My Favorite City!

My favorite city? What it could be?? Kolkata , Calcutta ... call it by any name the essence will remain same... The city of Joy .......!!

The city of Rabindra Nath  Thakur.. 

The city of Satyajit Roy..., 

The city of Kali & Durga... 

The city of Mother Teresa .. 

The city of Rossogulla.....

The City of Mishti Doi... 

There are so many reason for me to say Kolkata is my favourite city... its people.. its foods, its festival , its culture.. 

I have been to so many places in India, I remember one incidence while I was travelling to New Delhi I lost my money so I was looking for an ATM as my train was about to leave I asked a person about the ATM location. At first he gave me a strange look them without uttering a word he kept on doing his job when I asked him again he just shouted on me and asked me to leave!!! If I were in Kolkata chances were that people would not only guided me its also possible he would go along with me to show me ATM! 

Kolkata has so many things in its glory like First Metro Rail service in India, Only Tram service in India , all Nobel Laureates (Rabindranath Tagore,C.V. Raman, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen) are from Kolkata, the only Oscar Awardee for life time Mr Satyajit Ray is also from Kolkata!

Tram

Tram

If you not tasted the ball of sweet juice (Rossogula) you have not tasted the ultimate sweet dish of Kolkata invented by Nobin Chandra Das a well known sweet maker of Bag Bazaar which catapulted the city at top place in terms of sweets. Lal Mishti Doi Or Red Yogurt also very popular not only with local but outsiders also. Kolkata is also rich in its street foods like Phuchka, Jhalmuri ,Telebhaja , Mughlai Paratha and Fish Cutlet .

Mishti Doi

Phuchaka

Tele Bhaja

Jhaal Muri

Ball of sweet juice Rossogolla!!

Fish Cutlet

If I don't discuss Aadda and Coffee House then I will miss the inner soul of my favourite city kolkata!! Aadda and Kolkata is synonyms with each other. When you think about Aadda only one name flash in your mind; Coffee House, which is immortalised by Manna Day's "Coffee Houser sei adda ta...."!! Located opposite to Presidency University (Formerly Presidenc College) is famous for its Black coffee, fish Cutlet and lots of Aaddas...!  

Aadda Bazi

Coffee House er Aadda

Kolkata is spread over 1,886.67 km² (728.45 sq mi) and comprises 3 municipal corporations (including Kolkata Municipal Corporation), 39 local municipalties and 24 panchayat samitis, Kolkata, which is under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation( KMC), has an area of 185 km²  The east–west dimension of the city is comparatively narrow, stretching from the Hooghly River in the west to roughly the Easter Metropolitan Bye pass in the east - a span of 9-10 km The north–south distance is greater, and its axis is used to section the city into North, Central, and South Kolkata.

North Kolkata is the oldest part of the city. Characterised by 19th-century architecture and narrow alleyways.

Central Kolkata hosts the central business district. It contains B.B.D. Bagh, formerly known as Dalhousie Square, and the Esplanade on its east; Strand Road is on its west. The West Bengal Secretariat , General Post Office, reserve bank Of India, High Court, Lal Bazaar Police Head Quarters  and several other government and private offices are located here.

Kolkata is the main commercial and financial hub of East and North-East India and home to the Calcutta stock Exchange.It is a major commercial and military port, and is the only city in eastern India to have an international airport

Durga Puja the grand festival of Bengal... one should must visit Kolkata during Durga Puja to understand the rich culture of Kolkata or Bengal when Maa Durga worshiped over a period of five days (Shasti to Dashmi) people from different part of India and the world flocked to see the grand celebration of good over evil.  

My city; in real sense is madeofgreat...

Please visit http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

Messiah of Green

"Ram Prasad Naskar"

We in our whole life meet so many people from different walk of life some of them left an impression so deep which inspire you to do something which you never dare to.... I also met a person few month back named Ram Prasad Naskar!

Ram Prasad Naskar by profession a Para Teacher in a village school named Sreepur Siksha Sadan of Sonarpur an interior area of West Bengal who has passion of cycling since his childhood. Born in a BPL family on 15th March 1978 his father was a poor driver. Their family income comes from cultivation. He completed his basic education from Chaltaberia High Schoo and after completing his graduation in Geography from Ashutosh college he completed his B.Ed from Belurmath Ramkrishna Mission in the year 2003.

After completing his B.Ed he got a Para teacher job in a school in Sonarpur. Being a teacher of Geography it occurred to him that the scope and dimension of his knowledge beyond the conventional education could be extended manifold if he could gain direct knowledge about topographical feature of his country and her multilingual people, variety and diversity within unity.

As he has already passion for cycling so he began his first cycle expedition in 2010 for 13 days and second in 2012 for 23 days to explore whole West Bengal carrying the message regarding the potential threat of River and Air pollution.

