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Drive Out: PATHRA
MAY 2020 `50
MA N A G I N G
I C
MED IESA L
G E N C
EMER
I L E D R I V I N G
WH
www.kolkataonwheels.com
Past perfect Hideout My Trip
OLD FORT GHAT RABINDRA SAROBAR PARKING COaSTAL DRIVE
TODAY'S FAIRLIE PLACE PEACE AMIDST BUSTLE EXPLORING SOUTH
1
3 2
Vol. 12 I ISSUE: MAY 2020
ISSUE: MAY 2020
Editor Souvik Ghosh
Executive Editor Trina Das Gupta
Associate Editor Jonaki Lahiri
Editorial Advisors P Thankappan Nair,
Tarun Goswami, Pradeep Gooptu
Art Director Koushik Chatterjee
Graphic Designer Bappa Das
Photographer Subha Sengupta
Marketing Incharge Subhodeep Roy
Circulation Incharge Santanu Chatterjee
Team WHEELS
Kunal Banerjee, Basudev Ghosh,
Sandeep Sardar, Ashis Kr Bagchi,
Subroto De, Uttam Bose, Partha Laha,
Debasish Bose, Debopam Banerjee,
Arnab Bhowmick, Krishnendu Basu,
Saradindu Sanyal, Alok Nag, Swarup Paul,
Dipanjan Ganguly, Sandip Hunday,
Aritra Sardar, Aditya Dasgupta
Traffic Committee
Jayant Basu (Chairman),
Anubrata Gangoly, Rajib Majumdar,
Elina Sengupta
Contact: 8961086998
O
Email id: traffic@kolkataonwheels.com
ur wheels have suddenly save yourself and other road users.
Parking Committee
Shivaji Sengupta (Chairman), stopped rolling. Hoping the situation to normalise by
Samirendra Nath Mukherjee,
Debraj Dey, Anirvan Chaudhuri Some invisible barrier has July 2020, we at Team WHEELS have
24 DRIVE OUT
Contact: 9051027773 rendered us motionless. The once- thought of reorganising the events and
Email id: parking@kolkataonwheels.com
familiar highways have suddenly become activities therefrom. To start with, we Pathra – Temple village unveiled
Social Service Committee obscured in the dust thrown up by have planned our bimonthly Wheelers
Abhijit Biswas (Chairman),
Amit Kr Banerjee, Sudip Kr Ghosh, countless trudging feet. No one seems to Meet in July. This would most likely be
Siddhartha Majumdar, Saurav Nandy,
Kamalendra Narayan Deb know the right direction. How long do we followed by a Drive Tour in August –
Contact: 8888003400 sit inside, wait and watch? They say the keeping our fingers crossed!
Email id: socialservice@kolkataonwheels.com
road ahead is tougher. Continuing with our trend of
While at the waiting bay, let us upgrade publishing online, the May issue of 16 Calcutta Chronicles
Published by The Great Calcutta Calm
Aruna Ghosh ourselves and emerge stronger. We shall Kolkata on WHEELS magazine would
Guide India Publication
19-B Allenby Road, Kolkata 700020
overcome, come what may! be available on our official website www.
Tel: +91-33-24559200 For the cover story of this issue, we kolkataonwheels.com for free download.
Helpline: +91-9830370371 chose to bring to light the medical This version is most likely to be followed 06 Past Perfect 18 Hideout
Email: info@kolkataonwheels.com
emergencies that we motorists are most by the printed version, once the Old Fort Ghat – Rabindra Sarobar 32 Car Launch
Website: www.kolkataonwheels.com Today’s Fairlie Place Ghat Car-Parking Skoda Octavia RS 245
likely to face on the road while driving. lockdown is lifted.
Page: Kolkata On Wheels We have consulted specialists on the For now, let us park ourselves indoors
Group: Kolkata Wheelers
subject who have spared their valuable and wait for the green light again!
KolkataonWHEELS
time to help us create awareness among
Copyright: Guide India Publication motorists about one of the most vital 34 My Trip
Coastal Drive - II
yet neglected aspects of driving. We
hope you find the article useful and stay
In alliance with informed so that you may handle any Souvik Ghosh
Automobile Association
of Eastern India
health issue on the move bravely, and editorial@kolkataonwheels.com
09 Headlights 20 Do You Know 38 Kolkata Canvas
Managing Medical Living it up in Good Times Quick selfie
Emergencies while Driving
5
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 4
MAY 2020
Ghat
will find the two jetties of Fairlie Place Calcutta in 1690. In 1702 the Government office of the Eastern Railways are present
Ghat on either side of the car-parking. House (Factory) was being constructed at the same plot today where the old Fort
Old Fort
at the centre of the fort. The original once stood.
History building was two-storeyed with projecting In 1757 the forces of Nawab Siraj-
Fairlie Place, a popular business district wings and an internal guardroom on the ud-Daulah attacked the old Fort. The
of the city, was named after William ground floor – which later became the northern part of the old Fort (on the
Fairlie, an English merchant and a senior infamous ‘Black Hole of Calcutta.’ boundary of which lay the farm house
stakeholder of a British trading house The plot where the magnificent old of Lord Crittenden), was destroyed by
named the Fairlie Gilmore & Company. Fort William was built is now bound in the Nawab. The northern river gate was
The Fairlie House of the Kilburn by Fairlie Place to the north, Koilah Ghat used by the young Nawab to enter the
Company was located towards the north Street to the south, Netali Subhas Road fort after it fell. The south section had
Jonaki Lahiri while the ghat stood at the end of Fairlie to the east and the Strand Road to the two gates – one leading to the river
Place. It was thus called the Fairlie Place west. The General Post Office of today was and steps and the other – the landing
Ghat. Fort Ghat was the original name, at the south-east corner of the old Fort. stage (ghat) which was used by the
A
midst the most renowned quays of the city there is a jetty-ghat that stands out Route which it retained for a hundred and fifty Koilah (Coelah) Ghat, earlier known as Governor Roger Drake – to escape in a
for certain reasons. There may be nothing particularly overwhelming about the Proceeding northbound by the Strand years. The Fort Ghat marked the northern ‘New Wharf ’ marked the southern-most boat before the Fort fell to the Nawab's
architecture as seen today, yet the unmistakable scent of a once-glorious vanity Road from Babughat, just after crossing limit of the old Fort William. However, in limit of the old Fort at the end of the forces. From 1766 what remained of the
continues to dominate. And what was once the hot seat of all business activities of the Koilah Ghat Street on the right and the Upjohn’s map of 1794, Fairlie Place figures present Koilah Ghat Street. The Fort Ghat, Fort was repaired and repurposed into
city is now more nostalgia. Extending simple favours to the daily commuters of the entrance of Millennium Park on left, keep as a passage without name, leading to the on the other hand, marked the northern warehouses, offices and a Custom House
riverine is the renowned Old Fort Ghat of yore. Resplendent in its all new avatar as the an eye on the double-arched entrance Old Fort Ghat. extremity of the Fort. for the East India Company.
