Hi Folks!

My long-cherished dream of looking at Silchar town is realized now. Google Maps now provides a more closer view of Silchar -- although some portions still appear blurred. Here are two maps of Silchar.

1992 was an eventful year of my otherwise mundane life. After a tumultuous encounter with several career options, I found myself in Silchar – my home town – on the southern fringes of Assam. My dad decided that I join G. C. College for a baccalaureate in Physics major. His was the final word and there was no going back.

The first month in college was disciplined –- much like the way my father, a fauji, would have wanted. Me and brother Ajoy marched to college everyday, attended classes and romped straight back home without indulging in addas in not so obscure locales in Central Road or Shillongpatty. I followed the routine diligently for a few months until intelligence dawned on me -- one fine morning. I realized that I was expecting too much from an undisciplined beast like myself. The lure of the academic system also was difficult to resist –- the B.Sc exams were held in 2 parts and part 1 were only after 2 years. This meant that I had a complete 12 months to while around. I immediately jumped to thwart seriousness and employ casualness. Life became so bright.

My first adventure with this newly found freedom culminated at tips on bunking classes from some local bunking gurus – ones who have honed their skills in their schools in SIlchar. The first bunking lessons were practiced for the foundation classes. The bunking lessons I acquired saw me comfortably throughout my studies in Assam University.

Initially when I was a disciplinarian in College – the first two months -- I found that I was the only one guy who occupied the boys’ half side of the foundation Hall 1 classroom with the ladies teeming in the other half. As a loner in the boys bench the girls pitied me, for no fault of mine. Some perhaps even doubted my credibility as a student. And that’s when the new human was born inside me.

The art of bunking foundation classes called for a seasoned bunker. One fine morning when the class was teeming with boys and girls, I was forced to sit amidst a group of smart bunkers. As the lecturer lowered his head reading out the roll numbers from his register, the chap sitting on the bench near the door slowly slipped out of the classroom. The timing was perfect. The gap was swiftly filled by the guy sitting next and it went on like this till the last guy was out. The transition was rapid – like a chain reaction. Finally as the lecturer raised his head, he saw a half empty classroom with only the girls occupying the other half. Mission accomplished I remember leaving for Vivek Sweets for some mouthwatering sweets.

As a G.C. Student, I discovered strange ways in which G.C. College has become the best. The College inspired freedom even while instilling a self-imposed discipline for regular studies that saw many a brilliant chaps pass out of the college to land in plum jobs across the world. Let’s forego the academic talk and see the other interesting facets of the college.

The Science Departments


The Kathol Tree (Katthol Gaas) in the college is perhaps the most famous tree in the whole of Barak Valley. I do not know of any other famous tree in the whole world except the redwood trees of California. The Kathol tree was located centrally inside the college compound and meant different things for different people. For somber people like us it served as a watch-tower – to look for our friends whenever they entered the college. For some, it was an index – right side of the Kathol Gaas, left of the Kathol Gaas or the backside of Kathol Gaas.

The large verandah-cum-balcony above the physics department was another fascinating locale. And if I were to describe the inhabitants of the place during college hours, they came in all shapes and sizes – fat lovers, lean lovers, studious, laggards, time-killers, lady killers, collegiate, non-collegiate, warring factions, tall men, short men, miserly, bold et al occupied its edifices watching trees, birds, lecturers, passers by and several other elements that were of interest to youngsters. The place remained crowded till sun set and till the last creature was engulfed in darkness.

The road in front of the Physics department, overlooking this verandah, was an unofficial stage. Actors often made their grand entry through this stretch of the road showcasing their products – attitude, a new shirt, a new French cut, a new bike or a newly found status. The audiences were the onlookers standing on the verandah. There were moments of frustrations and shame amidst moments of glory. I faintly remember two such grand failures. One was when a biker turned his bike near the college gate in a circle only to land frog-flat on the ground. A huge applause greeted the stylist biker who made a swift exit with his bike, never to be seen again. The other failure was when a chap moved up and down the street singing aloud with a guitar clinging onto his shoulders. The chap beat a hasty retreat when his ‘dreamgirl’ asked him to play ‘jazz’. Rumor-mills churned out the report that the said girl apparently switched over for a more creative guitarist.

