Updated: May 9, 2026
In the heartwarming moments from today’s historic swearing-in ceremony in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gesture of touching the feet of 98-year-old BJP veteran Makhanlal Sarkar captured national attention. While the spotlight rightly celebrated this dedicated freedom fighter and party worker, many wondered about the woman who stood by his side through decades of selfless service—his wife, Putul Sarkar.
This article explores the life of Makhanlal Sarkar wife, her role in his remarkable journey, and the values that define their extraordinary family.
Table of Contents
Who is Makhanlal Sarkar? A Quick Glimpse into the Legend
Makhanlal Sarkar, a resident of Siliguri in North Bengal, is one of the most senior grassroots BJP workers in West Bengal. Born nearly a century ago, he was a close aide to Syama Prasad Mookerjee and accompanied him during the historic 1952 Kashmir movement to hoist the Indian tricolour. He was arrested for his participation and went on to play a pivotal role in building the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and later the BJP organization in North Bengal districts.
As the first BJP district president of Siliguri, he enrolled thousands of members and served with unwavering commitment. Today’s emotional tribute by PM Modi highlights a lifetime of quiet dedication to nationalism.
Meet Putul Sarkar: The Strength Behind the Sacrifice
Putul Sarkar has been the steadfast partner in Makhanlal Sarkar’s long journey. While her husband traveled extensively for party work and faced political challenges, Putul managed the home front with grace and resilience. In interviews following today’s event, she expressed deep happiness and pride: “I am very happy that my husband has been honoured by the Prime Minister today.”
Her quiet support enabled Makhanlal to dedicate his life to public service without worrying about family responsibilities. In an era when political activism often meant financial uncertainty and personal risks, Putul’s role as caregiver and emotional anchor was invaluable.
Key Highlights About Putul Sarkar:
- Long-time resident of Siliguri alongside her husband.
- Mother to dedicated children who carry forward family values.
- Witness to her husband’s arrests, organizational efforts, and lifelong commitment.
- Today’s recognition brought visible joy and pride to her and the family.
The Sarkar Family: Values of Service and Patriotism
The Sarkars exemplify a family built on sacrifice and national pride. Their elder son, Maniklal Sarkar, shared emotional words after the event, saying he was teary-eyed seeing the respect his father received.
Makhanlal and Putul’s partnership reflects traditional Indian family strength—where one partner’s public contributions are sustained by the other’s private dedication. Their story reminds us that behind every great karyakarta often stands an equally remarkable life partner.
Interesting Facts About Makhanlal and Putul Sarkar
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Makhanlal’s Age | 97-98 years (as of May 2026) |
| Residence | Siliguri, West Bengal |
| Wife | Putul Sarkar |
| Notable Association | Close aide to Syama Prasad Mookerjee |
| Key Contribution | Early BJP organizer in North Bengal |
| Famous Incident | Arrested in 1952 Kashmir movement |
| Today’s Honour | Felicitated by PM Narendra Modi |
| Family Sentiment | Immense pride and emotional fulfillment |
This table captures the essence of their inspiring story in a nutshell.
Lessons We Can Learn from Their Journey
- Unwavering Commitment: Makhanlal’s decades-long service shows the power of consistent effort.
- Silent Support: Putul Sarkar’s role teaches us the importance of strong family backing in public life.
- Patriotism in Action: Their story connects today’s generation to India’s post-independence nationalist roots.
- Humility in Recognition: Even at nearly 100, the joy lies in service rather than spotlight.
Conclusion
The story of Makhanlal Sarkar and his wife Putul Sarkar is more than a political tale—it’s a testament to love, sacrifice, and dedication that spans generations. As PM Modi’s heartfelt gesture today brought their contributions into the limelight, it also reminded millions of the countless unsung heroes and their families who built modern India’s political landscape.
Putul Sarkar may not seek the limelight, but her quiet strength has been the foundation of a remarkable life. In celebrating Makhanlal, we also honor the enduring spirit of families like the Sarkars who put nation and duty first. Their legacy continues to inspire, proving that true service is a shared journey.