Legacy
Welcome to my Legacy - a living archive of the people who've shaped my life. From cherished friends to family legacy, this page is a curated reflection of my personal journey. Whether it's the Hall of Fame of friendships, the Watch List of future allies, or a documented account of my family's sociopolitical intersections - it's all here.
Family Legacy Overview

I come from a line of thinkers, reformers, and political activists. One key figure in my legacy is my grandfather, Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar, whose life spanned academia, politics, and ideological work.

Political Connections & Six Degrees of Separation
The concept of "six degrees of separation" - the idea that any two people on Earth are six or fewer connections apart - finds real-world validation in my family's political journey. Through meaningful associations and public service, our lineage stands just two degrees removed from the highest office in India, exemplifying how proximity to leadership often grows from a legacy of commitment, ideology, and civic engagement.Connections with National Leaders
Photo | Name | Known For | Connection |
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Narendra Modi | Prime Minister of India since 2014 | Second-degree connection via Shri Amit Shah, who shared the stage with my grandfather, Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar, during election campaigning. Amit Shah is Modi's closest political ally and strategist. This indirect link places our family two steps removed from the Prime Minister. |
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Droupadi Murmu | President of India since 2022 | My grandmother, Smt. Khela Sarkar shared a significant association with Smt. Sunita Haldekar, the All India Sampark Pramukh, who had the honor of meeting Droupadi Murmu, the current President of India. This connection places our family two steps removed from the President, underscoring our longstanding involvement in India's political and social fabric. |
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Amit Shah | India's Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation in the Narendra Modi-led government | My grandfather, Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar was on the stage with Amit Shah during his election campaigning as a VIP chief guest due to his position as the former BJP State Vice President. |
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Rajiv Gandhi | Prime minister of India from 1984 to 1989 | Eminent Congress leader Shri Shankar Chakraborty classmate and cordial friend of Dr.G.C.Sarkar, had regular meetups and connections with Rajiv Gandhi, the then prime minister of India. |
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L.K Advani | Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 | Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar, the BJP State Vice-President of West Bengal, went to receive L.K Advani at the Balurghat helipad, he had several meets and interactions with him including briefing him on the local issues of the state. |
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Arun Jaitley | Attorney and former Minister of Law and Justice of India | Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar, the BJP State Vice-President of West Bengal, went to receive Arun Jaitley at the Balurghat helipad, he had several meets and interactions with him including briefing him on the local issues of the state. |
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Arjun Munda | Former Chief Minister of the Indian state of Jharkhand and the former Minister of Tribal Affairs and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in the Second Modi ministry. | Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar, the BJP State Vice-President of West Bengal, went to receive Arjun Munda at the Balurghat helipad, he had several meets and interactions with him including briefing him on the local issues of the state. |
Fun Fact: During a train journey, my parents happened to cross paths with Smt. Venkatramaiah Shantha Kumari ("Shanthakka"), the current Pramukh Sanchalika (Chief) of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, a prominent Hindu nationalist women's organization. Initially, she didn't recognize them - until they mentioned my grandmother, Smt. Khela (Jaya) Sarkar. Her eyes immediately lit up with recognition, and from that moment, the conversation flowed. Not only was a personal connection rekindled, but they were also extended hospitality and warmth through food and community service during the journey. It was a powerful reminder of how legacy builds unexpected bridges, even on a moving train.
Meet the Family
Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar (1941-Present)
My paternal grandfather Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar was born on January 1st, 1941, in a modest village in Pabna District (Betil) in Bengal. He grew up with an insatiable curiosity for science and spirituality, pursuing higher education with dedication and completing his PhD in Botany in the 1970s.
Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar was a dedicated scholar, a strong nationalist, and a lifelong learner. With a PhD in Botany and being a self-taught homeopath, he was widely respected for his calm strength, clear thinking, and deep commitment to education and service. He valued hard work, honesty, and helping others, earning admiration in both academic and community circles.
Professional & Academic Achievements:
- Ex-Reader at University College (North Bengal University) Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur District, West Bengal
- PhD in Botany