Fairlie Place Ghat. of the Fairlie Place Ghat or BBD Bagh A long strip of brass etched on
Circular Railway Station. Enter through Old Fort William the eastern staircase of the GPO is The Old Fort Ghat
Among all the stories on the Ghats of Kolkata published so far, the Old Fort Ghat will the second arch going over the railway Christened after King William III, the old reminiscent of the old Fort William and The Old Fort Ghat was built at the turn
perhaps survive as the most significant. In order to find a connection between this ghat tracks and hitting the Fairlie Place Ghat. Fort William was built by the British East a prominent marble plaque mentions of the eighteenth century. It was probably
and those that exist today, we carried out extensive research. And what we discovered You will find a vast parking lot on your India Company between 1696 and 1702 the history. The other buildings viz., the the only ghat of British India which
from various sources is that despite the changes in the course of the Ganges, the Old right in front of the north-most entrance after the Company’s main Bengal trading Calcutta Collectorate, the Custom House, promoted large scale maritime activities.
Fort Ghat must have similarly stood somewhere between today’s Fairlie Place Ghat and of the Millennium Park. Park your car station was moved from Hooghly to Reserve Bank of India building and the In those days, trade between England
the Shipping Corporation Jetty (Millennium Park main entrance). and walk down to the riverside and you and India was carried out only through
waterways. Loading and unloading of
both goods and passengers from ships or
cargos were carried out from this ghat.
Besides being the capital city, Calcutta
also gained immense prominence as the
commercial centre of British India as it
could use its riverine for transshipment
of goods from water to land and from
river to sea.
History has it that the Customs House
had issued instructions sometime
in February 1807 stating: ‘No goods
whatever imported at Calcutta from sea,
or for exportation from Calcutta by sea,
will, in future, allowed to be landed at,
or shipped from any other Ghaut, but
that to the south of the Custom House at
Calcutta.’ This ghat (or Ghaut) was none
other than the famed old Fort Ghat. It
was therefore of great importance. The
orthodox devotees however continued to
use this ghat for their daily ritual of taking
holy dips and offering prayers.
Life at the Ghat
Standing on one of the jetties of
the Fairlie Place Ghat, we were as if
transported back in time. The siren of a
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 6 7
MAY 2020
the challenge of a potential fading into
obscurity, the quaint ghat has successfully
circumnavigated many trials and travails.
To the denizens of the city, however, the
Fairlie Place Ghat is still a revered entity
besides being their lifeline. The Old
Fort Ghat carries the charm of a bygone
era where velvet-clad swashbuckling
adventurers in crisp moustaches could still
hope to find their pot of gold at the end of
the rainbow – or beneath the timbers of the
jetty hidden from the authorities in sacks
in the swirling waters! ‘Yo heave ho, yo
heave ho, once more once again, still once
more…’ or for a ‘Yo ho ho and a bottle of
rum’… as the old privateers would sing…
departing launch immediately summoned Circular Railway Station on Strand Road,
A
visuals of a sailing ship with its towering is today’s Fairlie Place Ghat – a vast quay bhay planned a long drive with his
masts slowly approaching the magnificent on the eastern banks of the Ganges, near family to a resort at Kolaghat on
old Fort Ghat. Helpers would scurry the Customs House. Yet the absence of a NH-16 (NH-6). He got into his car
around ready to unload the goods and colonnade and flight of stairs descending that morning with his wife and son and they
help the passengers to disembark. Sailors down to the river barely qualifies the began their drive to the resort. It was a day
flaunting their well-travelled machismo place to be called a ghat in the true sense. like any other – clear sky, smooth roads. He
would swagger around, while merchants Similar to the Armenian Ghat, the had driven the route many a time before.
with gems the size of pigeon eggs on their Fairlie Place Ghat is also equipped with Suddenly, while at the wheel, he began to
plump fingers glowed in anticipation of local ferry services. The jetty towards feel a severe pain in his chest. Soon he was
the cargo, further adding to their already the north is under the WBTDC while sweating profusely. Grabbing his chest, he
colossal coffers. Large boxes and sacks that towards the south is run by the blacked out and in minutes lost consciousness
were thrown down from the deck while Hugli Nadi Samabai Samity. Using the
MANAGING
in the middle of the highway.
the porters swarmed their way to the ships two jetties extending out of the quay,
to collect the luggage and carry them safely the Kolkatans are saved hours of hectic According to US statistics published
to the banks. The cacophony of people’s commuting. in the National Motor Vehicle Crash
excitement coupled with loud cheering Descending the ladder of fame, facing Causation Survey, medical emergencies that
filled the air – so dramatic yet so real.
MEDICAL
may impact a motorist significantly during
their time at the wheel include: Seizure:
The Ghat today 35%, Sudden blackout: 29%, Diabetic
Located right behind the BBD Bagh reaction: 20%, Heart attack: 11% and
others: 5%. These are approximate figures
and are indicative of the primary medical
EMERGENCIES
ailment. What is even more alarming is that
the same statistics say that a motorist can
incur more than one such ailment while on
a road trip.
Team WHEELS spoke to a few reputed
WHILE DRIVING
medical practitioners of the city who
have identified the most common and
potentially dangerous ailments that a
motorist in our city may suffer or is likely
to suffer on a long drive.
Team WHEELS Here’s a list of symptoms that a motorist
ought to be watchful of and the driving
management techniques along with some
emergency medications that will help bring
the situation under control.
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 8 9
MAY 2020
(Low blood-sugar level): This can happen to all diabetic patients on Insulin and (Attack of fits): People with Epilepsy usually drive with the knowledge that they may have
HYPOGLYCEMIA on anti-diabetic medications, rare in the case of a normal person. In diabetics, the Epilepsy seizures. According to specialists the chances of getting a seizure is only 7% if the patient has a
condition can be triggered due to driving stress. seizure-free period of one year prior to the day of driving and it goes up to 15% if the seizure-free
period is 6 months. Regular treatment reduces the possibility as well.
5. Lie on a flat surface, preferably under a required, check your blood sugar level
Symptoms fan or maybe on the backseat of your car. every 2 hours. Never test your sugar while
Driving Management
1. Put on the Hazard lights.
▶ Racing heartbeat 6. Avoid driving further since a fall in driving. Pull off to a side and only then
2. Stop the car as fast as possible (once you feel the
▶ Sweating the glucose level affects the brain making perform the check.
premonitory symptoms).
it risky for you to drive. It takes about 3. Be ready for a hypoglycaemic (blood
▶ Reeling of the head 3. Just before the onset of the premonitory Symptoms
45 minutes for the brain to recover sugar less than 70) occurrence. Carry
▶ Headache symptoms of a seizure take two puffs (or as directed
completely. plenty of immediate sugar-providing food ▶ Seizures ▶ Fits
▶ Sinking feeling. by the physician) of Midazolam nasal spray.
