The man with 8O sim cards & 8 lakhs contacts

He is 74. When most of his age group sticks to basic mobile phone, he uses a high end device and its features to the maximum.

He is Dr. Shyamal Roy, the founder of Dodhichi online in the year 2010. Dodhichi is a Kolkata (India) based Human Rights NGO, which operates through alternative media services. It is a one of its kind cell phone text messaging service, circulating information, news and views related to legal and constitutional activities and mass movements generally ignored by the mainstream media.

Dr. Shyamal Roy at work place

The idea to start the occurred to Dr. Roy when his daughter gifted him a Nokia 5800 mobile phone.

"When I was going through the features of the mobile phone I discovered that at one go I can send SMS to 999 mobiles. That opportunity prompted me to start this service," said Dr. Ray.                                                        

He spent a further Rs. 2.5 lakhs to purchase mobile phones and a computer. Dodhichi is funded exclusively by his family, that is, his wife, daughter and son-in-law. 

He collected the contact numbers from telephone directories, classified, matrimonial sections of newspaper, road side posters and billboards. 

He collected the contact numbers from telephone directories, classified, matrimonial sections of newspaper, road side posters and billboards.

His contacts consist of intellectuals, bureaucrats, politicians, businessmen and of course, the common man. He has arranged these numbers in groups according to their areas of interest and profession.

His text messages always carry a “DND or Do Not Disturb’ option.

Sending message for a cause

The first SMS he sent was Learn & burn with opposite thought of the peoples and bloom together with love.

When Dodhichi mobile newsletter service had been gathering momentum, suddenly, one day, police asking him to surrender all his sim card. But he refused and insisted on an official order.

"I have done nothing wrong. I am just exercising the Indian Constitution, Article No. 19, 20 and 21, the Fundamental Rights - Freedom of speech and expression...," said Dr. Ray.

To his surprise, all his 57 sim cards were blocked and deactivated which disrupted his service.

It was at the height of an anti-eviction movement when a series of rallies and processions and demonstrations was going on in the City against the government’s eviction drive. Democracy in the State was at a low ebb. Moreover, the West Bengal government tried to gag social media as well.

You can click here to watch documentary on him

Documentary on Dr. Roy

"I don't want to name any political parties nor individual. People came to my house and warned my dad. He was harassed and hackled even through phone. It was the time when my mother and me stood by him and persuaded that he is doing the right thing for the people," said Atreyee Roy, Dr. Roy's daughter.

“I think somebody who did not like me did this. At that time Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was there but I started during former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya. I text against them, government and their administration. After 2011 I also start against the chief minister Mamata Banerjee government. There are lots of SMS I have," said Dr. Ray

SMS record book

However, the hindrance failed to dampen his spirit. Soon enough, he was back on action, with new sim cards from other service providers.

Today, he has acquired 80 sim cards, 8 lakhs contact no and over 6 mobile phones

He manages the service with great economy. No message exceeds the maximum 160 character limit and he maintains a record of every message sent from every sim card.

Unfortunately, it is hard to imagine a future for Dadhichi beyond Dr Roy.

"He suffers from Parkinson’s, dementia and several other neurological problems. Doctor asked, what does he like to do? Does he exert his brain all the time? I said yes. He runs a SMS networking service. Another doctor asked, does he enjoy it? I said yes. He told me without this work he would die. When our daughter asks him to stop, he feels very depressed," said Swapna Roy, Dr. Roy's Wife.

Dr. Roy having a light moment with his wife Swapna Roy

However, hope never dies. "I would try to continue the service," said Atreyee Roy.

If you have any views and news or event to share with larger audience, message to him provided with identity details. It will reach your target audience within minutes.

Dr. Ray is growing old and ailing. But he will always be young enough to fight for human rights.