BY DR KAUSTAV BHATTACHARYYA

The news of the tragic demise of Mr. Rathikant Basu, a distinguished civil servant and pioneer of Indian private television, came through Twitter. His genteel demeanor, marked by a calm smile, seemed to stare at me. Tributes are pouring in from the media fraternity and the wider establishment, extolling his role in ushering in the era of Satellite Television and redefining electronic entertainment. Mr. Basu was part of the elite corps of Indian Civil Services, specifically the IAS (Indian Administrative Services), in which he served with distinction across various roles, including Municipal Administration, Space Research, the Electronics Ministry, and Information and Broadcasting.

Mr. Rathikant Basu epitomized the archetype of the old-school gentlemanly world, inclusive of both men and women. After receiving a stellar education in some of the finest English public school-styled Indian institutions, he graduated in Economics from the esteemed St. Stephen’s College before joining the IAS. This was followed by a degree in Urban Planning from a prestigious university college in London. Initially assigned to the state of Gujarat as his cadre, he swiftly rose through the ranks, assuming pivotal positions within the Central Government in New Delhi. A defining moment in his career was his tenure as the Director-General of Doordarshan and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting between 1993 and 1996. During this period, Mr. Basu, in his capacity as a senior official, spearheaded reforms and adapted the functioning of the state-controlled TV channel to meet the challenges posed by the competitive landscape of multiple TV channels and emerging technologies, thereby transforming the way we perceive television.

However, the Mr. Basu who remains etched in my heart and mind is the charming civil servant with an infectious smile who mentored and guided me through my doctoral research on Indian Civil Services Elites, specifically IAS officers. I first encountered Mr. Basu as a young researcher, armed with an old-fashioned mini tape-recorder, a cassette, and some scribbling writing pads and pen, in his tastefully elegant apartment in Kolkata. Our recorded interview, imbued with his charming wit, remains a fond memory. One anecdote stands out: Mr. Basu recounted being posted in a remote district in Gujarat, where he humorously remarked about feeling tempted to jump into a well on the premises during moments of desolation induced by job stresses.

My memories of Mr. Basu diverge from the tributes, as I lack the expertise to fully grasp the transformative changes he catalyzed in the electronic media landscape during the 1990s. Instead, my recollections are of a remarkably intelligent, sharp-minded individual with a kind and compassionate soul.

Therefore, my humble tribute and homage here focus on the human being Mr. Basu was—the person who mentored me, evolved into a friend, and enriched my life in subsequent years. His charm was infectious, and our conversations over steaming cups of fine Darjeeling tea, a beverage of which he was a connoisseur, were unforgettable. Mr. Basu appreciated the finer things in life, from single-malt whiskey to good furniture and exquisite paintings, displaying a profound love for art that few matched. His Kolkata apartment, adorned with tasteful aesthetics, served as a delightful backdrop for our conversations, which ranged from intellectual discourses to light-hearted banter.

Our bond strengthened over time, particularly after my completion of the doctoral dissertation. Mr. Basu’s generosity and wisdom offered solace during moments of academic and personal distress. His encouragement to explore unconventional writing topics beyond business and research themes marked a pivotal moment in my writing journey, culminating in this homage in CSM India Edition, where my passion for generalistic writing was ignited.

As I bid farewell to Mr. Basu, the abiding memory of his unwavering kindness and compassion towards all, regardless of social standing, lingers. His legacy of generosity continues to illuminate the lives of those he touched. With a heavy heart and tearful eyes, I bid adieu, wishing him eternal peace and urging all to enjoy a cup of First Flush Golden Darjeeling in his memory, wherever they may be.