"I am candidate for the post of President because of leadership quality: Shibabrata Dutta, Experienced sports organiser wants to work unitedly

Team work is very important to succeed at the organisational level and it must be accompanied by efficient leadership as well as leadership quality. Having worked as a sports organiser for 25-30 years, he has both the skill and adaptability. That is why the ruling party made him the Presidential candidate. Experienced sports organiser Shibabrata Dutta feels so.

Shibabrata Dutta is a very familiar face in Silchar’s sporting arena. A successful Chartered Accountant by profession, he is involved with various organisations in the city as well as in social service activities. He has experience of working in various positions including President of a prestigious organisation like Rotary Club. This time he is the candidate for the post of President in the upcoming BGM of Silchar District Sports Association. He is supported by the ruling party. But even two weeks ago, Shibabrata was not a candidate for the post of President.

He said, “Even a few days ago, I was not in the race for the President. But I couldn’t ignore the love of my fans when the ruling party offered me the proposal. I accepted it at their request. Actually they know my skills. They made me a candidate for the post of President because of my qualifications.”

Babul Hore is fighting against Shibabrata Dutta for the post of President. Both are residents of Tarapur as well as the President and Secretary of their neighborhood club Tarapur AC. About this, Shibabrata Dutta said, ” I have a younger brother- elder brother relationship with the person whom I’m competing with. I have a good relationship with him since the beginning of my career. Today we are against each other because of the situation. But I strongly believe it will not affect our personal relationship. We both wished each other well in advance.”

Shibabrata Dutta has been the Secretary of Tarapur AC for the last 25 years. Under him, Tarapur has achieved success by participating in various events of the District Sports Association. Many times he wanted to leave the post of Secretary of Tarapur AC for giving opportunities to newcomers. But as there was no alternative, he had to continue his duties for many years. He has been associated with Silchar Football Academy since the last ten years.

Shibabrata Dutta said, “Silchar Football Academy is the biggest example of teamwork. All of us have managed to bring the football academy to a place today. I am the President of Silchar Football Academy since the last ten years. Now a residential camp is being organised in the academy. There are 22 young footballers in it.”

He also said, “A few days ago Shyamacharan Dev Vidyapith won the under 14 school football championship. All of those from the champion school were football academy students. Now that team will go to Guwahati. It is a great success for us.”

He said with some regret that the Silchar District Sports Association is second in the state after the Guwahati Sports Association. The difference between the first and the second place is much. In this context, he said, “We are right in the second place. But in terms of infrastructure we are far behind when compared to Guwahati. When I come to office, I will try to reduce this gap. There are many events like archery, boxing and wrestling which we don’t have here. This has to be worked on. There is no track and field infrastructure. Special attention should be paid to these aspects.” He thinks infrastructure development is not possible without government grants. “Development of sports infrastructure is not possible without government grants. I have a good relationship with public representatives. So I will try to arrange funding when I come to the office.”

The candidate for the post of President thinks that Satindra Mohan Dev Stadium did not get its full form due to deficiency in some places. He said, “Why was the stadium work not completed even after Santosh Mohan Dev became the Union Minister? I think there was a flaw somewhere. Perhaps the matter of the stadium was not properly presented to the late Union Minister by the District Sports Association. Those who were in charge at that time may not have been able to do the job.” The experienced sports organiser said that after he takes charge, he will give special emphasis to the infrastructure of the stadium. He will try to give the stadium a complete shape. He said, “I have no personal grudge against anyone. But there may be mistakes in attempt. This is where leadership quality comes in.”

He thinks he has a great panel on his hands. All the people in it are experienced and have good working skills. On this context he said, “I think this panel can work together. This panel has the ability to adapt to any situation. So I am seeking the blessings of every member of the organisation for the entire team.”

Praising MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, he said, “Our MLA is working for infrastructure development. Our MP Rajdeep Roy is also contributing greatly to the development of sports infrastructure. The MP gave 25 lakh rupees to Silchar Football Academy. He is giving financial donations to MLA Dipayan, the Academy and Silchar District Sports Association.”

The Presidential candidate said that there might be egotism in any family. But adapting to all situations is the need. This is where leadership comes into play. There should be a mentality of taking everyone together. Only then can Silchar’s sports be taken forward. He thinks that new talent should be given a chance and skilled people should be given opportunities. Only then development is possible. He told that he is getting good response in the campaign and everyone is encouraging him.