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Eden Gardens 150 years stamps released by CAB

Bishan Singh Bedi made his Test debut at the Eden Gardens Dec 31, 1966 against the West Indies – a match infamous for a riot at the gallery © IANS (File Photo)
Bishan Singh Bedi made his Test debut at the Eden Gardens Dec 31, 1966 against the West Indies – a match infamous for a riot at the gallery © IANS (File Photo)

Kolkata:

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) Tuesday released postage stamps to commemorate 150 years of the Eden Gardens, considered the home of cricket in this part of the world, as legends of the game nostalgically recalled their fond memories of the iconic ground.

The first day covers of the stamps, released under the India Post My Stamp venture, were brought out at a star-studded function on the historic ground, which hosted the World Cup final in 1987.

Postage stamps were also released to mark the contribution of CAB chief Jagmohan Dalmiya, former head of the world cricket governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) and its India affiliate, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The function was graced by the legendary spin trio – Bishan Singh Bedi, Erappali Prasanna and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar – as also former Indian skippers Ajit Wadekar and Dilip Vengsarkar, besides West Indies‘ fast bowling great Michael Holding. CAB joint secretary and ex-India captain Sourav Ganguly joined the celebrations midway into the programme.

Wadekar, who led India to historic series triumphs in England and West Indies in the early 1970s, said after Lords, the ground he relished more during his long cricketing career as player and coach was Eden.

“The facilities at Eden gardens was excellent, the people were very hospitable.”

Narrating a funny incident when he was India’s coach, Wadekar said he once offered England batsman Mike Gatting a prawn curry. “He liked it so much that he kept eating. As a result he could not go to the field the next day. His absence helped us win the match here.”

Bedi made his Test debut at the Eden Gardens Dec 31, 1966 against the West Indies – a match infamous for a riot at the gallery.

“I have fond memories of Eden Gardens. During my debut Test there was fire in the stands. There was a teargas charge. Players ran helter skelter. You can say that for me, it was baptism by fire,” he quipped.

Describing Eden as the most “electrifying stadium” in the world, Bedi said: “It is a proud momenta nostalgic moment for me to be here. Eden can give the Melbourne Cricket Ground [MCG] a lot to chase.”

Master legspinner Chandrasekhar, who had some great successes at the ground, said before making it to the Indian team, he had his first look at the Eden Gardens in 1962 during a visit to the city. “I was sitting in the gallery and thinking how I wish to play here!!”

Considered a lameduck batsman, Chandrasekhar said his most memorable moment in the Eden came in 1964, when he and Bapu Nadkarni put on 51 runs for the last wicket against England.

Prasanna, who prides himself as the son-in-law of Kolkata having married a Bengali, said the city and the CAB has never forgotten him. “Whenever I have come to the city, even for personal visits, the way I’m looked after is great.”

Comparing his hometown Bangalore to Kolkata, he said: “Banglalore’s hospitality is unbelievably low. The warmth and liking that Kolkata exudes has always floored me.”

Vengsarkar, who also went down memory lane, said ahead of his first Test experience at the Eden Gardens in 1978-79, he was told that one has to bat, bowl and field well at the ground. “As otherwise, the crowd will be after you.”

“I made sure I did well, I got my maiden Test hundred during the match against the West Indies. Later [in 1987-88] I scored another 100 on this ground.”

Holding said the 150 year association between cricket and Eden itself was commendable. “Not many associations, companionships or friendships last that long. But the fact that the association has lasted has given a fillip to the game here as also the CAB.”

Ganguly, for whom Eden was the home ground, said the stadium has through the years provided happiness, fun and satisfaction to the players, the crowd and sports administrators”.

source: http://www.cricketcountry.com / The Cricket Country / Home / Kolkata – November 11th, 2014

Murshidabad to get heritage hotels

Kolkata :

Murshidabad, 250 kilometres north of Kolkata and the erstwhile capital of undivided Bengal, offers an unparalleled treasure-trove of heritage to tourists, both domestic and international. But, thanks to years of neglect and indifference, the majestic buildings are falling apart and the art, crafts and cuisines of the past are fading into oblivion.

The Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS), which has launched the revival project for Murshidabad through conservation of buildings, running of museums of family heirlooms, exhibitions of lost arts and crafts, cuisines, handloom and textile, have now planned to initiate the next level of heritage campaigns — converting some of the palatial buildings into heritage hotels to attract tourists and generate a tourism-centric industry.

MHDS, along with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), on the occasion of World Heritage Week will hold a seminar at Palladian in Kolkata on November 22 to create awareness about the rich and vibrant heritage of Bengal encompassing architecture, arts and history and build a learning bridge between our past, present and future.

But, if you think that Murshidabad is only a hub of the Nawabi heritage, you should look beyond. Along with Nawabi culture, a powerful stream of rich traders and bankers, mostly from Rajasthan, had made its mark here. More than 400 years ago, they came, settled, prospered, built mansions, places of worships and even schools and colleges. They were known as ‘Sheherwali’. “We have identified 97 such heritage buildings with fascinating architecture and historical importance,” said Sandip Nowlakha, founder secretary of MHDS.

Murshidabad cuisine in general, or ‘Sheherwali’ cuisine in particular, is one such fascinating aspect of the heritage. “The love for food, especially all things sweet, is an apt description of any ‘Sheherwali’ cuisine. Food features prominently in the community, having evolved passionately through centuries of their existence in Bengal. ‘Sheherwali’ cuisine is possibly the finest vegetarian spread one can find, even in modern times,” said Siddharth Dudhoria, the founder president of MHDS.

The symposium aims at fine-tuning the heritage-tourism model being developed by the MHDS. It would put together experts across the country and bring forth some successful models. “Heritage can be a great revenue earner. Unless we drive this point home, we cannot make younger generation understand the value of our heritage. Several heritage buildings at places like Azimgunj, Ziagunj, Lalgola, Kathgola can be heritage hotels offering finest heritage experiences. Once heritage generates revenue and employment, the care for it would reach the zenith,” said Pradeep Chopra, president of MHDS.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / TNN / November 12th, 2014

Former child prodigy leads naval band to Kolkata

Kolkata :

He claims that he only managed to chew on the harmonica that his father gifted him at the age of four. His father, however, believed that there was something in the way he played it. By the age of six, he was playing a piano and barely six year’s later, he was invited to the Teen Murti Auditorium in New Delhi to play the piano on the occasion of the bicentenary celebrations of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This child grew up to be Lt CdrSatish K Champion, principal conductor of the Navy’s Eastern Command Band that is presently in Kolkata.

“I am from Chennai but was born and brought up in Mumbai. My father was in the Navy as well. After starting with the piano, I passed a series of examinations under the aegis of the Royal School of Music, London. Even then, I had not planned a career in music but took up computers. This was when the two officers from the music wing of the Navy retired and they started looking for talent. I was selected,” Champion told TOI.

Joining was not even half of the job done. Over the next few months, he had to gain sufficient mastery over several musical instruments and had to pass several rounds of tests. After all, he was to be a conductor. Champion is also formally trained on the trumpet apart from the piano and has several musical compositions to his credit.

On Sunday evening, Champion and the members of his band mesmerized the audience at Lascar Memorial. The selection of tunes was done to suit the occasion. While numbers like Colonel Bogey (of Bridge on the River Kwai fame) got people clapping, many in the audience were tapping their feet during the Rock and Roll medley. The Xylophone solo ‘Tipy Toes’, composed by Champion was also a hit as was Henry L Kling’s composition ‘Piccolo Duet’.

On Monday, the band performed at the ICCR Auditorium. On Tuesday, it is scheduled to perform at the Tollygunge Club. This back to back schedule hasn’t been easy for the band.