7. If the situation improves you may like glucose, biscuits or a bar of chocolate.
4. Once sprayed to overcome seizure, avoid As per the Motor Vehicle Act of
resume driving after 1 hour or when the 4. Always carry your medical ID stating
driving any further. India one cannot have a valid
The above symptoms are likely to happen blood glucose level returns to normal. your condition and details of the person
8. If the condition appears severe, you to be contacted. driving license if the driver has
one after the other with no time lapse in Medical guidelines
should consult a doctor or rush to a 5. If you have asymptomatic a seizure attack at any time in
between. 1. Have regular medications (without skipping
nearby hospital. hypoglycaemia (no symptoms), it is his life. But there are several
any dose) even on the day of driving. driving license holders who
dangerous for you to drive as you don’t
2. Carry your medicines along with a Midazolam have kept their past medical
Driving Management Medical guidelines get any warning signs. Stop driving and all
Nasal Spray. history hidden to procure their
1. Put on the Hazard lights. 1. Check your blood sugar before you other sugar-medicines and immediately
3. Keep one or two numbers in your contact list as driving license.
2. Pull over immediately to a side of the plan a long drive. Drive only if you have consult a doctor.
ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers.
road and turn off the ignition. stabilised sugar levels (between 100 and 6. Always avoid alcohol
3. Take some glucose or sugar. 180 mg/dl). 7. Keep one or two numbers in These are headaches of varying intensity, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity
4. Inform EMR/ Highway Authority of 2. On long trips, plan to halt for blood your contact list as ICE (In Case of
India/ Call Phone Nos 102 or 112 glucose testing and food breaks. If Emergency) numbers.
MIGRAINE HEADACHES to light and sound. Some migraine headaches may not hurt very much. But when your
pain gets bad or vision blurs, driving may be difficult or even impossible.
Driving Management conditioner on.
1. Wear a sunglass while driving 8. Avoid taking regular anti- Symptoms
Vertigo It is a feeling that you are moving when you are not, similar to motion sickness.
in the sun migraine medication while
2. Avoid driving after dark to driving, as these may make you ▶ Headache with throbbing pain or
Driving Management neck area and relax in fresh air. refrain from flickering or strong drowsy and sleepy. Driving under pulsing sensation on one of the temples
1. Eat light; avoid driving in empty stomach. 6. If nausea/ vomiting persists, take anti- Symptoms light beams. the influence of even prescribed ▶ Pain affecting the back of your head
2. Avoid any food/fluids that trigger your vomiting tablets such as Domperidone. 3. Do not drive continuously; take drugs will be dangerous. However,
▶ Nausea ▶ Vomiting ▶ Slower reflexes
acidity. 7. Avoid driving, if you happen to take these ▶ Reeling of head frequent breaks. make it a point to carry your
3. With the slightest of signs or symptoms, stop tablets, as you are bound to feel drowsy. ▶ Photophobia* ▶ Visual aura**
▶ Nausea 4. Keep sipping water from time medicines.
driving as it is not safe for you or the other ▶ Sweating to time and stay hydrated.
vehicles on the road. Medical guidelines Medical guidelines *Photophobia – pain or discomfort in the eyes
▶ Vomiting
5. Get adequate sleep the night
4. Keep a couple of plastic bags handy in case 1. A Vertigo patient familiar with the symptoms 1. If headache persists, take due to light
before a long drive.
you feel like vomiting. May keep A piece of clove may carry Stemetil 5 mg.
▶ Ringing in the ears
Paracetamol/ Aceclofenac/ **Visual aura – recurring headaches due to
6. Eat right; refrain from having
or cardamom in mouth may be a good idea. 2. If the reeling of head is severe, you may take ▶ Loss of balance
Naproxen along with an antacid. flashes of light, blind spot or other vision changes
trigger foods like chocolate,
5. In case you vomit, sprinkle water on face and Cinnarazine or Betahistine as an SOS. aerated drinks. 2. In case of severe headache, you
7. Drive with the car air- may also take Domperidone.
The reaction of the body to introduced foreign substances such as venom,
(Cerebral attack): This problem is common with people who have hypertension or
Allergic Reactions foods, toxins, vaccines and transfusions that may eventually cause death, STROKE diabetes or both.
usually from one minute to one hour after onset.
a flat surface and relax. Medical guidelines
Driving Management 5. Seek doctor’s advice and administer as
1. Put on the Hazard lights. per instructions. Symptoms Symptoms 4. In case you feel reeling of head or slurred1. A person with diabetes/hypertension
speech and you recall having missed your should always carry the regular
2. Pull over to a side and stop as fast as 6. Co-passenger may check for medical
▶ Flushed ▶ Itching ▶ Skin rash ▶ Reeling of head ▶ Blurry vision regular medicine, take it immediately. prescribed medicines.
possible. alerts and vaccines carried by the
▶ Sneezing ▶ Watery eyes and nose ▶ Slurred speech ▶ Numbness of 5. If you feel numbness in hand/legs or your 2. In case you have missed a dosage,
3. Activate Electronic Medical Record patient and provide life support as
co-passenger notices a slight distortion in your
you should have the dose the moment
(EMR) necessary (CPR) ▶ Stomach pain ▶ Cough ▶ Breathing hands/ legs/ face facial muscles, immediately rush to a nearby you remember or when you feel any
4. Lie on a flat surface raising legs 30 cm. difficulty ▶ Wheezing ▶ Weakness hospital. discomfort.
If unconscious, co-passenger may lay the [Note: Serious reaction (anaphylaxis) ▶ Sweating ▶ Collapse Driving Management 3. Keep one or two numbers in
motorist on one of his sides (recovery may affect breathing and heart functions,
1. Put on the Hazard lights. [Note: A motorist with hypertension/diabetes/ your contact list as ICE (In Case of
position). therefore requiring life support.]
2. Pull over and stop as fast as possible. cardio vascular diseases is recommended not Emergency) numbers.
3. Once stopped, immediately lie down on to go on long drives alone]
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 10 11
MAY 2020
Nausea can be caused due to motion of a car, taking pills on an empty stomach, eating too
ASTHMA
A condition in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrow and swell and Nausea much or too little or drinking too much alcohol, reading or texting on drives and even staying
produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. for long in a confined environment (driving with air-conditioner on).
Driving Management trigger vomiting).
Driving Management Medical guidelines Symptoms 1. Pull over at rest areas, petrol pumps, or food 5. If nausea continues, take Domperidone 10 mg
Symptoms 1. Slow down and stop the car, roll down 1. Asthma patients must always carry stops often, so that you can get out and stretch tablet with water.
the windows of your car and inhale inhalers/ medicines as prescribed by the ▶ Reeling feeling
your legs.
▶ Breathlessness fresh air doctor ▶ Stomach churning 2. Taking deep breaths through your mouth can Medical guidelines
▶ Wheezing
2. If breathlessness persists, you may take 2. Try driving with the windows of the ▶ Vomiting tendency also help you relax before getting back in the car. 1. Carry ORS, anti-vomiting tablets (viz.
two puffs from your inhaler. car rolled down or air-conditioner on. 3. Sprinkle water on your face and neck area and Domperidone 10 mg) and a couple of plastic
3. Start driving after 10-15 minutes of 3. Cool down naturally in fresh air before relax in fresh air. bags, in case you feel the need to vomit.
taking the inhaler, once you are able to switching on the car air-conditioner 4. Take an electrolyte such as ORS in water 2. Do not drive on a full stomach.
breathe normally. directly after coming in from the sun. (this should be taken after vomiting if there 3. Avoid spicy food.
is any, having ORS before vomiting may 4. Do not read or text during driving.
Frequently touched areas
Door handles, rear view mirror, gear lever, dash board control, seats
CARDIO VASCULAR DISEASES and arm rests, seatbelts, hand brakes, steering wheel.