- 30+ years of inspiring teaching career (1970-2003)
- Self-taught homeopath with keen interest in medical sciences - allopathy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, naturopathy
- Founder of the spiritual research organisation named Sandhanichakra
Political & Social Service:
- BJP Lok Sabha candidate for the Raiganj Constituency during the 2009 Indian General Elections
- Former National Council Member of the BJP
- Former State Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal
- Former State Vice-President of the Jatiyatabadi Adhyapak O Gabeshak Sangha (ABRSM) in West Bengal
- Former Sanghachalak (President) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in West Dinajpur District
- Former Sanghachalak (President) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Uttar Dinajpur District
- Former President of the Arya Sangha, founded by Swami Samadhi Prakash Aranya Maharaj
- Suffered Imprisonment in 1992, as the prime accused during the Ram Mandir Movement at Ayodhya in Uttar Dinajpur District, on false allegations of the then leftist government led by Mr. Jyoti Basu in West Bengal
Beyond Academia & Politics:
Beyond his academic and political pursuits, Dr. Sarkar had a remarkably wide range of interests including music, magic, art, yoga and spiritualism, medical science, driving, rifle shooting (through the NCC), photography, telegraphy, astrology, and more. He actively participated in social service programs and maintained a profound inclination toward the spiritual world. As they say, he truly defied the old saying "Jack of all trades, master of none" - he was indeed a jack of many trades but master of science, holding a doctorate degree as well.
Smt. Khela Sarkar (Alias Jaya Sarkar)
Shreemati Khela Sarkar, also known as Jaya Sarkar, is the spouse of Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar and my beloved grandmother. She was a devoted worker (Vibhag Sanchalika) at the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, where she was known by the name - Jaya Sarkar.
Educational Achievements:
- Double-graduate degree - Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music
- Stood second at the All India Sangeet Pravakar Exam, 1985, winning her a silver medal
- Accomplished classical musician, proficient in harmonium and tanpura
Social Service & Leadership:
- Vibhag Sanchalika (Sectoral Leader) at the Rashtra Sevika Samiti
- Regular stage performer and speaker at RSS women's programs
- Active in cultural and spiritual activities
- Known for her dedication to Hindu nationalist women's organization work
Chandan Kumar Das (Maternal Grandfather)
My maternal grandfather, Chandan Kumar Das, was a dedicated RSS worker who fearlessly stood up against the Congress regime during the dark days of the Emergency in the 1970s. For daring to speak out against authoritarianism and defend democratic values, he was imprisoned-a mark of both his conviction and courage.
Family Timeline
1. Early Life & Education (1941-1970)
Born on January 1st, 1941, in a modest village in Pabna District (Betil) in Bengal, Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar grew up with an insatiable curiosity for science and spirituality. He pursued higher education with dedication and completed his PhD in Botany in the 1970s, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey of learning.
2. Academic & Teaching Career (1970–2003)
After earning his PhD, he began a long and respected teaching career at University College (North Bengal University, Raiganj), inspiring thousands of students over 30 years. He also had a keen interest in medical science - allopathy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, naturopathy, etc. He retired in 2003, leaving a lasting impact through his clear thinking, honesty, and deep knowledge.
3. RSS Worker & MP Candidate (2003–2010)
He was a dedicated member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was invited to join RSS in the 1980s because of his devotion towards Hindu philosophy and research on spirituality. He was also the founder of the spiritual research organisation named Sandhanichakra. He followed the RSS values of discipline, service, and nationalism. Over the years, he became the RSS President (Sanghachalak) of West Dinajpur District (WB). His commitment to public service led him into active politics, where he served as the BJP West Bengal State Vice-President. In 2009, he contested in the Lok Sabha election from the Raiganj constituency as a BJP candidate, campaigning passionately for his ideals and love for the nation, despite limited resources and support.
4. Legacy & Final Milestones (2010–Present)
When his grandsons were born - Tuhin Sarkar in 2010 and Rishav Sarkar in 2012-his role as a guide in the family grew stronger. In December 2020, during the pandemic, he bought a new home and moved to Barasat on 7th April 2021, near the Kolkata airport, selling his Raiganj property. When the family visited the Barasat home in December 2021, it felt like a major milestone-an 80-year-old opening a new chapter for himself and the next generation.
Visual Legacy: Photo Gallery
Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar: Life Highlights
Political Career & Leadership

2009 Lok Sabha General Elections
Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar contested from the Raiganj constituency as BJP candidate.

Submitting Election Nomination
Dr. Sarkar submitting election nomination papers to the local DM.

BJP Party Meeting
Dr. Sarkar with State BJP leaders Rahul Sinha and Arun Bhadra.
Receiving National Leaders

Receiving Arun Jaitley (2004)
As BJP State Vice-President, receiving the future Finance Minister at Balurghat helipad.