“We are hardly getting any time to rehearse. After all, the selections will have to be different for every location. The compositions will depend on the audience and the ambience. We have to adapt to the changes at each location. However, I have full confidence in the members of the band and they are doing their best,” Champion added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / by Jayanta Gupta, TNN / November 10th, 2014

Healing touch for Bible society

Kolkata :

Over two centuries, Bible House on Jawaharlal Nehru Road has played a pivotal role in translating and publishing the best-selling book of all time — the Bible. Ravaged over time, the Romanesque building has received superficial attention but never undergone a thorough repair. Now, various churches have come together to fund the first major restoration and offer the heritage building a fresh lease of life.

“The Bible is the reason why churches exist. Hence the significance of the building where the Bible has been translated and published for two centuries. It has served as the cradle of Christianity in the country,” said Bishop Ashok Biswas, chairman of the Kolkata auxiliary or chapter of Bible Society.

The Bible Society movement in India started from the Bible House, which was built in 1811. It is the second oldest Bible House in the world, built barely seven years after the Bible House in London. Till the mid-20th century, its jurisdiction extended up to Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It was the Calcutta Auxiliary Bible Society that was established in 1811 and the Bible Society of India came into being 33 years later.

Conservation architect Manish Chakraborti, who has been appointed the project consultant, is finalizing the plan for the building’s authentic restoration.

“A cast iron column in the building appears to be buckling under pressure and needs to be immediately repaired. Thereafter, the flooring system has to be strengthened by repairing the supporting wooden beams and runners, and splicing steel joist where necessary. A leak in the roof also needs repair. Woodwork and joinery of doors and windows will also be restored and the Burma teak wooden staircase will be cleaned and polished,” said Chakraborti.

Beyond restoring the building, the architect has chalked out a detailed plan for its appropriate adaptive reuse after detailed discussions with Bible Society officials. “Three fourth of the ground floor is occupied by a tenant. The rest of the building is occupied by us. This section will be internally revamped. On the first floor, a full-fledged modern auditorium with a seating capacity of 180 persons will be set up.

There will also be an archive, reading room, library and a special room for the translation board to meet. On the second floor, we will have a guest house with four rooms,” said senior auxiliary secretary Sajal Kumar Sarkar.

Another important aspect is the development of a fire-retardant store-room at the rear of the building for storing Bibles and Biblical texts published by Bible Society. Chakraborti expects the KMC Heritage Committee to give the project its nod soon.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / by Subhro Niyogi, TNN / November 11th, 2014

Raman memorial lies forgotten

Kolkata :

Few in Kolkata seem to remember Sir C V Raman on his 226th birth anniversary or the fact that he discovered the Nobel-winning Raman Effect at a small laboratory in this city.

The memorial on the campus of Goenka College of Commerce at BB Ganguly Street stood forlorn and deserted on Friday. A bust of the scientist had been garlanded and a bunch of agarbattis lay nearby. Nobody had bothered to relight them after they went out soon after being lit the first time.

“We haven’t seen any programme organized here. The college administration takes care of garlanding the bust and keeping the place clean. We sometimes use it as a shelter when it rain,” a student said.

When the ‘Hall of Scientific Fame’ was inaugurated in January 2013, it was announced that scientific discourse would be held there routinely. Replicas of Raman’s instruments were to be displayed. An enclosure exists but it is empty.

The original building of IACS, the first science research unit of India, was established during Bengal Renaissance where Goenka College now stands. It was here that Raman carried out his research between 1907 and 1933 that won him the Nobel Prize in 1930.

When Bidhan Chandra Roy was chief minister, he offered land to IACS at Jadavpur as the BB Ganguly Street plot had to be returned to the government so that Goenka College, which was in Presidency College, could become an independent institution. Raman was extremely unhappy on coming to know that the original campus of IACS hadn’t been preserved and resigned his membership.

