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In the aftermath of the Indo-Pakistan conflict of December 1971 and the devastating Bhola cyclone, St Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata became an unexpected storehouse for essential supplies. This move, aimed at mitigating the looming threat of famine in lower Bengal, caused a stir among some local and expatriate residents.
The person behind this unconventional use of the cathedral was Canon Subhir Biswas, the charismatic dean born in 1933 in Germany. Known for his dynamic personality, Subhir was often seen around town on his Harley-Davidson, a testament to his vibrant spirit.
Subhir’s connection to the local community was evident when he baptized the author’s daughter in December 1974, using a shawl crafted by a parishioner from a nearby slum. This gesture highlighted the stark contrasts in Kolkata, where extreme poverty existed beside opulence.
Despite his efforts, Subhir appeared to lack institutional support. He frequently distributed necessities to those in need, personally identifying individuals who required assistance. His deep commitment to helping others was clear as he interacted with them as neighbors, embodying the Christian principle of community care.
Young Indian Christians from affluent families found inspiration in Subhir’s leadership, though his broader plans for fostering charitable endeavors among them remained largely unfulfilled.
Canon Subhir Biswas passed away from cancer shortly after the author’s departure from India. Those who knew him speculated that his relentless dedication to his work may have contributed to his early demise, but his legacy as a compassionate leader remains.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
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