Receiving Arjun Munda (2004)
Receiving the Jharkhand Chief Minister at Balurghat helipad.

Receiving L.K. Advani (2004)
Photo beside the party car while receiving L.K. Advani at Balurghat Helipad.
RSS Leadership & Spiritual Journey

Hosting Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya)
The fourth RSS Sarsanghchalak (1994-2000) stayed at Dr. Sarkar's residence during his Raiganj visit.

With Shri Krishna Matlog
RSS Pracharak (preacher) for Eastern India at Dr. Gopesh's residence.

ABVP Address
Speaking to students on the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) stage.
Sandhanichakra: Spiritual Research Organization

Sandhanichakra Organization
The spiritual research organization founded by Dr. Sarkar for investigating supernatural phenomena.

Sandhanichakra Exhibition
Exhibition conducted at University College (N.B.U, Raiganj).

Rare Book Collection
Part of Dr. Sarkar's extensive library with rare spiritual and scientific texts.
Artistic & Cultural Pursuits

Painting: Rabindranath Tagore
Dr. Sarkar's artistic talent - a master of science who was also a true artist at heart.

Painting: Mirabai
Another masterpiece showcasing his artistic versatility.

Meeting Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (1984)
Dr. Sarkar and Smt. Khela Sarkar with the legendary musician.
Musical Excellence

Vocal Performance
Dr. Sarkar singing songs of Hemanta Mukhopadhyay - listeners often found a flavor of Hemanta's voice in his tone.

Flute Performance
Dr. Sarkar was also a stage performer on the flute.

Electric Guitar
Playing electric guitar, accompanied by his elder son on tabla and wife on tanpura.
Magic & Entertainment

Magic Show Performance
Dr. Sarkar learned magic from the Indian Magic Institute, Kolkata, for his spiritual research work.

Magic Show in Raiganj
Participating in a magic show in Raiganj - magic was not just entertainment but a tool for investigating supernatural claims.
Smt. Khela Sarkar (Jaya Sarkar): Musical & Social Leadership
Rashtra Sevika Samiti Leadership

With V. Shantha Kumari (Shanthakka)
Dr. Gopesh and Smt. Khela Sarkar with the current Pramukh Sanchalika (Chief) of Rashtra Sevika Samiti.

On RSS Stage with Leaders
Smt. Khela Sarkar with Smt. Sunita Haldekar, Smt. Mahua Dhor, and Smt. Muktiprada Sarkar.

Addressing RSS Program
Smt. Khela Sarkar addressing a prashikshan shivir (training camp) of Rashtra Sevika Samiti.
Musical Accomplishments

Playing Harmonium
Smt. Khela Sarkar performing folk songs on harmonium.

Classical Music Practice
Practicing classical music - showcasing her dedication to musical excellence.

All India Sangeet Pravakar Medal (1985)
The silver medal she won for standing second at the All India Sangeet Pravakar Exam.
Notable Spiritual & Cultural Connections
Swami Samadhi Prakash Aranya Maharaj (1885–1985)
Dr. Gopesh Chandra Sarkar was fortunate to become a humble disciple of Swami Samadhi Prakash Aranya Maharaj, a renowned Sankhya-Yogi of Bengal. This enlightened personality, who lived for 101 years, achieved Moksha (Nirvana) and possessed immense yogic and supernatural powers. Through deep meditation, he could recall his previous lives, supporting the Hindu doctrine of rebirth. Most incredibly, his divine touch reportedly revived dead bodies of a young girl and a baby. Beyond his yogic powers, he was a great writer, social reformer, and yoga researcher who participated in the Indian Science Congress Association's conferences.
P.C. Sorcar Jr. & Magic Training
Dr. Sarkar's spiritual research organization, Sandhani Chakra, aimed to unveil and assess supernatural claims made by yogis and tantrics. To facilitate proper investigation, he learned basic magic tricks from the Indian Magic Institute, Kolkata, under the inspiration of world-famous magician "Jadu Samrat" P.C. Sorcar (Senior). This knowledge was not for entertainment but for conducting proper investigations into claimed supernatural activities.
It is with great humility and pride that I, Tuhin Sarkar, present this comprehensive legacy for our loved ones and admirers, based on the detailed biography available at gopeshchandrasarkar.vercel.app.