In 2012, scientists from Kolkata appealed to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to build a memorial on the original site. This was inaugurated in 2013. “It’s just a memorial where no other activities are held. Little effort is made to preserve heritage in our country. We can’t carry out any activity at BB Ganguly Street as we are located quite far now. We can’t keep replicas there as the space is open,” said Prof Deb Shankar Ray, acting director, IACS.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / by Jayanta Gupta, TNN / November 08th, 2014

Bengal’s Dutch link on Presi site

Kolkata :

Dutch history in India has been ‘e-mortalized’ by Presidency University and Netherlands Embassy, with the launch of a web portal documenting and geo-tagging the total area of the Dutch cemetery in Chinsurah. At the same time, ‘The Dutch East India Company in India’, a book by anthropologist Bauke van der Pol was released on Friday.

“This book looks at the larger picture of the Dutch in India, and Dutch trade relations with India have existed for far longer than those with say, America or Australia,” said van der Pol, who presented a comprehensive compendium of the Dutch East India Company heritage in India by guiding the reader through country houses, settlements, trading posts and cemeteries.

The website and the book was launched by Presidency University vice-chancellor Anuradha Lohia and the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands, Namit Shah. “The ‘Dutch Cemetery in Chinsurah’ database, that’s available online at www.dutchcemeterybengal.com, tells the story of a centuries-old colonial settlement that produced some of the key figures involved in the shaping of trade, polity and culture in the Indian subcontinent. Less well-known than its British namesake, the Dutch East India Company, Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), once managed the vast inter-continental trade from 17th to 19th century through its settlements in coastal India. As a hub between the western trade capital Amsterdam and its Eastern counterpart in Batavia, Chinsurah occupied a key position in VOC and indeed, in Dutch history as well,” said Souvik Mukherjee of the English department, who headed the digital humanities project.

Mukherjee outlined the objectives of the project. “We photographed the gravestones and tombs in detail, accessed and digitized the research matter from offline sources. We also transcribed headstone inscriptions and inserted architectural, biographical, geographical, demographic, literary and historical metadata,” he said.

The Dutch anthropologist also gave a sneak peek into his next book, ‘Dutch on the Ganges’, scheduled to be released next year.

While explaining how the Dutch settled at Baranagar, van der Pol said, “It was a small settlement where big ships would anchor before heading out. It was also known to have a widely-known brothel, with beautiful ladies from Malaysia.”

He also gave a brief description of Prince Hendrik van Oranje’s three-month stay in Bengal back in 1837.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / TNN / November 07th, 2014

Rs 16cr bounty for IIT-Kharagpur innovators

Kolkata :

Freedom to experiment has always been a strong point for IIT-Kharagpur. And now, this freedom will take budding innovators across the globe to realize their dreams. On Wednesday, two alumni of the institute, Arjun Malhotra and Srigopal Rajgarhia, came up with a generous ‘gift’ of Rs 16 crore for their alma mater.

While Malhotra, with his Rs 6 crore plus grant, is setting up the innovation centre inside the campus, Rajgarhia has donated Rs 10 crore to connect the Kharagpur campus with best-known institutes abroad. This is not just an “exchange” link in the form that we know it otherwise. Under this international programme, 30 best students of IIT-Kharagpur will be sent abroad to complete portions of their projects/credits there. This will be added to their degrees and the entire cost for their travel, stay and tuition will be borne by the institute from the endowment.

A part of Rajagarhia’s grant will be used to bring top-notch faculty from abroad for specific teaching hours.

For Malhotra, donating to IIT has become routine now. “I am aware of the talent in the boys here, which sometimes don’t come to the fore for lack of funds. The innovation-centre is a no-holds barred place where any one within the campus can soil his hands to bring alive any bright idea,” promised Malhotra.

“We need to build the confidence among students so that they inculcate the ability to start experimentations from the very beginning. The institute wants them to get exposure from the very first year. Innovation should not be limited only for a handful of students,” said alumni affairs and external relations dean Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay.

