Placeholder canvas
 
Close
Igniting Ideas For impact

Embarking on a transformative journey through six chapters, we traverse India's landscape, exploring pioneering startups and their revolutionary...

5 months

Why This Kolkata Chaiwala Got Tributes From All Over The World on His Death

Why This Kolkata Chaiwala Got Tributes From All Over The World on His Death

Milan da, as he was fondly known among his students, had come to the city after fleeing the War of Liberation in Bangladesh.

Within the hallowed confines of one of India’s most prestigious universities, is the legendary canteen run by Milan Kanti Dey, fondly known as Milan da, who passed away due to lung cancer.

(Note: An earlier version of this story did not correctly attribute Dola Mitra, Outlook, as a source for the information. The error is regretted. The correct attribution has been added to the story. – Editor)

Known to generations of Jadavpur University students, his canteen became an integral part of the university’s culture for four decades. No ‘adda’ session at JU would be complete without a few munchies from Milan Da’s canteen, as reported in the Outlook.

Milan da had started a canteen near Gate 4 of Jadavpur University, which earned cult status due to a special dish, called the ‘dhoper chop’.

Milan da's canteen, is truly a vital part of Kolkata's Jadavpur University's rich culture. Image Credit:- Kaushik Dey
Milan da’s canteen, is truly a vital part of Kolkata’s Jadavpur University’s rich culture. Image Credit:- Kaushik Dey

The story behind ‘dhoper chop’ is fascinating, the report states. “The word ‘dhop’, in Bengali means ‘lies’. It was named in irony by the university’s angst-ridden intellectuals, to signify a moment of purity-the only true thing in a world gone down the drain, drowned in its phoniness.”

“The crispy, crunchy, batter-coated snack,” went well with his special tea and formed the perfect accompaniment to the conversations revolving around literature, politics, drama, art and music among hordes of students who frequented his canteens.”

Milan da was always quiet, handing out trays of tea and biscuits, unknowingly creating an interesting atmosphere, to which students flocked.

However, life wasn’t so rosy for him. Milan da started the canteen in 1972, soon after arriving in Kolkata, India after fleeing Bangladesh during the War of Liberation. Selling tea in the college campus during the day, he would sleep on the pavement outside the gates at night. Milan da struggled but slowly grew his business, buying land in Kolkata’s suburbs, and bringing his parents to stay with him.

Milan da breathed his last on 23rd July after a prolonged fight with cancer. He is survived by his wife and two sons.


You may also like- Daughter of Tea-Seller Bests 6 Lakh Students, Makes It To IAF’s Flying Branch!


Social media accounts of Jadavpur University students overflowed with nostalgia for Milan da. Many students remembered the precious moments they had spent at the iconic canteen in Kolkata. Now, it remains to be seen whether his wife and sons will carry on the legacy that Milan da left behind.

(Edited by Shruti Singhal)

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

This story made me

  • feel inspired icon
    97
  • more aware icon
    121
  • better informative icon
    89
  • do something icon
    167

Tell Us More


We bring stories straight from the heart of India, to inspire millions and create a wave of impact. Our positive movement is growing bigger everyday, and we would love for you to join it.

Please contribute whatever you can, every little penny helps our team in bringing you more stories that support dreams and spread hope.

Support the biggest positivity movement section image Support the biggest positivity movement section image
 
X
 
Sign in to get free benefits
  • Get positive stories daily on email
  • Join our community of positive ambassadors
  • Become a part of the positive movement