The 62-year-old former Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, who has been unable to speak or recognise anyone for over a year now, had suffered a heart attack on October 8, 2008, following which his brain had become dysfunctional.

“He cannot speak or react, he only stares. I don’t know if he recognises anyone,” said Deepa Dasmunsi, his wife and Congress MP from Raigunj. “The doctors are trying to stimulate his brain by showing him video clippings of our son playing and talking. We hope this will stir him.”

Dasmunsi’s son, Priyadeep (10), is a student of DPS International School in Delhi. Doctors have procured recordings and video clippings of the boy playing and celebrating his birthday, apart from his other pictures. These clippings are often shown to Dasmunsi.

Doctors from Germany are scheduled to visit him in February to gauge the effect of the stem cell therapy which he underwent in Germany’s Dusseldorf in November.

“Though his condition has not improved after all these months, there are some positive signs to gather. He has gained weight and his stiffness has reduced. The effects of stem cell therapy will be gauged after February 5 when doctors from Germany visit him,” Deepa Dasmunsi added.

Following the stem cell treatment, the doctors in Germany had stated that it would take two to three months for the therapy to show effect.

“The operation was successful in Germany. In February, it will be clear on how much the treatment can help,” said Abdul Mannan, senior WBPCC leader who had accompanied Dasmunsi to Germany.

Apart from video clippings of his son, doctors are also showing him football matches, including those of the World Cup, in a bid to revive his brain. Doctors have put audio visual and music systems in room number 2608 on the sixth floor of the hospital where Dasmunsi is admitted.

“They are also regularly giving him music therapy with Rabindrasangeet and other songs. We still do not know whether he can hear them,” said Partha Bhaumik, secretary of West Bengal Pradesh Congress, who recently spent a week in hospital with the ailing leader.

Dasmunsi’s family members and friends are also looking for a brain gym, which is not available in India.

“I have been sending e-mails to everyone and trying to find a brain gym. There is one in Europe. The brain gym stimulates the brain,” added Deepa.