A die-hard fan of football from Kolkata has done something stupendous this time. We all know about Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary- the notable devotee of Sachin Tendulkar. The admirer who’s being much talked about in recent times, is as eccentric as Chaudhary.
Meet Shib Shankar Patra (50) who is a tea-seller and a crazy fan of the Argentinian football team, is here to prove his love for the prodigal son– Messi. Patra’s passion for Argentina started during the 1986 World Cup. This man has painted his house in colours of the country’s flag- light blue and white.
The tea-seller wanted to travel to Russia to witness the magnificent game but ran short of money. He saved 60,000 rupees which were not enough for the trip. Not all of our dreams come true. Rueful, isn’t it?
Patra, however, remains undeterred and will watch the game on TV and cheer for his favourite footballer. Enter his three-room apartment and the madness hits you instantly. One will find a life-sized picture of Messi on every wall of his house. Without fail, every 4 years, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup, Patra applies a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Even his puja singhashon (where the idols of Gods and Goddesses are placed) is painted in light blue and white.
Well, you wouldn’t need a GPS to track Patra's house once you get down to Ichhapore Railway Station. Ask anyone about ‘Argentina Chaayer Dokan’(Argentina Tea Stall) and they will be more than happy to oblige.. Samosa and chai are must for every Argentina match days.
Patra asserts, "I will be praying every day for Argentina's success. Nothing gives me more happiness than seeing them win on the field,"