During the course of his preparation a report regarding the retreat of Gangotri Glacier published by the Paschim Banga Vigyaan Manch (W.B. Science forum) shocked him deeply, the apprehension of environment expert that the glacier would get completely melted by 2040! So he decided to make aware his countrymen  regarding the threats and remedies of Global Warming due to pollution. Accordingly he thought he must contribute to the cause of restricting the devastating consequences of global warming and will dispatch a message in written to all state pollution control board of India. Accordingly he applied to the Chief Minister , Govt. Of W.B. and finally got approval from the State Project Officer , Sarva Siksha Mission, Bikash Bhavan Salt Lake and NOC from his School Headmaster and also got little assistance from The West Bengal State council of Sports.

ON 18th December 2013 he started his mission "Sobujer Abhiyan" (Expedition for Green) from State Pollution Control Board office Salt Lake Parivesh Bhawan to submit his alarming message to the Chairman of all 28 States and 5 Union territory excluding Andaman Nicobar and Lakshya Dwip. covering the distance about 16,500 KM in 172 days. During his campaigning there were several occasion that he met with various media persons who published news and article about his noble mission.

Ignoring all the predicaments, danger, inconveniences, adverse situation and financial hardship he had successfully completed his mission at Tripura;s Agartala of the North East region where his journey of 172 days of paddling with passion , love and affection of people and support of countrymen terminated.

In the year 2014 Ramprasad along with 11 member started his journey for Bakkhali a beautiful beach in south 24 Parganas Dist. of West Bengal. During this trip he also distributed  literature to make people aware of river pollution..

A cow carcass at Bakkhali Sea Beach

In his next leg on 9th November 2015 he started his his journey for Purulia covering Kolkata, , Hooghly, Burdwan, Bankura , Purulia , East and West Medinipur...

His dream to cover world on his bi-cycle and spread the message for greener world and stop pollution... 

After all hardship and lack of financial support, I wonder for his passion and commitment towards nature and his craziness for cycling, What drive him? What is  his motivations?? He simply smile and said "If I can make aware 10% of people about Pollution and Global Warming which help this world to remain in its beauty and shape my life's mission achieved"

I learned a very important lesson of life, Junoon or craziness for your Goal!! No matter whatever the situation, you will achieve it.. He is truly a person of #madeofgreat          

http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/   

Sobujer Abhiyan

Mr Ram Prasad Naskar a bi-cycle enthusiast going to Purulia on his Bangla Bi-cycle to create awareness about Global Warning this is 3rd leg of his endeavor.

Prior to this last year in December a team of 12 member went to Bakkhali on bi-cycle and  Ram Prasad was one of the team member he has done an All India Bi-cycle tour to create awareness about Global Warning. By Profession a para teacher in a government school he has a dream to do world tour on Bi-cycle!!

We wish him all the best and safe return.

some snaps of flag off at the IOE premises.....

Neora valley Trek....

After a span of almost 20 years I got an opportunity to go a high altitude trekking and I did not want to miss this! Due to my professional and personal commitment I could not attend a single trekking for all these years, so when Institute deciding about summer trek to Neora Valley I could not resist myself, I decided to go......!!
Our trek team was consist of 14 members including me. I was given responsibility to lead this bunch of 13 energetic members!

Date 27 the May 2015

We reached Sealdah Railway station at 20.00 hours train was on schedule but our main concern was Campbell (Prosenjit) he was still in local train from Baruipur. Our President Mr. Durgadas Saha came to wish us along with Abhijit Da Ardhendu,  Ejaz, Bandana, Namita and Shubhra. Durga da handed over cap to all team members. Train left Sealdah station on time, and somehow Campbell managed to catch train in DDLJ style!

We had our dinner around 22.00 hrs when train reached Burdhman station.

Date 28 May 2015

We reached New Mal Junction at 10.00 hrs. Our train was 1 hour late from its scheduled time.

We had already booked 2sumo in advance so without wasting our time we boarded on sumo and left New Mall Junction. Halted for few minutes for tea and some vegetable shopping near New Mall station.

After a picturesque journey of about 2 hour we reached Lava at around 13.00 hrs

Lava is a small hamlet situated 34 kilometres (21 mi) east of the town of Kalimpong in Darjeeling district . Lava is situated at an altitude of 7,016 feet (2,138 m). It is one of the few places in West Bengal to receive snow in winter. It is the entry point to the Neora Valley National Park from Kalimpong

Our Guide Guddu was waiting for us at Lava taxi stand. After unloading our baggage we immediately had our lunch and without wasting our precious time we boarded in two taxi and left Lava at 14.00 hrs for our trek starting point "ZERO POINT"

Reached Zero point 15.30hrs.

Weather was good after taking required permission from Forest Department we started our trekking..

After a trekking of almost 1 hour we reached out first day destination PHE Camp at 16.30 hours.

This is really very beautiful place! There is two wooden cottage constructed by Forest department.

Surya Makhal (Team quarter master) immediately started preparation for our dinner and evening food.

Neora Valley is full of leeches so we were talking extra caution but somehow they were managed to intrude and enjoyed almost every member's fresh tasty blood!

After having our dinner we went to our bed as all members are very tired we all had very sound sleep.

