada had said, “You are lucky to meet me today. I got my left eye operated recently and today is the first day I am out of my house.”
Dada was never an exceptional footballer but being a Bengali passion for soccer was in his blood since childhood. “I used to play for Dinanath High School, then played for Hislop College. But I was never an outstanding player. I was an average footballer and played at centre half, stopper and right-in positions,” Dada had once said during an interview.
Dada joined Central Railways in 1942 as a clerk and after serving for 34 years retired as head clerk in 1976.
Dada was the first Indian to become the secretary of Central Railway Institute Ajni after India gained Independence in 1947.
Interestingly, Dada never wanted to do a government job and was inclined towards business but after his father’s death he had to make this compromise. “My family was big. I was third in the family of seven brothers and two sisters. Being one of the elder brothers I had to look after them and hence joined Railways at a monthly salary of Rs 30,” Mitra had said.
After receiving the Chhatrapati Award, Dada, a down to earth man, had said, “This award was not for my success on the field but it was for what I did off it. I won the award in the best organiser category.”
Dada also served as secretary of Vidarbha Football Association in 1976. He was also secretary of Central Railway Institute, Ajni for 12 years where he was instrumental in organising many tournaments including Independence Cup hockey, kabaddi and kho-kho. 
Dada’s love for football continued to grow with his age. He was instrumental in organising the YMCA football tournament for schools for 20 years.
Dada was also the first secretary of Nagpur District Football Association in 1976 and also served the association at various other posts. He was also the last serving Trustee and Patron of Vidarbha Hockey Association.
With the passing away of Dada, city has lost a genuine sports lover and administrator. 
May his soul rest in peace.