Precaution
1) Heart attack 2) Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) • Soak a microfibre cloth in isopropyl alcohol (or any alcohol based
A heart attack is a medical emergency. This is the most common of the cardiovascular diseases. hand rub) or soap water and wipe the parts.
• Do not use too much water.
Driving Management Driving Management • Do not use Isopropyl alcohol (or any alcohol based hand rub) on
1. Put on the Hazard lights. 1. Put on the Hazard lights. pure leather.
2. Slow down the car and pull over to a side and stop as fast as
possible.
3. If you feel your pulse is missing and you are having trouble in
2. Pull over to a side and stop as fast as possible.
3. Lie down flat, preferably under a fan.
4. Put Sorbitrate (5/10 mg) under your tongue as an SOS.
COVID-19 Infection
Your car may be the hot seat of corona virus.
• Avoid bleaches and peroxide based agents.
If a COVID-19 patient boards your car
Immediately disinfect your car and keep the windows open for at
breathing, lie down on a flat surface. 5. Do not resume driving. Make sure you take the necessary precautions to keep the least 9-10 hours. Current studies suggest that COVID-19 virus stays
4. If you managed to park your car at a safe place somewhere at one infection at bay. on surfaces for a maximum of 9 hours.
side of the road, you may consider lying down on the road itself. Medical guidelines
5. Do not resume driving. 1. You may develop a side effect such as headache due to
Sorbitrate (SOS). In that case you may take any Paracetamol MANAGING MEDICAL ▶ When taking babies on long journeys, it is important you travel in an
[Note: A motorist with cardiovascular history is recommended
not to go on long drives alone.] tablet. EMERGENCIES FOR air-conditioned car to save the baby from exposure to the dust and gushes
2. Blood pressure should be checked from time to time. of air travelling at high velocity.
3. Keep one or two numbers in your contact list as ICE (In CHILDREN WHILE DRIVING ▶ Older children are often restless inside the restricted space. Keep them
Medical guidelines
1. Your co-passenger may start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Case of Emergency) numbers. In case a child is accompanying you on a long drive, he/ involved in games and activities. Avoid mobile games and book readings.
Resuscitation) / chest compression in the middle of the chest and she should be given the topmost priority regarding health ▶ Do not forget to wash your own or your child’s hands with soap and
mouth to mouth respiration in the ratio of 30 chest compressions and comfort issues. water before eating.
and 2 breathing-in for 20 second cycles. Continue this until ▶ Food for children should be given the highest priority. Breast fed babies
medical help arrives or you are able to reach a nearby medical Management should be fed as and when they demand. Older children should be given
facility or the patient’s pulse comes back. ▶ Get a pre-journey checkup done by a pediatrician. home-made food packed in the most hygienic and sensible way possible.
2. If the situation doesn’t improve, your co-passenger must ▶ Carry the prescriptions and communicate with your Avoid junk food and pacifiers to prevent infections.
immediately rush you to a nearby hospital. doctor over phone in case of an emergency. ▶ Make your child drink plenty of fluids (water or homemade fruit juice)
3. Keep one or two numbers in your contact list as ICE (In Case ▶ Maintain an ambient temperature that is just comfortable during the drive.
of Emergency) numbers. for the adults while using the air-conditioner when ▶ Keep clean (preferably boiled) drinking water in the car so that the
travelling with infants (below 6 months of age). Too hot a same water can be used for washing hands and cleaning the
temperature while driving may lead to overheating, the baby mouth after the feed.
Symptoms Symptoms may become dehydrated. If the surroundings are too cold, ▶ In case of habitual motion sickness, Promethazine
the baby may suffer from hypothermia, lethargy, low blood may be given (about half an hour) before the start
▶ Squeezing or constricting (angina) pain glucose level or even, acidosis. of the journey, but strictly subject to advice by the
▶ Profuse sweating ▶fluttering in the chest
▶ Chest pain ▶Dizziness ▶ Sudden and very in the chest ▶ Indigestion ▶ Nausea ▶ Light- ▶ Make sure that the baby is wearing comfortable clothes. doctor. Older children may be transferred to the
headedness ▶ Sweating ▶ Fast heart rate ▶ Before leaving the car, first switch off the AC and roll front seat with proper security measures, since
short spell of black out ▶ Fainting. down the glasses a bit to let the heat outside come in slowly visual stimulation through the windscreen
▶ Shortness of breath.
before taking the baby out. Similarly, before getting in, would balance well with the effect of
switch on the AC keeping windows open for a while to cool velocity on the sensor inside the inner
down the temperature gradually. ears and prevents vertigo and vomiting.
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 12 13
Birthday Greetings
to WHEELERS
Step 6: If the level of discomfort rises,
Driving Guidelines refrain from driving and secure local 15 May : TAMAL NATH
16 May : SHANKAR GANGOPADHYAY
Having a medical condition does not medical aid with the help of any passerby. Event Calendar 16 May : TAPOJYOTI GUHA SARKAR
necessarily mean your driving should get 17 May : SYED HUMAYUN SIRAJ
18 May : SUPRIYO SEN
restricted. Here’s a list of guidelines for During a sudden attack of an illness 19 May : ANURAG MAJUMDAR
motorists in case of a medical emergency Step 1: Put on the Hazard light/ blinkers to
July 17th WHEELERS MEET 22 May : SUBRATA GHOSH
while driving. caution other drivers and road users. 22 May : ASHOK MUKHERJEE
(To be confirmed) For Wheelers & Guests 23 May : KAMALENDRA NARAYAN DEB
Step 2: Instantly slow down the vehicle by 25 May : ABHIJIT BISWAS
During gradual onset of a health symptom: shifting down the gears, trying to halt (do 28 May : KRISHNENDU BASU
Step 1: Do not ignore any symptom or not apply sudden brakes midway).