There were innumerable other memories from our days in college. The bindaas Saraswati Puja celebrations, the college fest, the orchestra, the games week were just the tip of the iceberg of what was a fun-filled 3 years in Northeast India’s best college.

Today when I look back to my yesteryears in G. C. College, I can only feel proud. The lackadaisical attitude, bonhomie and fun interspersed with serious study and intellectual pursuits are perhaps the form of education that I have witnessed nowhere else. It has helped me become a true human being. It has taught me freedom and restrain, brotherhood and obsession. It has made me more a man to be able to face adversities in the challenge called life. Today, as tread the corridors of D-School, the hallmark of intellectualism in Delhi, as a D. Phil student, I can only cherish my days in G. C. College – the days that taught me to stand up and fight.

In January 2006, I treaded into G. C. College -- after about 5 years -- to reminsce the fragments from the sweet memories of yore. The College is slowly transforming itself with newer buildings, lavish courtyards and a new breed of lecturers – some of whom were my college mates. For a moment time stopped as I enlivened moments that were no longer mine. Amazing, how soon time passes by. Isn't it!

College library

I visited the Physics department and was glad to see the changes that have come across -- the department had a Magazine "Anweshan" that showcased several unknown facets of GC College such the the visit of the legendary physicist, Prof. Meghnad Saha etc. The department also has a computer lab with high-end computers.

The Newsletter of the Physics department

Prof. Surojit Sen in the Computer Lab of the department

It’s takes more than a whiff of fate to perform in foreign turf. It’s agility, networking and slogability (slogging ability) that saw this Silchar lad sweep to superstardom to become the ‘Voice of India.’ Amidst deafening cries of regionalism and racist sentiments, Debojit steared clear to create history by bringing all northeasterners together – a first in the North-east India’s history.

No wonder, today, as Debojit (Bapan) gets busy shuttling between one studio to another and visiting exotic film locales, he is being discussed and analyzed in Delhi University’s D-school campus by academic stalwarts over umpteen cups of coffee and ‘garam’ samosa. All unaimously agree that Debojit is a rare acheiver. And when my one and half year old cutie daughter gives a broad smile at Debojit's painting and recalls his name, I know that the achievement is a rarity.

Painted in Canvas -- My tribute to the crusader

Silchar, a city perched on the eastern fringes is a place to reckon with. Its unlike the usual lifeless and sombre township of North India, its a culture-rich town, a vibrant reminder of the Indian ethos -- the 'real' India. The city boasts a myriad treat -- top-class intellectuals, famous adda spots, pristine locales of Assam University, talented upcoming stars, cool hangouts, the evergreen marketing zone (Central Road). During one of my recent trips to the city I pulled-off a few hours to take a whirlwind tour of the city, in an auto. I did not capture pictures, I captured images that caress every soul with innumerable unspoken moments of yore! Who knows.

