December 25, 2010
Didi says it with card & cake
On the occasion of Christmas the Trinamool chief Ms. Mamata Banerjee has come up with something that no leader in Bengal has done so far. One hundred greeting cards, drawn and designed by her in Christmas colours, and an equal number of cakes have been sent by her to eminent citizens, Christian organizations, charitable institutions, churches and old-age homes around the city. Chambers of commerce are also among the recipients of this special gift. Simply designed in white, green and gold, the card predictably has flowers as the dominant motif. There are five of them with two little ones sprouting at the bottom. “May the joy of the season stay in our hearts†reads a short message. Mamata has signed the card in English. The one-pound cakes that accompany the cards have been baked at home by a Christian family and reportedly taste yummy. Those who will get to dig into it include leaders of Catholic and Protestant churches, large Christian orders like the Don Boscos and Loretos. Archbishop of Kolkata Lucas Sarkar, Bishop Rev Ashok Biswas, bishops of Baruipur, Krishnagar, Asansol, Raiganj, Bagdogra are also among the recipients. Several Jesuits, old-age homes and the Bangiya Christiya Parisheba will also receive the greeting from the Trinamool chief. The Assembly of God and Armenian churches are also on the list. Prominent citizens like former Olympian Leslie Claudius, hockey player Vece Paes and his son, tennis star Leander Paes, received the gift on Christmas eve along with quizmaster Neil O’ Brien. Non-Christian organizations like the chambers of commerce, corporate bigwigs and people from the world of entertainment have not been left out either. According to sources, the Christmas gift was Didi’s own idea. “She designed the card herself and drew out the list of recipients. She is a keen painter and took care to ensure that the card had the Christmas colours of green and white. And that the cake tasted good,†said an insider. Most cards have been delivered on Christmas eve. Others would reach their destination by Christmas morning.
