A Chance Encounter at Prinsep Ghat: Boatman Ferries PM Modi on the Hooghly

What began as an ordinary morning at Prinsep Ghat soon turned into an unforgettable experience for Gourango Biswas, a local vendor and boatman.

Biswas, who runs a modest footpath stall near the ghat, had just stepped out after waking up when he noticed an unusual stir along the riverfront. Within moments, he realised that Narendra Modi was walking towards the ghats. For a brief instant, the sight felt almost unreal as the crowd quickly began to gather.

In an unexpected turn of events, Biswas later found himself ferrying the Prime Minister on the Hooghly River—a rare and memorable opportunity that transformed his morning into a moment of national significance.

According to Biswas, the Prime Minister began his day with a quiet walk along the ghats before boarding a wooden boat for a short ride on the river. The experience, he said, was both surreal and overwhelming.

Images shared earlier in the day showed the Prime Minister seated on a boat with a camera in hand, with the iconic Vidyasagar Setu forming a striking backdrop.

Reflecting on the visit, Modi underscored the cultural and spiritual significance of the river for the people of Bengal. “For every Bengali, the Ganga occupies a very special place. One can say that the Ganga flows through the soul of Bengal. Her divine waters carry the timeless spirit of an entire civilisation,” he said in a post on the social media platform X.

He added that the visit also provided an opportunity to interact with local boatmen and morning walkers, appreciating their dedication and resilience. Reaffirming his government’s commitment, the Prime Minister emphasised continued efforts towards the development of West Bengal and the prosperity of its people.

For Gourango Biswas, however, the morning will be remembered not for its routine beginnings, but for an extraordinary encounter that briefly connected his everyday life with the highest office in the country.