How many of us would truly leave our ivory towers and comfort zones to illuminate the kids and our future without considering financial gain or turning social work into a “business” or scam? Very few!

Bobby Chakraborty, a renowned actor, activist, and method acting instructor from Kolkata, India, has made a lifelong commitment to do his utmost to raise awareness among young people about the negative social trends and the darkness of addiction.

For almost 20 years, he has addressed millions of youngsters globally in over 450 schools, colleges, and institutions with his free, award-winning, global, interactive session called “I am the King of my Mind”.

Through his effective anti-addiction campaign, he transformed the lives of the seventh through eleventh graders at St. Stephen’s School, Kalyani.

Active soldier Debasmita Barai (IX) served as the session’s official photographer, with help from soldier Dwaipayan Roy (XI), who was also bestowed with the crucial ceremonial title of “The Trendsetter”. The birthday boy, Soumyadiptya Sarkar, was given the additional symbolic title of “The 1st Soldier” (VII).

With real-life distressing events, entertaining social experiments, and fascinating exchanges between Bobby and his “soldiers”, the session became very captivating. Topics covered included bullying, alcoholism, smoking, abusive language, smartphone addiction, gambling through online games, using online obscenity to gain popularity, and more. To combat addiction of all kinds, the adda session focused on the effective yet straightforward formula of H (Health), C (Career), and F (Family). It also developed strategies for becoming “The King” of one’s own mind.

Soldiers Alekhyo Biswas (VIII), Soumyadiptya Sarkar (VII), and Prithwiraj Pramanik (VIII) were the winners of the last surprise contest. Bobby presented them with special prizes and diplomas for their community work, along with Debasmita (The D.O.P.).

At the request of the enterprising Principal Sudakhina Saha Ma’am, the dynamic Secretary Mr. Gautam Ray, along with her capable team consisting of Sarmita Ma’am, Rajanita Ma’am, Manasi Ma’am, and others who meticulously planned this beneficial awareness session for their students, worked with Bobby to plan a fitting conclusion to the series of glittering events. They organized a balloon release activity and a cake cutting ceremony, with a photo and logo of Bobby attached, along with a placard that read, “I am the king of my mind”.

Teachers, students, and their parents all responded enthusiastically to the remarkable session.

Priyanka Dutta