Date 29 May 2015
We woke up early in the morning it was raining occasionally. Our Guide Guddu took us in core jungle area to show us some herbs and rare botanical creation. After 45 minutes excursion of core jungle we returned to our camp area and had our break fast at 07.00 hrs.

Today our destination was Alubari camp.

We started our trek at 08.30 hrs. After crossing a small river and a short trek we reached Jari booti watch tower at 09.15 hrs. This place was amazing we were complaining our Guide Guddu why he did not took us here yesterday so that we could stayed here in night.

Watch tower condition was not good it was broken. Somehow we could make to top floor of watch tower. View from watch tower is breath taking! After spending few minutes and having some snacks we moved ahead.

We were moving thru deep jungle of Bamboo our guide kept on collecting soft pieces of Bamboo shoots. He said he is going to make dinner with this!

During today trek we also got fruit of small strawberries!

After a trek of about 3 hours we reached AluBari watch tower at 12.10 pm. We halted here for 1 hour had our snack. Another 1 hour trek took us to our today destination Alubari camp.

Reached Alubari camp(2348mtr) at 13.23 hrs
Alubari also have two sets of wooden cottage by Forest department.
After settling down our guide and porter along with team quarter master prepared dinner for us. We had special menu of Bamboo shoots Sabji. It was so tasty...! We thanked our guide for this amazing food.

Date 30th May 2015

Left Alubari for Rachela (10586ft)

Today trek was bit difficult we supposed to travel about 20KM upward! Total trek was thru green Bamboo jungle.

We reached Rachela at 12.50hrs. This place is highest in our trekking.

Rachela has small shelter again constructed by Forest department but it was damaged due to ill maintainence and also damaged by some stupid so called traveller or trekkers!

Lunch at 3.00pm

After having our lunch of rice and boiled eggs we went to see Rachela top.

Due to tiresome trekking Priyanka Chaki and Attaur got sick and as Rachela altitude is also more than 10k feet they were showing symptom of high altitude sickness.

After getting warm massage from Nabi Priyanka feeling some relief from sickness. Some member feeling jealous of Priyanka fortune for getting free tickling massage from Nabi.

Evening snacks 7.00 pm

Dinner at 930 pm

Light off 11.00pm

Date 31st May 2015.

Today's trekking is quite easy compare to yesterday as trek gradient is continuous down but we have to travel almost double distance. 

Our destination was to reach Todey and Tangta village. Todey and Tangata Village is situated in close proximity of the Bindu village. The village is inhabited by Taming community, which is famous for its cardamom and orange plantations.

And we have to cross leech infested zone also. Our guide already instructed us to bring "Khaini (Tobacco) and Chuna " with us to fight these creepy blood sucking creature! They made a lotion with khaini and Chuna and asked us  to apply on our shoe and exposed skin.

We Left Rachela at 0900 hrs.

After traveling about 5 or 6 K.M. I damaged my both knee! And feeling pain while trekking. After painful trekking of about 3 and half hour I reached Ruka camp along with other team members.

We had our packed food (Biscuit and Sattu) as lunch. As I was not able to trek with the team Nabi, Dhrubo and Attaur decided to trek with me.

Our next destination was Tangta village.

After 15 minutes of first batch of trekkers we started our journey. We were following the trail of advance team. After going about 2KM we thought we lost our way as there is no trail and path was blocked by wooden log. We started shouting names of our advance team members but did not get any response! My concern was, if we go wrong way then....I could not afford this with my injured knee. After few minutes we could see one of our Porter coming! Some how he was able to heard our shout! He asked us to follow him. We requested him to go slow.

This area is highly infested with leeches ! Now we understand why our guide made those mysterious lotion..

We reached Tangta village at 6.00pm and took a night shelter in a villager house. As due to my knee problem and long trekking we were not in condition to go further to Todey village.

After settling in our room we had musical evening lead by me with our host.

Had our dinner

Dinner at 1100 pm

Date 1st June 2015

Started trek for Todey 9.00

Today weather was very clear and pleasant we divided our members in 2  team one consist of injured leader, Nabi,Dhrubo and Attaur and rest in other team. We choose to go flat road way! Other team choose shortcut..

Reached Dawaikhola 1020 am . this place has a river which known as Dawaikhola means medicine river! This river believed to has some medicinal property which cure so many diseases!

We took Short break at Dawaikhola for Tea and snacks.

After a trekking of another 40 minutes we reached Todey village at 11.45.

Managed a local village house for our night stay.

Date 2nd June 2015

Had our breakfast of Steamed Momo at bus stand and boarded Our hired jeep for New Mall junction.

After a lovely journey of about 2 and half hour via Jaldhaka and chalsa we reached Mall Junction Railway station and headed towards our home......!

Team members

Team leader: Rajesh Shaw

Treasurer: AnupamMullick

Team Manager: M.Nabi Tarafdar

Quarter master: Surya Makhal

Members

Prosenjit(Campbell)

Paresh Parmanick

Priyanka Chaki

Piyali Dutta

Shagufa

Attaur Bagani

Dhrubo Dalui

Deepika Nath

Asha Das

Ganesh (Meso) Da