August
29 May : DIBYA KANTI CHARAVARTI
sign of a chronic ailment or physical Step 3: Try to pull over to any one side of
drive tour: Bakkhali 30 May : RAAJAT CHATURVEDI
(To be confirmed) For Wheelers & Guests 30 May : PAVAN MUKHERJEE
discomfort. Take immediate safety the thoroughfare – preferably to the left or 30 May : SIKHARENDRA DATTA
precautions. even to the right. 31 May : JAYANT BASU
02 June : SIDDHARTHA MAJUMDAR
Step 2: Put on the Hazard light/ blinkers to Step 4: Turn off the ignition 03 June : TRIDIB GHOSH
caution other drivers and road users. Step 5: Grab the attention of any passersby, 03 June : ABHIJIT DASGUPTA
Step 3: Slow down the car to below 20 if possible, to secure medical help. 03 June : SUJIT KR CHOWDHURY
kmph, and take stock of your physical Announcement 05 June : RAKTIM GANGOPADHYAY
06 June : PRATIP BASU
condition. Remember, by driving without proper 07 June : PIJUSH RANJAN CHOWDHURY
Step 4: If the problem persists, pull over to medical aid, you are not just risking your 08 June : SURYA NARAYAN JAISWAL
08 June : DIPAYAN DUTTA
the side of the road as quickly as you can own life, but also of other co-passengers 09 June : SWAGATA GUHA MUSTAFI
and park on the extreme left edge of the and of those on the road. As someone All events and activities of Kolkata on 10 June : PRITHVEER ROYCHOWDHURY
thoroughfare. Turn off the ignition. has rightly said, “It takes 8,460 bolts to WHEELS will be confirmed after the 11 June : AMIT SRIVASTAVA
12 June : JAY S KAMDAR
Step 5: Try to grab the attention of assemble an automobile, and one nut to 14 June : GAUTAM GHOSH
passersby. Call your near ones and if possible scatter it all over the road.” assessment of the Covid-19 situation 14 June : SANDIPAN MUKHERJEE
share your location when you are alone. post-lockdown. 14 June : BARNALI DE
14 June : ADITYA NARAYAN CHAKRABORTY
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Email ID: socialservicewheels@gmail.com
Contributors
8888003400
Dr. Mahua Basu Dr. Gautam Das
MBBS, MHA, Lean Management Trainer (Cardiff University), MBBS, DPM, MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
ACLS Trainer (AHA Certified) Neurologist Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, IPGMER, Kolkata
Asst General Manager (Quality) of Manipal Hospitals Group, Life
Member - IMA, Life Member - Kolkata on WHEELS Dr. Pradip Malhotra
Former Sr. Regional Director, Min. of H&FW, Govt. of India
Don't be a TOSSER
Dr. Santanu Barman (Only doctor from India to South Pole in 2010;
MBBS (Cal), DTM&H (Cal), MD Paediatrics Leader: Indian Antarctic Expedition in 2008-09)
Bin your LITTER
Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Ex-Associate Professor – Institute
of Child Health, Kolkata Bibliography: BLS algorithm from AHA guidelines 2015.
Stop throwing cigarette butts, plastic bottles, chips packets,
toffee wrappers and cans out of your car window – Bin your Litter.
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 14 KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 15 15
MAY 2020
power, is now stilled and melancholy, to
me it’s just an interval before the trams are
rediscovered and revitalized.
One of my favourite side tracks is,
The Great Calcutta Calm
not surprisingly, Presidency College, its
academic ambience better than ever. And
across the way, the Indian Coffee House
at Albert Hall, too. Really? Yes! It may
be the world headquarters for the art of
Brian Paul Bach the adda, but in this very Tagorean space
A Tagorean moment
A patient tram awaits Gate of colours The river's eternal quietude
Gate of mystery Mighty small-scale industry A bit of cheer in short street
A calming presence The bliss of an upper gallery
always seems to approach from behind. of intellectual voltage, silos of singleness
L
et there be peace – of mind. Just a obvious and the unexpected. the one constant reminder of our rolling- One can wax contemplative far more easily with also exist beneath the rotating punkahs.
state of mind perhaps, but in this I’m thinking externally here, because along in life, and teaches us that its manner perambulations through the leafy villa zones of Victoria Respect for the mind is an unwritten law
Time of Unrest, one that’s more interiors, whether churches in repose, of steady calm is the best way to proceed. Square or Ballygunge Park, in appreciation of their old everyone knows, thus the possibilities
than usual. obscure nooks in a rajbari, or a compact Needless to say, there is plenty of big- gracious styles. In effect, small-town Calcuttas, not unlike of soulful levelling in the midst of such
This is no meditation on a Calcutta that flat in Bow Barracks, can all be havens to time noise in the city, though if one’s mind similar atmospheres way up north in Bagbazar. benevolence.
is in lockdown, theoretical or otherwise. nurture calm. Nevertheless, household is so calibrated, samadhi is completely Such as Galiff St., a little rough around the edges, The active, progressive, and passionate
That saga must be told elsewhere. But bustle and a thousand other stimulations possible at, say, where Rabindra Sarani but unpretentious and certainly sincere. From the R.G. mind dwells best in calmness and
these are certainly singular days, when can just as easily agitate the mind. meets Lalbazar. More likely, many are Kar arterial, a grand manor rises on the left. Part of quietude, achieved by whatever degrees
every dwelling is a sort of lazaretto – The Hooghly is of course the greatest gift tied into their devices, most effectively via it has become a columned godown, sparsely lighted apply. Even in a Calcutta going full
those onetime houses of quarantine in of quietude. Out in the middle, it provides noise-cancelling headphones. and thrillingly moody after dark. I have friends along throttle, these states of mind are not only
every Mediterranean port for travellers an escape like no other. Especially when full In a more ‘organic’ sense, one can wander here, and down a ways, small-scale mechanic shops possible, but probable. It’s simply the
from the East to tarry, if said East was to the brim, Ma Hooghly, dutifully ushering far afield in the Maidan, but that’s a given, are turning out sophisticated valves and conduits in a cohesiveness of Calcutta’s invitational soul
visited by plague. her share of Ma Ganga’s endowments and not specifically the type of locale I’m low-key, even hobby-like version of industrial activity. I’d being made known to us. It reaches out,
Instead, here follow a few reflections along the greatest right-of-way through the considering, as it’s a more specialized happily do a bit of apprentice work hereabouts, to lend a we feel it, and among the offerings is a
on notions of attaining quietude, as far as metropolis, sometimes appears positively gratification I’m seeking. After all, a Maidan hand and learn a lot. The little tram depot on Lines #12 sense of calm. Once recognized, we can
city locales are concerned. States of mind placid. A very tubby lake, veiling unabated trek can be a virtual expedition, involving and #13 is now closed at present, I believe. Something easily adapt to it. It is always there, if we
are always influenced by environments, currents beneath the surface. Still, along the trots through impromptu cricket pitches, to do with Metro construction. If the charm of its want it. We do.
and with a bit of everyday effort, Calcutta bund, away from the bridges, Strand Road, avoiding wandering pony rides, and intimately-curving tracks with empty bogies patiently Stay curious, have fun, and be sure to
yields up its possibilities, a mixture of the even the bathing ghats, the river remains putting up with that two-wheeler that awaiting assignment, some humming with ready-to-go come when Calcutta calls!
Presidency's venerable stateliness
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 16 17
MAY 2020
Route
Rabindra Sarobar
Entering from Sarat Bose Road–
Southern Avenue Crossing, proceed
south-bound towards the Lake Gardens
Flyover driving along Debaki Kr Bose
Sarani. From the first right bend – enter
left, leading towards the Rabindra
Sarobar entrance. Take the immediate
Car-Parking right in front of the Calcutta Rowing
Club (CRC) entrance towards Lake
Team WHEELS Club. You will see the beautiful car-
parking on your right parallel to Debaki
Kr Bose Sarani.
Hideout
The vast car-parking is a paved area bound
on three sides and can accommodate
over a hundred cars. Simply relax in the
luxurious isolation of your car under
numerous tall green trees – exploding in
various shades of greens and yellows and
oranges. Allow the chirping of the birds
to soothe your senses. Leaving the car you
can feel the pleasant crunch of the leaves
under your feet.
Advance a few steps further towards
the Lake Club entrance. On your left is a
narrow alley which suddenly opens into
the picturesque hanging bridge over the
glorious lake. The beauty of the water
beneath you, as the wind blows over
it creating soft ripples, is intoxicating.
Your attention is caught perhaps by the
fish flashing past, their shiny silvery
scales glittering in smooth swathes
through the water.
Pack loads of finger foods and cans
of soft drinks and you are ready for an
impromptu family picnic. You could try
a cuppa from the quaint little tea stall at
one corner of the site.
