Tidbit Memoirs – Raniganj
Do you know the movie Kaala Pathar (1979), inspired by this very town and surrounding areas of the Coal Fields in India s heartland, echoes the struggles and triumphs of its people. As I reminisce about Raniganj, where my childhood unfolded, memories come alive.. My father's 25-year tenure at Bengal Paper Mills, now a part of the West Bengal State-owned industrial conglomerate, etched an indelible mark on our lives.
Boarding a train from Burdwan Station (now Bardhaman Junction) on a crisp winter morning, the scenery transforms into a nostalgic canvas. As the engine chugs along, I sip steaming chai and savor the spicy kick of jhaal muri, a quintessential Bengali snack, from vendors at every station. With each stop, memories flood back:
- Talit, with its serene temples, including the ancient Shyamrai Temple, and whispered prayers
- Khana Junction (now Khana Station), where the historic Grand Chord line branches out, carrying dreams and aspirations; witness the electrification of the line, completed in 2020
- Galsi, Paraj, and Mankar, each station a milestone in my journey, showcasing West Bengal's rural landscape
At Mankar, consider veering off to:
- Dokra village, cradle of the ancient Dokra art form (dating back 5,000 years), now a hub for artisans and craftsmen; visit the Dokra Art Museum
- Jamunadighi farmhouse, a haven of 47 glistening lakes, sprawling gardens, and tranquility; ideal for eco-tourism and rural exploration
- Bhalkimachan forest reserve, where silence is golden and nature's beauty reigns; spot rare bird species and indigenous flora
As the train rumbles on:
- Panagarh's WWII airbase, now home to the Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command; witness the annual Air Force Day celebrations
- Durgapur's steel plants, part of the SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) conglomerate, driving India's steel production; explore the Durgapur Barrage and Damodar River
- Andal's airport (Andal Airport, also known as Durgapur Airport), connecting West Bengal to major cities; witness the growth of industrial and commercial activities
This journey through West Bengal's heartland weaves a rich tapestry of culture, history, and emotions. Every station, every scent, every taste evoke memories, transporting me back to Raniganj's embracing arms.
Now, come to Raniganj, where memories flood back. We'll cross over the first bridge, Raniganj station's peculiar layout—two platforms end, two begin.
Red soil beneath our feet, mix of Gangetic and red, coal lying beneath. Take a bus to Mejia town, thermal power station on Damodar; ask Tulsi Kaka, our old rickshawallah, to take us to Ballabhpur.
Tulsi Kaka's eternal smile welcomes us; his eyes reflect the passage of time. "Arey babu, those were the days!" he exclaims, sharing tales of Bengal Paper Mills' heyday.
We approach Ballabhpur, emotions swirling—happiness, sadness, nostalgia, longing. Bengal Paper Mills' board still stands, a testament to its glorious past. Seven machines once hummed, producing paper that fueled India's growth.
The hooter's familiar sound echoes in my mind, marking shift changes. Workers rushed to begin or end their day, amidst the mill's rhythmic roar.
Reach the officer quarters, where my father taught me life's basics. Sitting in his lap, I watched India beat Pakistan at MCG in 1985, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar leading the thrilling semifinal chase.
In those same loving arms, I heard Hemant Kumar, Kishor Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Manna Dey's soulful melodies; his favorite songs, now etched in my heart.
He'd share stories of Corbett's hunts—Man Eaters of Kumaon, Rudraprayag's thrilling tales—in his gentle, soft, and patient manner.
Meet father's old friends, gentle eyes holding stories of a bygone era—Rosie and Elsa, our loyal German Shepherds, by their side.
Evening descends, Ballabhpur's mandir bhajans fill the air; labor quarters come alive with dhaak, dhol. Crickets serenade us with crittering.
Night falls, Ballabhpur's silence wraps around us. Memories, emotions, nostalgia converge—the essence of Raniganj, a bittersweet blend.
Post Script:
Mejia Ghat's annual fare remains etched in memory. Thousands gathered, united by faith and community. Huge oars stirred massive saucepans, cooking khichdis to feed the multitude. The aroma of steaming rice and lentils wafted through the air, mingling with laughter and devotion.
The ghat's rustic charm, gentle flow of Damodar, and the warmth of gatherings past continue to inspire.
Raniganj's essence lingers, a testament to love, community, and the passage of time.
To be contd. ….
