Feluda, Topse & Jatayu take to the streets for Thalassemia awareness on International Thalassemia Day in Kolkata

KOLKATA: On the eve of International Thalassemia Day, Kolkata witnessed a unique awareness campaign where Bengal’s most beloved detective, Feluda, along with his trusted companions Topse and Lalmohan Ganguly (Jatayu), stepped out of the pages of fiction and onto the streets to spread a powerful social message.

Organized by the Serum Thalassemia Prevention Federation , the street play titled Feludar Baithakkhana was staged at the Kolkata Press Club on May 7, capturing the attention of passersby with familiar characters and an urgent message: thalassemia is preventable through awareness and informed choices.

The disease, an inherited blood disorder with no known cure, can be avoided if carriers are identified before childbirth. Highlighting the importance of such preventive action, the performance cleverly wove medical facts and emotional appeal into a conversational narrative between Feluda and his companions—drawing curiosity, engagement, and applause from the crowd.

“This campaign is about using familiar and beloved figures to make people stop, listen, and think,” said Sanjib Acharya, Secretary of Serum Thalassemia Prevention Federation and the creator of the play. “If the audience doesn’t connect, the message is lost. Feluda helps bridge that gap.”

The campaign carries a special emotional weight this year, as Feluda turns 60—marking six decades since Satyajit Ray introduced the iconic sleuth. “If Ray were alive, I believe he would have appreciated how his creation is being used for a life-saving cause,” said Acharya. Previous awareness efforts using Ray’s characters have even received the nod of approval from Sandip Ray, son of the legendary filmmaker.

The day also saw the conferring of the Jiban Debota Samman to several dedicated healthcare workers for their service in the field of thalassemia prevention.

With its blend of nostalgia, creativity, and public health messaging, the initiative stood out as a memorable way to engage citizens in a critical issue. The Serum Thalassemia Prevention Federation, which runs awareness campaigns throughout the year, continues to stress that while the government has its role, widespread public participation is vital in ensuring no child is born with thalassemia.