Dr Chandan Mitra, the illustrious editor with an Oxford education, leaves behind a legacy that reverberates through the corridors of The Pioneer, where he wielded his editorial influence for an impressive span of 24 years.

On this day, he left for the heavenly abode. Otherwise, he would have celebrated his 69th birthday this December, yet his presence remains etched in the hearts of those privileged enough to have crossed paths with him.

The news of Dr Mitra’s passing on September 1, 2021, left me with an overwhelming sense of remorse. In the months leading up to that sombre moment, I had nurtured the intention of paying him a visit, a gesture that the relentless onslaught of the Covid second wave cruelly thwarted.

Within the realm of The Pioneer, Dr Mitra transcended being a mere boss; he metamorphosed into a mentor and a friend. He treated every staff member as a cherished colleague, bestowing upon me the honour of occupying a seat beside him during our news meetings. These are the reminiscences that stand out vividly in my memory, moments painted in the hues of camaraderie and shared experiences.

During these interactions, Dr Mitra would regale us with personal anecdotes, granting us glimpses into the odyssey of his life. I vividly recollect the tale of his spirited confrontation with a traffic policeman who took issue with his lack of helmet. Undeterred, Dr Mitra promptly dialed a senior police officer from the police station, extricating himself from the predicament. Such narratives illuminated not only his resourcefulness but also the indomitable spirit that defined him.

A lasting imprint was forged through the daily ritual of perusing the logbook. Within its pages, he etched his musings and reflections on the day’s edition of The Pioneer. This practice offered a glimpse into his mind, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the craft of quality journalism.

Dr Mitra staunchly championed the tenets of ethical reporting with an ironclad resolve. He firmly dissuaded personal attacks in news reports, insisting on presenting both sides of any accusation before publication. Fairness and integrity were the cornerstones of his approach.

Beyond his seemingly stern exterior resided a man imbued with compassion. He extended a sphere of autonomy to departmental heads, nurturing a climate of ingenuity and productivity. While he eschewed the hire-and-fire philosophy, his acumen was unmistakable. He strategically retained talent, offering substantial raises when warranted to align with competitive offers. I was one such beneficiary.

His investment in my journalistic growth was evident in his recommendations for books, movies, and articles. One instance stands out when he handed me a book on journalism, only to later confess that it was primarily in French. His playful retort, “You can learn French to read this book,” reverberated with mirth within the precincts of our news meeting room.

His dedication to the truth extended beyond the confines of the newsroom. Dr Mitra was unyielding in the face of pressure, his editorial decisions unswayed by external influences.

His courage manifested through narratives that laid bare a tapestry of scandals.

On one occasion, my esteemed M.Phil teacher, Professor Anwar Alam, approached me with a request to facilitate an appointment with Dr Mitra, a step he deemed necessary to expose an instance of perceived “injustice” perpetrated by the university. Given Prof Alam’s erudition, he tacitly conveyed to me his understanding that a counter-narrative was likely to emerge. In response, Dr Mitra accorded Prof Alam a substantial audience, meticulously reviewing the plethora of documents and evidence the latter had carried in support of his narrative. The careful examination reflected Dr Mitra’s commitment to upholding journalistic integrity. Subsequently, an in-depth exposé concerning the Professor’s alleged wrongful removal from his role as the director of a Centre received publication the following day. Yet, in a stance indicative of his dedication to balanced reporting, my Editor ensured the university’s perspective was also disseminated. This commitment to presenting multiple facets of the issue underscored Dr Mitra’s unwavering pursuit of fairness and accuracy within the realm of journalism.

As an editor, Dr Mitra not only shaped the contours of journalism but also nurtured aspiring journalists. His mentorship and inspiration continue to echo in the lives he touched. Personally, I take pride in being one of the beneficiaries of his wisdom and guidance. Dr Chandan Mitra will forever be woven into my thoughts as a paragon of honest journalism, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of our profession.