A Comet's Voyage

The decision to quite medical career and become a footballer is unthinkable in present time in spite of sponsors pouring money on this sport. But this decision was easily taken by one bengali in spite of losing his elder brother Radhnath Banerjee, who died on the field while playing for Howrah Union, one year after his birth. In spite of facing stiff resistance from his father who was a lawyer, the boy stood still in his decision to make his passion as a career. And thus a legend was born. Mr. Samar (Badru) Banerjee, who not only played for the 'National Club' Of India, Mohun Bagan from 1952 to 1959 but also became the first bengali to lead India to a commendable fourth position in the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956.

Born exactly 20 years after Mohun Bagan lifted the IFA Shield in 1911, this young lad's skill was spotted by Bali Prathibha Coach Narayan Banerjee. "Sports used to be your only past time then " quipped by Badru Banerjee, who grew up playing a wide range of sports.

You cannot confined one's talent in a place and similarly his fame spread quickly from his hometown to the Kolkata Maidan and many big clubs tried their best to sign him. In the mean time he lead his college team R.G.Kar Medical College to win Illiot Sheild in 1952 & 1955. While playing for BNR, he was brought to Mohun Bagan by family friend and actor Jahar Ganguly, then Hockey Secretary of the club. He was kept under lock at Aurora Studio in Maniktala, so that no other club can 'hijack' him. Such was the stature of the player.

He made immediate impact in Green-and-Maroon and made the team champions in IFA Sheild 1952,followed by first time Durand Champion in 1953 & first double in 1954 by winning both IFA Sheild and Kolkata league. He was an important member of the team which won the Rovers Cup in 1955 for the first time. He also helped the team to win second 'Double' in 1956 & latter became the captain of 'Mariniers' in 1958.

His playing career had achieved every success that a player can ask for. So, on the auspicious day of 29th July 2009 Mohun Bagan Club felicitated this stalwart with 'Mohun Bagan Ratna' & he was the 10th who won this prestigious award. Mr. Sailen Manna, another legend, was the first recipient of this prestigious awards in 2001.

'I feel honored to receive this award' was the immediate reaction of Badru Banerjee on an recent interview with TOI.

As a supporter I feel honored when my club is giving away this prestigious award to some of our ex-legends which helps me to know about the rich heritage of my favorite club.

Joy Mohun Bagan.

Courtesy: MohunBaganClub.Com.
Times of India.
Mariners-On the Move.