Century-old Kolkata snacks shop preserves Netaji’s nostalgia

By Soudhriti Bhabani Kolkata, Jan 21 : Located in the crumbling neighbourhood of north Kolkata, the century-old snacks shop Laxmi Narayan Shaw and Sons, popularly known as Netajis ‘Telebhaja’ shop, stands as a silent testimony to the golden times of Bengal. Even in these parts of the vintage eastern metropolis, the nostalgia of Netaji is so deep-fried.
Formally established in 1918 by Khedu Shaw, the shop dishes out deep-fried hot fritters everyday to the regulars. Interestingly, this shop was once a favourite of India’s one of the most loved freedom icons, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, when he was a student at the Scottish Church College.
People know the establishment as Netaji’s ‘Telebhaja’ (snacks) shop, though he never owned any such, as the present owner still continues to distribute free deep-fried fritters to the customers on the occasion of Netaji’s birth anniversary every year. The frontside of the shop boasts artwork featuring Netaji and there is also a bust of the freedom fighter erected in front of the shop, precisely on the pavement.
At a time when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced extensive plans to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji, the 103-year old traditional Bengali fast food joint is gearing up to pay tribute to India’s forgotten freedom hero this year.
“We will distribute free fritters to the customers from the morning itself. People come in hoards and queue up in front our outlet every year on January 23 just to take part in the unique celebration. It’s a very special day for us as we all remember Netaji with that small gesture by spreading happiness among many,” Mohan Gupta, alias Mona da, a third-generation owner of the establishment, told IANS.
The CM had announced that the state government would set up a national university, a monument forming a state planning commission and publish books on Netaji in a bid to observe the 125th birth anniversary. The series of programmes will kick-start from January 23 and will continue through the year.