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Dr. Amitabh Mitra
Physician, Poet, Artist
Member between 1994-2008
Eminent Member of Bengali
Association in Southern Africa.
History- Inception of an association Bengali People in South Africa
The story of the Bengali Association of South Africa (BASA) began with a heartfelt vision: to create a space where Bengalis could unite on the foundation of language, culture, and tradition. For the Bengali diaspora, far from their ancestral homes, there was a deep need for a platform to celebrate shared roots, preserve identity, and pass down the richness of Bengal’s heritage to future generations. What started as small gatherings among families and friends soon grew into a vibrant idea — a community forum that would represent the spirit of Bengal, right here in South Africa.
A significant milestone came in 2007, when BASA hosted its first public Durga Puja. More than a religious festival, it became a cultural turning point — an annual celebration of music, dance, literature, food, and artistry that showcased the richness of Bengal to the broader South African society. Over the years, the Puja has grown into a tradition of togetherness, attracting not only Bengalis but also friends from diverse communities who share in its joy and vibrancy.
This vision first took shape in 1994, with the formation of the Dokkhin Africa Bongo Shongothon (DABS) in 1996. It marked the first organized attempt to bring together the community under one umbrella, uniting people through cultural events, festivals, and social initiatives. As the community grew in strength and reach, the association redefined itself to reflect its expanding role. In 2005, it was formally renamed the Bengali Association of South Africa (BASA) — a name that continues to symbolize pride, belonging, and cultural continuity.
Recognising the importance of building a sustainable foundation, BASA was officially registered as a Non-Profit Company in 2015. This provided the structure and credibility to expand activities, engage in larger cultural and social projects, and strengthen its legacy. Today, BASA stands as a beacon for the Bengali community in South Africa — where traditions meet modern aspirations, cultural pride blends with inclusivity, and a journey that began in 1994 continues to inspire generations.
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(Top Single) A literary piece in Bengali by Mr. Satyen Biswas, DGM, Air India (Retd.), capturing the prelude to the formation of Dokkhin Africa Bongo Songhothon (DABS)—the first NRI Bengali association in South Africa, established in 1996.
(Middle Row Right) On 15th August 1997, during India’s 50th Independence Day celebrations, members of DABS led a choir of South African children in singing “Jana Gana Mana,” the Indian National Anthem, at the Indian Consulate, 1 Eton Road, Johannesburg
(Middle Row Left) A photograph of Madiba, the great Nelson Mandela from the book of Chayanika Chakraborty, as seen by her in 1994. Now residing in the UK, she was among the founding members of DABS.
(Bottom Row) Cover pages from the 2st, 3rd, and 4th Bijoya Sommeloni —annual Dussera get-togethers organised by DABS in 1997, 1998, and 1999. The covers were hand-illustrated by DABS members, reflecting the community’s creativity and spirit.
Mision and Vision
The Bengali Association of South Africa (BASA) is a dynamic cultural and social organization committed to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Bengal while embracing the vibrant diversity of South Africa. We serve as a hub for Bengalis across the country, creating a home away from home where traditions are cherished, connections are nurtured, and culture thrives.
Bengal, in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, is celebrated for its literature, art, music, festivals, and cuisine. It is the birthplace of world-renowned figures such as Rabindranath Tagore — Nobel laureate, poet, philosopher, and humanist — whose timeless works and universal message of love, peace, and harmony continue to inspire people worldwide.
At the same time, BASA proudly acknowledges the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s beloved statesman and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. His lifelong struggle for justice, equality, and unity reflects the very values that guide our community and strengthen our mission of cultural exchange and inclusivity.
Through vibrant festivals, cultural programs, workshops, and social initiatives, BASA provides a platform to showcase Bengali music, dance, literature, and art while also encouraging dialogue and understanding with the broader South African community. From celebrating Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja to organizing food festivals and cultural evenings, we strive to keep our heritage alive for future generations while building bridges across cultures. We warmly invite you to join us — whether you are a Bengali residing in South Africa, a friend of the community, or someone simply curious to learn more about our traditions. Together, let us celebrate the spirit of Bengal and the beauty of South Africa’s diversity.
(Above) Two Hand-illustrated Ex-Co List of Dokkhin Africa Bongo Songothon during the 90s.
Well Wisher's Messages
Eminent Members of the Association
(Top Row Left) Former Indian Mens Cricket Team Captain, Saurav Ganguly, the Prince of Calcutta with team-mate & wicket-keeper batsman, Saba Karim was hosted at their home by DABS members for a dinner during their South Africa tour 1996-97
(Top Row Right) Former Indian Cricket team captain Mr. Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath with DABS members in Johannesburg.
(Bottom Row Left) DABS members with Mr. Shahrukh Khan in Johannesburg.
(Bottom Row Right) DABS members in a cultural function
Dr. Amitabh Mitra is an Indian-born South African physician, poet, and artist who has lived in South Africa for over three decades. He studied medicine and orthopaedic surgery in Gwalior, India, later specializing in aerospace medicine at the University of Pretoria. A trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, he currently serves at the Accident and Emergency Unit of Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. Alongside his medical career, Dr. Mitra has published twelve volumes of poetry and exhibited his poetry art internationally. His work, deeply rooted in his childhood city of Gwalior, often blends painting and verse, as seen in A Slow Train to Gwalior. His art and poetry have been showcased in South Africa and India, and a documentary on his Gwalior-inspired poetry was screened at the 2009 Grahamstown National Arts Festival. He has represented South Africa at literary festivals, including Oslo (2008) and Madibaland (2022), and was honored by the Sahitya Akademi in New Delhi.
Mitra’s medical journey has taken him across Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Zimbabwe, and finally South Africa. His experiences in Bhutan’s high-altitude hospitals inspired poetry translated into French, and he later chronicled life in Bulawayo’s townships during political unrest. His more recent works, such as Mdantsane Breathing, capture the spirit of the South African township where he practices medicine. His contributions have been widely recognized: the Discovery Foundation Award for Rural Research (2017), the Eastern Cape Minister of Art and Culture’s Special Award for Fine Arts (2018), the SAPS Provincial Commissioner’s Ambassador Award (2022), and the National Arts Festival’s short film tribute to his fusion of art and medicine (2021). In 2022, he also became the first English poet to receive the Mukut Bihari Saroj Award in Gwalior. Beyond art and medicine, Mitra has served as National Secretary General of the South African Foreign Qualified Doctors’ Association, representing 3,800 professionals. Listed among the 78 notable alumni of the University of Pretoria, his career embodies a rare confluence of healing, art, and cultural bridge-building.