Relive my golden Shantiniketan Days this weekend
05:11
My excitement knew no boundary when my husband suddenly planned for Bolpur (Shantiniketan) trip last weekend. My happiness was doubled because I was a Post Graduate student of
Visva-Bharati University (under Central Government). I was a Master degree student in Journalism and Mass Communication then and had lot of memories in
Shantiniketan.
Visva-Bharati
was established by Rabindranath Tagore (An eminent novelist, writer, song
writer and poet) in the heart of Shantiniketan, district Birbhum. His dream was
to expand the education and knowledge not only in India, but also around the
globe. His interest in Chinese culture is known to everyone and that is why;
China’s respect for Visva-Bharati always got a remarkable position in the
University. I am proud to be a student of this university with a broader vision
and goal.
If
you board a train, it is only 2 to 3 hours journey from Kolkata and many trains
are easily available from both Howrah and Sealdah station. We boarded Satabdi
Express at 2.15 pm from Howrah and we practically run to catch the train. (All
thanks to our Kolkata traffic).
At
4.00 pm, we reached Bolpur (Shantiniketan) and I could smell the soul of Lal
Mati (Red Soil). Thanks to my University Sir from whom I asked for help for
hotel booking and I got a room for a day. (Rush of Tourists still prevalent).
We
book a ToTo (New launched public transport in Shantiniketan) and straightaway
head to Shanibarer Haat (Saturday Flea Market). The speciality of this Haat is that you can find
people selling Handicraft items (showpieces, paintings, clothes with hand
stitch designs), handmade food items, and the famous Baul gatherings (local
music of Birbhum district). When I was a student, we friends had our own
bicycles and we cycled through the Lal Mati and spend some weekend time at
Haat. It is open for all and the entire Haat will wrap up when the sun set.
I
and my husband went there and found that the Red Soil Road was transferred into
solid concrete road and the work was still in progress. This decision killed
the essence of Red Soil.
My Man: What happen?
Me: I am feeling sad to see the
condition of the Haat
My Man: What can you do?
Me: Nothing
My Man: I loved it and let’s take more
pictures of the Haat, Eucalyptus trees and Khowai
Me: I smiled
In
the evening, when we were having tea, suddenly my husband asked me I want to
see Shantiniketan through your eyes. I was very happy and smiling inside. But,
many things changed in these five years.
Still,
I took him to the places where I used to have my breakfast, lunch and dinner,
my Paying Guest locality and building, my Campus, my department, my shopping
stores, my grocery stores and friends Adda (chatting) zone with friends. I
felt, as if I was a student again and enjoying my days to the fullest. We
strolled around the shopping market and check out the special Dokra jewelry of
Bolpur (Shantiniketan). We also visited Kankali Tala Temple (Temple of Maa
Kali) and offered praying.
On
Sunday, we boarded Kaviguru Express at 2.10 pm and reached Howrah by 5.00 pm. It
was a sudden weekend trip and all thanks goes to my man. It’s a great weekend
break for me to relive my golden Post Graduate days.
#MondayMusings
5 comments
Enjoyed your post on Shantiniketan. I had visited the place many years ago on a college trip and still recall the laid back ambience of the place. We all had a great time witnessing students learning in the open environs of the Vishwabharti university!Truly an experience!
ReplyDeleteThanks Esha...Yes the charm of Shantiniketan is incredible for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Esha...Yes the charm of Shantiniketan is incredible for me.
ReplyDeleteA great feeling to visit back the place that gives us super awesome memories. I need to visit Shanti Niketan one, to see the great work by the Bard:)
ReplyDeleteSure Vishal you must come here once to feel the rural laid back culture especially during Dol Utsav (Holi).
Delete