PP Chakraborty, director of the institute, was happy that finally IIT-Kharagpur has shed its conservatism in teaching-learning process and moving towards globalisation. “It is not enough to be just a premier tech school of the country. Our students do need foreign exposure. Each selected student’s curriculum will be framed in such a way that they are able to do a lot of reference work in the libraries and laboratories, attend lecture hours and also visit industrial houses abroad.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / TNN / November 06th, 2014

LANDMARK MOMENT – Eden Gardens turns 150

A panoramic view of the Eden Gardens ground during the match between New Zealand and Zimbabwe during the Reliance World Cup 1987. / The Hindu Archives
A panoramic view of the Eden Gardens ground during the match between New Zealand and Zimbabwe during the Reliance World Cup 1987. / The Hindu Archives

The heroes of the first test victory at the historic venue came together to mark this milestone

The duo of former cricketers Salim Durani and Chandu Borde — architects of India’s maiden test victory at the Eden Gardens – Thursday came together to launch a book marking the 150 years of the iconic cricket stadium.

The launch of “Eden Gardens, Legend & Romance”, penned by former Bengal cricketer Raju Mukherjee, was part of series of events by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to mark the occasion.

The book covers the entire journey of the ground, which came into existence as the Auckland Circus Gardens named after the then governor—general to its modern day existence.

The celebrations by the CAB included launch of a special gold coin, felicitating 150 oldest members of the CAB as well as the M.A.K. Pataudi Memorial Lecture by former India great V.V.S. Laxman.

Taking a trip down memory lane, Durani and Borde who scripted India’s memorable 187 victory against England in 1961—62, regaled tales of their association with Eden – which they described as dream ground of every cricketer.

Durani said he become a cricketer only because of the Eden Gardens where he first played as a school cricketer in 1949.

I wouldn’t have been cricketer but for Eden Gardens where my performances help me get into the Ranji team and then in the national team. Playing at Eden along with Lord’s is dream of every cricketer. There remains an emptiness if you haven’t played here,

“I wouldn’t have been cricketer but for Eden Gardens where my performances help me get into the Ranji team and then in the national team. Playing at Eden along with Lord’s is dream of every cricketer. There remains an emptiness if you haven’t played here,” said Durani.

Former Indian Cricket all-rounder Salim Durani and Chandu Borde with Sourav Ganguly, light the lamp, celebrating 150 years of Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. / PTI
Former Indian Cricket all-rounder Salim Durani and Chandu Borde with Sourav Ganguly, light the lamp, celebrating 150 years of Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. / PTI

On the occasion, “Eternal Eden” a documentary chronicling the historic journey of the ground which besides cricket greats of several generations, witnessed football legend Pele in action in 1977 playing for the New York Cosmos against Mohun Bagan in exhibition tie.
Talking about his memories of the ground, Borde singled out the appreciative but intimidating Eden crowd.

“Playing against Bengal at the Eden Gardens always used to be challenge besides being a good team they had backing of the crowd which was intimidating for the opponents,” said Borde who said the crowd turning riotous during the 1966–67 West Indies tour has remain etched in his memory.

“The way West Indian players were running back to the team hotel, they must have broken several Olympic records,” said Borde with a chuckle.

Several former cricketers including ex–India captain and CAB joint secretary Sourav Ganguly were also present on the occasion.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> In Schoom> Sports – Landmark Moment / by IANS / October 20th, 2014

CAB to release stamps, envelopes on 150 years of Eden Gardens

The idea of putting Eden Gardens’ photo on the stamp was suggested by the Philatelic Bureau. File Photo: K. R. Deepak / The Hindu
The idea of putting Eden Gardens’ photo on the stamp was suggested by the Philatelic Bureau. File Photo: K. R. Deepak / The Hindu

The stamps will be printed as a part of the India Post My Stamp venture

To commemorate the 150th year of inception of the historic Eden Gardens, the Cricket Association of Bengal(CAB) will release about 5, 000 envelopes and stamps with photos of the world famous stadium along with its long-time president Jagmohan Dalmiya.

The stamp will be affixed on a medium-sized envelope and put inside a cover which will carry photos of former Bengal captains on it, a senior official of Philatelic Bureau at Kolkata GPO told PTI.

