It happened to me recently, visiting Calcutta for a two-day training organized by ERLDC. Probably, Calcutta was the first city in India to witness an intellectual revolution mixed with traditional and modern values. The charming city offers one the chance to witness its glory in terms of its British-era constructions and its rich culture. Most of the restaurants are from the British era, and one can experience time travel once they enter. The walls are fully pasted with paintings of old Calcutta depicting city life. Some places cannot be defined and judged by just their current modern infrastructure. They were the centres of civilization and the fruitful results that we are enjoying today. I think Calcutta is one such place.

Calcutta witnessed many landmark events in our modern history. The fair number of eminent people it has given to the nation is quite surprising. Be it saintly persons like Chaitanya, Ramakrishna, Swami Prabhupada, or reformers like Rammohan, Vidyasagar, or poets like Tagore, and Bankimchandra. The roots of modern feminism were also laid during the National Movement in Calcutta.

The streets of Calcutta have their vibe, with never-ending eateries, book shops, and the old yellow-coloured Ambassador taxis that will make you feel like you have gone back 50 years. I heard a typical Bengali doesn't show interest in living outside Bengal, and I asked one what the reason behind it was. He simply said, "Home is the best place," and yes, it's very true. It can be understood better if one lives away from home for quite a long time.

pic: outside some metro station.

pic: Belur math, Ramakrishna mission 

Calcutta is the first Indian city with urban metro rail. It is operated by Indian Railways and is mostly underground. One cannot expect metro stations to be easily identified. In most places, they look like simple old government office buildings, but yes, they have their beauty. I visited Belur Math, which is situated on the bank of the Hooghly. It is also the headquarters of the Ramakrishna mission. The evening prayer was very spiritual, and the chants made one feel connected with the Universe. One can even live happily with an average income in Kolkata. People of Calcutta find joy in engaging themselves in artistic pursuits and eating well. It makes sense; after all, why wander here and there when one can happily live with simple things? My stay was only for two days, and I couldn't explore the city much. I hope readers can feel the city with this short writing.

Note: Views expressed are personal
pic credit: Title image and Howrah bridge images from Pixabay(rest all are shot by the author)