I
magine yourself parked in the quietude of a
sprawling parking lot, where the air is surprisingly
light and pure, the diffused sunlight filters through
the tall trees, the soft breeze whispers sweet nothings
into your ears and the only sound you can hear is the
cooing of the cuckoo from a treetop!! To experience
this all you need to do is grab your keys, rev up your
car, roll down the windows and discover the beauty
of the Rabindra Sarobar Parking Lot – probably one
of the few ‘hideouts’ so enchanting or so unique in the
city of Kolkata. Location: Rabindra Sarobar Car Parking opposite Car Parking: `10 per hour
Note: Members of Lake Club and Calcutta Rowing Club `10 for any Refreshment: In the Jai Jawan tea-stall
Calcutta Rowing Club.
number of hours.
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 18 19MAY 2020
Smaller buys
The best small buy in the market was the
Morris Minor (later Baby Hindustan). This
world beating British small car was offered
at Rs. 8000 for the side valve version, and
Rs. 500 more for the later overhead valve
ones. The Fiat 1000cc Elegant model was
one step up, at Rs. 9,750 in 1956, along
with the Standard Super 10, 4-door
saloon at Rs. 9,450.
The next step up was the Morris
Oxford MO (Hindustan 14) and Morris
Cowley (later Hindustan Landmaster),
Chowringhee Road, with a 1940s Daimler & Humber (rear) both side-valve contraptions worth
1950 Standard Vanguard around Rs. 10,500.
family car These were killed off (except for the
Baby Hindustan) by the vastly superior
Living it up in
Chowringhee Road-Esplanade, 1950s
Ambassador by 1957, which sold at a
very competitive Rs. 11,200! Of course,
by this time, Morris imports had virtually
Good Times
stopped and while the HM plant at
Hindmotor, Uttarpara, was yet to be
completed, the cars came from there.
The Standard Vanguard offered some
competition at Rs. 14,700 in a larger, softer
Pradeep Gooptu package but the Ambassador reigned
supreme once it entered the market.
This is a small sample of the options
T
Calcutta Police traffic sergeants, 1940s
he end of World War II ended pegged at Rs. 16,500. The 4WD was before a consumer. These were the good
years of car shortages and one of the more expensive vehicles on years – you could buy everything from a
petrol rationing, and raised the the market. Cadillac or Rolls to a Minor if you wanted
excitement of the country becoming American sedans were all the rage, to. And petrol was cheap, and hardly
independent. Ignoring communal having proven their toughness in the taxed. The good times!
tensions, car companies rushed to war. A Dodge four-door sedan and its
The 1950s, cars on Esplanade East
offer new cars to Indian buyers. The sister Plymouth was worth around Rs.
war had greatly improved technology 21,000 at the no-frills level, while the
and designs on offer, and many more upgraded Kingsway Deluxe or Savoy
people had learnt to drive. The years Custom models were almost Rs. 23,000. The real American world leaders –
1945-60 therefore mark in many ways, At the entry level, the popular Dodge, Ford and General Motors – were also
the best years for a motorist looking for Pontiac and Plymouth taxi models with in the market with similarly priced cars
excitement. a typical rounded back body were priced and excellent after sales support. The
around Rs. 17,000. They were spacious, difference was that Ford had side-valve
Studebaker Champion, a popular 1950s buy
American Jeeps & sedans comfortable and ultra-reliable 7-seaters. engines while GM offered a full range
The magic of the Jeep, the hero of Dodge and Plymouth from Chrysler of overhead valve engines that were
the war, generated big demand for Corporation faced competition from speedier and fuel efficient.
the wonder vehicle. Many jeeps were Studebaker, among others. A price New Market, 1950 Plymouth (left) GM had plants near
dumped in the market by departing sheet from 1957 shows the smaller Bombay and in Bengal
American troops. Willys, the maker, but very stylish Commander was for assembly. In fact,
also cashed in with the new station being offered at Rs. 20,000 with a vast GM used to assemble
wagon. A sales brochure of 1950 says passenger area and boot. its Overland cars in
a ready-for-delivery jeep was priced at The not-so-good-looking but larger the heart of Calcutta,
Rs. 12,160 with canvas top. Studebaker President was priced in a factory on Hazra
The popular jeep station wagon just above Rs. 22,000. The combined Road! Studebakers
seated six was equally indestructible. Its Studebaker-Packard motor company were assembled at the
price in 4-wheel-drive (4WD) version offered a station wagon too at the Birlas’ Hindmotor plant.
was Rs. 18,150 while the 2WD was same price.
American, British and Indian cars at New Market, 1950s Sealdah taxi stand, 1950 Dodge Jeep station wagon, a big hit
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 20 21TOGETHER WE DRIVE
AAEI
Automobile Association
JOIN THE AAEI TODAY
of Eastern India (AAEI)
13/2, Promothesh Barua Sarani
Kolkata 700019
AND BECOME A PART OF
THE PRIVILEGED GROUP
Phone: 2486 - 5131/2/3
E-mail: aaeikolkata@gmail.com
Website: www.aaeikolkata.com
Automobile Association of Eastern India (AAEI) is a 108 years old
organization serving the automobile fraternity of eastern India.
AAEI renders a wide range of services to its 30000 members.
BRANCHES OF AAEI Special Publications Ambulance Services
Members may avail the AAEI runs an ambulance
AAEI Durgapur Branch,
ADDA Building,
'Motoring Guide of India' a service round the clock.
City Centre, detailed road guide of India
Durgapur, 713 216 and 'Kolkata on WHEELS' Petrol Pump
Ph. -343-2545769, Cell: 9434002883 a city-centric monthly The petrol pump of AAEI is
Email: aaei.dgp@rediffmail.com magazine for the car owners renowned for its quality.
AAEI Patna Branch, 24 x 7 Road Breakdown of Kolkata.
S.P. Verma Road, Patna - 800 001 Service PUC Certificates
Cell: 09431222609, Ph. 0612 2232454 In case of a car breakdown, Club and Bar facilities AAEI is authorised to
Email: aaei38pat@yahoo.co.in
AAEI provides round the AAEI provides club facilities issue computerised PUC
AAEI Siligury Branch, clock breakdown services to for its members at very Certificates to its members.
Tea Auction Committee Road,
its members. reasonable rates through
Mallaguri, Siliguri - 734 403
Cell: 9476296668, Fax: 0353-2531302 its several restaurants and Car examination
Discounts on Insurance bars. AAEI is approved to issue
AAEI Jamshedpur Branch,
(Near Air India Office), Northern Town,
Premium inspection and evaluation
Jamshedpur - 831 001. The AAEI provides special Car Parking Attendants certificates on cars.
Cell: 09234552731, discounts on car insurance AAEI provides a special
Ph: 0657-2426408 / 2424260 premiums to its members. service of car parking Worldwide reciprocal
Email: prasannamohanty1@gmail.com attendants to its members arrangements
AAEI, Asansol Branch, Assistance on legal on demand. Members may avail the
Apcar Garden, Above UBI, 1st floor, documentations reciprocal relationships
Asansol. AAEI provides assistance to Casual drivers which AAEI maintain with
Cell: 9434034765
its members on renewal of AAEI provides casual drivers various international
London Representative tax token, driving license, on temporary basis to its and national clubs and
S.K. Roy
transfer of ownership, members on demand. associations.
