Remembering DK Bose – To Sir, with love

Dwipal Kumar (DK) Bose passed away on October 10, 2020. He was instrumental in launching Thomson Social, India’s first social marketing communication agency for JWT (then HTA). Kunal Sinha, a former colleague of DK Bose at Thompson Social, remembers the advertising and marketing veteran. 

You were my teacher, mentor and guide to life. And to countless others. I remember every moment we spent together because they were all valuable. 

They flash by, like a movie, right now. 

Also read:  Media and Marketing veteran Mr. D.K. Bose passes away

Your classes at IIMC (Indian Institute of Mass Communication), offering you coffee in my hostel room – which Media Director at the country’s top agency accepts that offer? The drives down the Delhi Ridge from Jhandewalan to Munirka. Our first trip to Yangon for the Unicef project. 

The first time you took me to IIMC to teach. Our Pujo-pandal hopping, the Poila Boishakh festivities at your home. Your excitement upon hearing that I would be staying so close to your home in Goregaon. Having chai-samosa over our evening chats. The leather bound copy of Richard Lannoy’s ‘The Speaking Tree’, which you gifted me because I couldn’t afford it. Our walks around Sassoon Docks and down the road to Afghan Church in Colaba, clicking pictures of fisherfolk, cats and the shadows of trees on the tarmac. 

You were a career and institution builder. Your own highs and lows had given you a gold mine of lessons to draw from, and you shared them readily. You always saw the potential in people and equipped them, not only for the job, but also for life itself. And you trusted them completely, just as they could trust you blindly about their own careers. 

You built teams and connected people. With your passage, the last two days have been nothing but a succession of calls with those you had nurtured, or simply enriched by your thoughts. Most spoke of how they had been in touch with you even recently. You made them feel like family. None of us could ever forget you, because you never forgot us. 

You lived life on your own terms. No one, nothing ever held you back. You offered your time, your incredible experience and service to the social sector – for free – over the last few years because you always believed in giving back. 

You inspired. You challenged. You applauded. You were the source of new beginnings, at every age. Here’s to your latest! Stay joyful – there’s no one who shared his love so selflessly.