The stamps’ design and the size of the envelope will be finalised soon after a discussion with West Bengal Circle Chief Post Master General (CPMG) Arundhati Ghosh.

“CAB has finalised their choice of size and design of the stamp. Now it is waiting for the CPMG’s sanction. Once we get her go ahead, we will prepare them and hand it over to CAB by November 9,” he said.

The idea of putting Eden Gardens’ photo on the stamp was suggested by the Philatelic Bureau, he added.

“We had suggested them to use the photo of Eden Gardens stadium or CAB’s logo on the stamp. They liked the idea and finalised the stadium’s photo along with Jagmohan Dalmiya,” he said.

In fact, CAB had earlier decided to have a sketch by painter Jogen Chowdhury on the stamp. But because Mr. Chowdhury’s sketches could not be adjusted into the stamp due to size constraints, officials chose the stadium and Dalmiya’s photos for it.

“We had to do away with the idea of having a Jogen Chowdhury painting on the stamp because it was too big to get into that small size,” CAB treasurer Biswarup Dey said.

The stamps will be printed as a part of the India Post My Stamp venture, he said.

“There will be 417 sheets of stamps printed. Each sheet will have 12 stamps. Once they are ready they will be fixed on the envelopes and put inside the cover.”

Asked, he said though the price of the envelope along with the stamp is yet to be finalised it may not be more than Rs 5, the official said. CAB is scheduled to unveil both the envelope and the stamp on November 11, two days before India take on Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI of the ongoing series here at Eden Gardens on November 13.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kolkata / by PTI / Kolkata – November 04th, 2014

French return to Park Mansion

Director Stephane Amalir inspects the book racks at Park Mansion. (Amit Datta)
Director Stephane Amalir inspects the book racks at Park Mansion. (Amit Datta)

Alliance Francaise, the city’s cultural bridge with France, is returning to the address where it stood for 59 years till a fire ousted it in 1999. The shift to Park Mansion is slated to take place in mid-December.

“Khaleel Munzil (the current rented address on AJC Bose Road) is a nice building but it is up for sale. We want to move out before we are asked to,” says director of Alliance Francaise du Bengale (AFB) Stephane Amalir.

AFB operates out of Khaleel Munzil and Bimal Villa on West Range, a few buildings away. “We will retain Bimal Villa but the library and the administrative offices will shift to Park Mansion, where we have acquired a 3,500sq ft apartment on the second floor on a 10-year lease,” Amalir says.

The French culture hub, then called Alliance Francaise du Calcutta, was housed at Park Mansion ever since it opened in 1940. It is the second in India after the Pondicherry centre, which turned 125 this year. “Back then, Alliance Francaise had 8,000 sq ft over two apartments in the first and the third floor. The consulate too was there as was the Trade Commission in separate apartments. I would pick up a book from the Alliance library upstairs before going home,” recalls Fabrice Etienne, the consul-general, who was posted at the Trade Commission here for two years in 1995-96.

The fire broke out in the wee hours of April 18, 1999. “We were rendered homeless and moved around to Max Mueller Bhavan, Nehru Children’s Museum and Sukhsagar Building in Elgin Road till we settled at West Range,” says Kaushik Chakraborty, a teacher at Alliance since 1981. Veteran staff members, like him, Mirza Salim Baig and Amitabha Ghosh, are nostalgic about the return to the old address.

Of course, much has changed. The wooden staircase is gone, gutted completely by the fire. It has been replaced by marble steps. Amalir is busy supervising the renovations. “We were handed an empty shell. The idea is to accommodate modern needs while keeping the charm of the old building.” Fire-proofing gadgets are being installed. In the library, there will be tablets to access Culturetheque, the upcoming e-library platform. “Members will be given passwords to log in from home as well to magazines, books, films and reading material online.” An 800sq ft room will host film screenings and conferences while bigger cultural events will use outside venues. The 18ft high ceiling will be retained as also the wooden doors and windows.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph, Calcutta / Front Page> Calcutta> Story / by Sudeshna Banerjee / Tuesday – November 04th, 2014