Ph: 0044 20857 91140, 9051999126
certificate of fitness etc.
Driving tests Booking of WBFDC forest
Service and minor repair AAEI conducts driving test bungalows
of cars under expert guidance for A reservation counter
Members may avail general its members. functions at AAEI to
check-ups, minor tweaking, facilitate online bookings
Member: garage rounds, oil checks, Issue of International of forest bungalows of West
etc. at reasonable rates Driving Permits Bengal Forest Development
from AAEI. AAEI issues international Corporation.
driving permits for its
Federation of Indian Touring and Travel member.
Automobile Associations (FIAA) Services
A large number of itinerary Issue of Carnet-De-Passage
strips and road maps are AAEI issues the carnet-de-
issued to members for passage enabling travellers
Federation of Internationale specific road tours within to take their vehicles
De Automobile (FIA) India. abroad from India.
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 22 23128 km MAY 2020
Distance from Kolkata
3 hours
T
raversing a narrow, dusty trail Driving Time
along the mighty Kangsabati River
had been a thrilling escapade. We 1 day
were on the verge of losing patience when Trip Duration
a series of temples appeared, as if out of
nowhere, on the horizon. We realised that
we had arrived at our drive destination –
Pathra. Boasting some of the most exquisite
terracotta temples and relics of West
Bengal, Pathra is a rare site that has been
‘rediscovered’ and is a must-visit for all
history lovers. Also fascinating is the tale
of a man who fought single-handedly to
preserve this heritage, not allowing even his
professed religion to come in the way of his
noble mission.
Route
Enter Kona Expressway through
Vidyasagar Setu and continue straight
ahead. At the end of Kona Expressway
turn left into NH-16 (NH-6). Follow
NH-16 (NH-6) and cross Dhulaghori
Toll Tax, Uluberia, Kolaghat and proceed
towards Kharagpur. At trip 111 km, go
onto a flyover on left to proceed towards
Kharagpur Chowranghee Morh (do not
proceed straight on NH-16 towards the
underpass to Odisha).
Once you reach the huge traffic
roundabout at Chowranghee Morh in
Kharagpur, get into the third exit to enter
NH-14 on extreme right and proceed
towards Chandrakona and Bankura. At
trip 118.2 km, look for Birendra Sasmal
Setu on River Kangsabati. Immediately
after the bridge, at a junction named
Amtala Morh on NH-14, take a hair-pin
bend towards right, leaving the highway.
The road narrows down and goes through
Kadamtala Bazar towards Hathihalka
village. Take a left turn and follow golden era of the Guptas, considered to that they were constructed somewhere foot but refused to crush him and instead
the track to Pathra from the village. be the gateway to south-east Asia for between 1706 and 1771. went away. Since Ghosal had escaped an
maritime industry and business. Clustered along the River Kangsabati, inevitable death, the place got its name
History The history of Pathra in particular most of the temples in Pathra, were built ‘Pathra’ which means ‘Pa’ (elephant feet)
Pathra is a historical spot close dates back to the later Sultanate period by Bidyananda Ghosal and later by his ‘uthra’ (escape).
to Midnapore Town which when Alivardi Khan became the ruler descendants. However, Ghosal’s temple- The Ghoshal family later adopted
has temples dating back to the of the Bengal-Bihar region in 1732. construction spree had irked the Nawab. Majumdar as their family name but
Temple village unveiled
18thcentury. The importance of Alivardi Khan appointed a learned local The innocent Brahmin was put behind the love for temples continued till the
the region dates back to 2000-1000 Brahmin, Bidyananda Ghosal, as the bars and sentenced to death. The cruel end of the 18th century. Meanwhile,
BC, when this was the hinterland revenue officer of Ratanchowk Pargana – order went out for him to be crushed another branch of the family, which took
of Tamralipta (now Tamluk), a a flourishing district in those days. Dates under an elephant’s feet. Interestingly, as the name Bandopadhyay, also started
Team WHEELS flourishing port-town during the inscribed on quite a few temples reveal legend goes, the elephant had raised its constructing temples. However, the
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 24 25MAY 2020
ROUTE MAP
KOLKATA - PATHRA
ROAD ROUTE
NAME DESCRIPTION
VIDYASAGAR Set car’s trip meter to "0".
0.0 SETU Pay toll tax and
(Toll Tax Point) enter Kona Expressway
4.3
KONA Cross Santragachi Railway
EXPRESSWAY Station on left
Follow the road on your left
KONA connecting NH-16 (NH-6)
7.7
EXPRESSWAY Do not take the fly-over on
right to NH-19 (NH-2)
NH - 16 Take soft left and meet
8.2
(NH - 6) NH-16 (NH-6 )
Durga Mandir made of laterite stone
NH - 16 Proceed forward by the
13.5
(NH - 6) NH-16 (NH-6 )
NH - 16 Pay toll tax of at Dhulagori
17.2
(NH - 6) toll plaza and proceed forward
NH - 16 Azad Hind Dhaba inside
35.7 BPC petrol pump on left.
(NH - 6)
Proceed forward
Dharmaraj Temple on banks of River Kangsabati NH - 16 Bagnan crossing.
47.1
(NH - 6) Proceed forward
stone. It is said that more than to be immaculately maintained
100 buffaloes were sacrificed and painted by a local. NH - 16
during Durga Pujas – a ghastly The temples of Pathra were 55.2 Go over Kolaghat Bridge
(NH - 6)
sight – with the pool of blood inspired by the Bengal School
flowing through a channel into of Architecture with Islamic
River Kangsabati, turning it influence. Stucco lime and sea NH - 16 Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba on right.
57.1
red. Durga Pujas were however shell are among the primary (NH - 6) Proceed forward
Decorative work on the temples revived by the locals in 1957 materials used. Although most
Proceed forward under
at the same spot. There are of the terracotta panels have NH - 16 the flyover across NH-6
decline began soon after the two families structures. However, no worshipping ever two more Pancha-graha (five- been destroyed or defaced, a 58.3
(NH - 6) (Left goes to Nandakumar/
shifted their base from the village. With took place in the Nabaratna Temple due pinnacled) temples on this site – handful of them have survived Digha)
no one to look after, the temples began to to a family feud, we were told. all laid around an open field. the test of time.
NH - 16 Deulia Bazar.
lose their lustre and locals vandalised the A statue of Vishnu-Lokeswara 60.8
(NH - 6) Proceed forward
priceless artefacts. Soon, many temples Kalachand Temple complex: This Rashmancha complex: This is of 9thcentury AD, an artifice
were almost reduced to rubble. complex is the main site on left side located 500 metres deep inside the of great archaeological value,
of the pathway consisting of a house Pathra village. It consists of five marking clear evidences of a NH - 16 Mechogram.
70.8
The relics with decorative pillars dedicated to Shiva Temples, the Rashmancha fusion of Hindu and Buddhist (NH - 6) Proceed forward
The four main sites at Pathra are as Kalachandor Krishna and thus called and the Kacharibari (office) of the tenets, was discovered during
follows: Kalachand Temple. Behind the Kalachand Bandopadhyay zamindars. Daily the excavation of a tank in 1961. Take the right
NH - 16
Nabaratna Temple complex: As you Temple are two Shiva Temples and the pujas have been revived in most Also discovered was a partially 71.9 from the “Y” fork.
