This year’s Independence Day celebrations in Kolkata carried a special meaning as the Sudama Devi Bhagwan Das Jaiswal Foundation (SDBDJF), in association with Viana Sporting Club and with sponsorship support from The Times of India and PL Academy, proudly organized a grand Day-Night Football Tournament.
The initiative reflected SDBDJF’s mission of serving humanity, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for the youth. By leveraging the unifying power of sports, the event sought to inspire discipline, teamwork, resilience, and inclusivity—values that are essential to both nation-building and community development.
Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, several respected local leaders graced the tournament with their presence, extending their wholehearted support and blessings. Their encouraging words and active involvement served as a powerful source of inspiration for the young athletes, reminding them that their efforts and dreams truly matter to the community. The leaders’ commitment to uplifting the youth not only boosted morale on the field but also planted seeds of hope, courage, and determination in every heart present. Their leadership stood as a living example of how guidance, encouragement, and recognition can transform young talent into future torchbearers of progress and unity.
- State and Local Leaders include:
- Sri Kunal Ghosh (TMC Leader)
- Sadhana Bose (Chairman of Borough V and Councillor of Ward 38)
- Pryal Choudhury
- Prabandho Roy (Phanta Da)
- Sanjay Bakshi
- Soumya Bakshi
- Rajesh Sinha
In addition to the presence of our local leaders, the event was further graced by three distinguished guests who had once proudly worn the Indian National Football Team jersey and brought glory to the country through their dedication and talent. Having played for legendary clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, they carried with them stories of perseverance, unity, and passion that deeply resonated with the young players. Their presence was not just symbolic but transformational—igniting in the youth a sense of pride, belief, and the courage to chase their dreams against all odds. As they spoke about the unifying spirit of football, the crowd was reminded that the sport is not merely a game but a bridge that connects communities, transcends boundaries, and instills strength in every individual. Their heartfelt words and lived experiences became a beacon of hope, showing the young athletes that with discipline, resilience, and teamwork, they too could rise from the streets of Kolkata to shine on the national and global stage.
Inspiring presence of three former Indian National Football players at the event. –
- Sanjay Majhi
- Madhav Das
- Debasish Pal Chowdhury
Recognizing the “Heroes of the Society”
A highlight of the evening was the felicitation of individuals with the “Heroes of the Society” Award, in recognition of their outstanding ground-level contributions to social upliftment and positive change. Their relentless commitment to community service stands as a beacon of inspiration for all.
Awardees Honored
- Sri Sanjib Acharya
- Ms. Reena Jaiswal
- Ms. Shrika R Jaiswal
- Sri Rajiv Jayaswal
- Sri Nand Kishor Jaiswal
- Sri Achintya Laha
- Sri Rajesh Jaiswal
- Sri Deepak Jayaswal
- Dr.Manav Jaiswal
- Sri Rajesh Jaiswal
- Sri Rajesh Jaiswal
- Sri Chandra Prakash Jaiswal
- Sri Subir Saha
- Sri Dharmendra Jaiswal
- Sri Manoj Singh
Each of them exemplifies the spirit of service and the power of individual action in driving social change.
Saluting the SDBDJF Superheroes
No successful event is possible without a dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes. The Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to its Superheroes who ensured flawless execution and community participation.
SDBDJF Superheroes
Dinesh Jaiswal, Rakesh Jaiswal, Robin Jaiswal, Subir Saha, Arvind Jaiswal, Krishnendu Bhagat, Vishal Gupta, Krishna Jaiswal, Ashutosh Jaiswal, Sanjay Jaiswal, Suman Jaiswal, Promod Jaiswal, Vikrant Jaiswal, Vinod Jaiswal, and Anup Kumar Jaiswal.
Their collective energy, discipline, and passion turned vision into reality.
The Vision and Leadership of Raution Jaiswal
At the core of this initiative lies the inspiring vision of Mr. Raution Jaiswal, Founder & CEO of SDBDJF. Known for his leadership in change management and social impact initiatives, he has consistently demonstrated how sports, culture, and community engagement can be powerful tools for empowerment.
His philosophy is simple yet profound: true independence lies in uplifting others. Under his leadership, the Foundation has emerged as a platform that nurtures young talent, supports social causes, and builds opportunities for future generations.
The Spirit of Independence Day on the Ground
The atmosphere at the tournament was electrifying—young players competing passionately, coaches guiding tirelessly, and the community uniting in celebration. It was more than just a sporting event; it was a living example of freedom, unity, and collective progress.
By combining the energy of youth with the wisdom of community leaders, the event showcased the transformative role that grassroots initiatives can play in strengthening society.
Looking Ahead
The Sudama Devi Bhagwan Das Jaiswal Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to all teams, coaches, volunteers, partners, and supporters who contributed to making this Independence Day celebration a memorable success.
As the Foundation looks forward, it remains committed to its mission of empowering communities, nurturing talent, and building a stronger, more inclusive society.
Together, let us continue to transform vision into action and action into lasting impact.