(NH - 6)
enter Pathra, on the right side of the road dilapidated mansion of the zamindar, of the temples by the villagers damaged astadhatu twin statue (Left goes to Panskura)
lies the Nabaratna Temple complex on the which also sports once-grand, now these days. of Radha-Krishna. Besides, two
banks of the Kangsabati River. The most crumbling stairs leading to the roof. pairs of Radha-Krishna statues, 83.7
NH - 16 Asharipur crossing.
beautiful of them all is a nine-pinnacled There was a Durga Mandap adjacent to Sitala Mandir complex near the also in a partially damaged (NH - 6) Proceed forward
(Nabaratna) Shiva made of rectangular the zamindar’s mansion made of laterite Pathra Health Centre, turned out condition, were discovered
A restored Pancharatna Temple
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 26 27MAY 2020
Kalachand Temple complex Staircases of zamindari mansion Yeasin Pathan - undefeated
religion. I was a Kafir in their eyes,” said a
frustrated Pathan. “Even the royal families
from the banks of River Kangsabati. A
of the Majumdars and Bandopadhays
10-inch tall statue of Krishna, weighing
set up huge obstacles to my mission. No
nearly three kilos is being preserved by
one was keen to preserve these sites. And
the committee. Apart from these, several
everyone had vested interests!” he added.
other statues are now preserved at the
According to him, most of the pakka
Midnapore College Museum.
houses in the villages were constructed
Amongst the existing relics – there were
from the bricks stolen from these temples.
innumerable terracotta sculptures on the
The situation became so grim that in the
walls of the temples, most of which have
late 1970s, most temples were reduced to a
been either stolen or defaced. However,
pile of stones or had sunk into the riverbed.
among those that have survived are –
He wrote innumerable letters to authorities,
bird-hunting scenes, Mahanta preparing
including local politicians, IIT Kharagpur
Siddhi, Sree Chaitanya, Lord Balaram,
and the President of India appealing to help
Dusavatar; incarnations of Matsya,
save the site.
Kurma, Nrisingha, Dasharatha, Ram,
Meanwhile, he was branded as a man
Buddha, Krishna, Yasoda, Krishnalila,
who was trying to disturb the communal
Rama-Hanumana-Sita and love scenes
harmony in the village. In December
between Krishna and Radha. Five-pinnacled Pancharatna Mandir overlooking Kalachand Mandir
Yasin Pathan
A retired school peon of 67, Yasin Pathan
Nine-pinnacled Navaratna Temple with Shiva Temples around
belongs to a different faith. As a young
man, he had the acumen to be able to nor the Archaeological Survey of India heritage of Bengal. By the mid-1960s
appreciate the architectural importance (ASI) showed any interest in reviving the Pathan had been joined by scholars like
and beauty of the temples of Pathra. But dilapidated temples of Pathra. It was the Tarapada Satra. Eventually after a lot of
his efforts to protect these heritage sites single handed effort of Yasin Pathan, a persuasion by Pathan, grants were allocated
raised the hackles of fanaticism from both simple villager that not only brought fame by the government and technical assistance
resident communities. and glory to this inconspicuous village was rendered by IIT Kharagpur.
Initially, neither the government overnight, but also helped preserve the “I was an outcast to the people of my
KOLKATA ON WHEELS I 28 29MAY 2020
1982, he was physically assaulted already received the amount by now,” said
ROUTE MAP
by local people for opposing Pathan emphatically.
KOLKATA - PATHRA
the sale of stone slabs from the
ROAD ROUTE Durga temple. Refreshments
NAME DESCRIPTION In order to preserve invaluable If you are planning on a drive tour to
archaeological treasures, Pathan Pathra, you should ideally visit the site
NH - 16 Proceed forward over
formed the Pathra Archaeological in the morning hours. In the absence
90.9 Preservation Committee with of local eateries, we recommend you
(NH - 6) Debra crossing
locals, garnering representation settle for lunch on your way back at any
from both communities. The of the several food joints which have
NH - 16 Pay toll tax at Debra Committee made efforts to mushroomed next to the highway at
94.8
(NH - 6) and proceed forward
convince the government of the Chowranghee Morh in Kharagpur or
importance of the invaluable Terracotta panels still intact Kolaghat.
NH - 16 Basantpur. archaeological treasure stored in Nothing is more Bengali than the red
99.4 the village. The government, in laterite trail and the terracotta temples
(NH - 6) Proceed forward
turn, along with the ASI, came of Pashchim Midnapore. Pathra is
Highway bifurcates- take forward to support, protect and the ideal destination where you can
NH - 16
111.0 left towards Kharagpur- go preserve 28 out of the 34 temples combine the pleasure of a day trip and
(NH - 6)
on to the flyover and 25 bighas of surrounding the joy of driving to a less well known
Reach Kharagpur Chowringee land; with the Government but nonetheless beautiful heritage town
NH - 49 Morh. Take extreme right into of India granting funds for Pathra, a town full of treasure.
114.8
(NH - 6) NH-14 (NH-60) towards renovation. About `4.37 crore Local fair around the Pancharatna Temple complex
Bankura & Garbeta was allotted by the ASI in 2010
for the development of Pathra. for preaching communal harmony, the CID years and the matter has been taken to
NH - 14 Maheshpur –
Gallantry Award, the 24 Ghanta Ananya the Parliament and the valuation of the
Contact
117.7
(NH - 60) proceed forward Encouragingly, so far 19 temples
have already restored and Sanman and many more. land has also been done. An amount of Yeasin Pathan
categorised as ‘monuments of It has been a long wait for the poor `1 crore 79 lakh has been sanctioned Cell: 9932785126
Go over the Birendra Sasmal
118.2
NH - 14
Setu (bridge) over river national interest’ by ASI. villagers since the acquisition of 25 bighas by the Centre as a compensation for the Jayanta Kr Samanta
(NH - 60) of farmland by the ASI in 2003. “We have 77 land owners. Had it not been for the
Kangsabati Pathan later received the Kabir Cell: 9002524837/ 9064134146
Award from the President of India made significant progress in the last 7-8 COVID-19 lockdown, we would have
Take hairpin bent on Original painting inside the Navaratna complex
ROAD TO
119.1 right at Amtala Morh–
HATHIHALKA
leave NH-14 (NH-60)
ROAD TO Amtala Morh, take left-
119.4
HATHIHALKA road narrows down
ROAD TO
121.4 Keshabpur– proceed forward
HATHIHALKA
Hathihalka village- take left
126.1 ROAD TO
towards Pathra from Raju
PATHRA
Sweets in Kadamtala Bazar
ROAD TO Follow road diversion due to
126.4
PATHRA bridge repair
127.0 ROAD TO
Go over a distressed bridge
PATHRA
Follow narrow unmetalled
ROAD TO
128.1 pathway towards Pathra-
PATHRA
river on right
ROAD TO Reach temple complex
128.7
PATHRA at Pathra
Shiv Temples adjoining Kacharibari Rashmancha complex where rituals are performed
31
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