Barail View: A favourite hangout for the rich The Barail view hotel has changed the way the hotel industry is seen in Silchar. The hotel overlooks the famous Gandhibag garden. It hosted some very special guests like sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar during a benefit match in Silchar.
The Tarapur Flyover: Many a tales to tell The Tarapur flyover was built more than a three decades back. For the traveller though the bridge may appear like just another overbridge, the youngsters will tell you a different story. During Durga Puja, the railings on the bridges are occupied by young men of all hues and colours. These people love to sit awhile and engage in "addas' with their friends while the road is refulgent with beautiful women and families on their way to visit Durga Puja pandals in the silchar town.
Devdoot Cinema: Satiating the cinematic urge Devdoot cinema is now emotionally associated with the past. Though the cinema hall does not match to the multiplexes of North India, the history witnessed by the hall is appreciable. The movie hall is very popular with youngsters and almost anyone from Silchar and adjoining areas would proudly reminsce the bygone days when he or she has enjoyed a movie or two here. Popular opinion says that the hall is likely to be converted into a world-class Movie hall, considering the surge in real estate prices and an increasing consumer culture.
G.C. College: Amongst the Finest in NE India Gurucharan College has earned its name as one of the few prestigious colleges in the North-East. No wonder, students of this college today occupy prime positions in organizations worldwide. The addmission to this college is very difficult because of high cut-off marks.
One of the oldest clubs in North-East India India Club has nurtured several footballers and cricketers over the past 70 years. Afflicted with a tremendous resource crunch the club still carries on with collections from members and state government donations. Located just a stone-throw away from the Silchar railway station, the club is a hot destination for sport wannabes who want to hone their skills in cricket and football. The club culture is liberal and it entertains youngsters to undertake sports activities. The India Club has a big competitor in Silchar -- the Town Club.
Quite Flows the Barak The Barak river is the lifeline of the people of Silchar. The Barak is both a boon and a curse. Its a boon in the sense that you can have access to fresh water round the year while its a curse in the way it innundates the city and leads to sleepless nights of residents. Hopefully the Indian government has initaited a discusson with Bangladesh and Manipur to enable the construction of the Barak dam. Till then, its as usual. Once in a while one can observe a Baul singer or a philosopher strolling abount its banks just to draw inspiration or to bask in the light of serenity.
The District Library: Silchar's Culture-spot The district library contains several thousands of volumes of books and is a bibliophile's delight. The hall in district library is Silchar's most famous auditorium and has hosted several national programs including the most popular quiz NERICIQ. Youngsters of all hues and colours flock to the auditorium to witness cultural shows that are all too frequent round the year. The now popular contest "Miss Barak" was started here and ever since the auditorium has witnessed several such genres of modern uptakes and cultural shows. From rock to Ghazal, the auditorium hosts everything.
Silchar Polytechnic Silchar polytechnic located on the Meherpur Road is now a highly esteemed institution. After all why should'nt it be. Its given the country the "Voice of India". Hats off to this brave lad who has braved the rough weather to emerge as the ultimate winner.
Autoride through Silchar: Feels like a king An autoride in silchar is a comfortable way to tour the city. Locals consider autos a luxury as auto fares are expensive. Unlike a cab, auto-rickshaws will enable you to relish Silchar City much better than any other fast-paced vehicle.
The Assam Pattern House A traditional Assam pattern house in Silchar. Notice the colours and the wood works. Assam pattern houses are earth-quake proof and extremely flexible houses.
An Arial View of Ambicapatty Ambicapatty is located at the heart of the township. The place is famous for the Iscon Temple and a highly intellectual citizenry. Not surprising, residents of Ambicapatty are to be found all across the world, in prestigious positions.
Central Road: The Shopper's Paradise Central road runs like a vein through the town and the evenings are usually crowded with young men and women scouting for the best buy. Though not more than a kilometer in length, Central road does brisk business of an estimated 1 crore everyday -- thanks to the flocking of people from places like the state of Mizoram and the other districts of Hailakandi and Karimganj.
Shillongpatty: The modern look Shillongpatty has some of big company's office including the NIIT. The place that was once famous for "Addas" of journalists and students is now engulfed by rich entrepreneurs.
The Tourist Bunglow: Modern Amneties The tourist bunglow offers good rooms for your stay in Silchar, at an affordable cost. A wine bar has also been added recently.

The journey to Silchar is a journey through pristine natural locales that change all the more frequently. Silchar is about 320 kilometers from Guwahati and the route runs through Meghalaya, one of the most beautiful states in the North-east. I boarded the executive bus of the ASTC from Guwahati and the journey started at about 7.45 am.

	After I travelled about 80 kilometers from Guwahati, the Barapani Lake unfolded like a charismatic picture. Barapani is India's largest artificial freshwater lake and it is also Meghalaya's largest hydro-power project. The Barapani Lake
	Shillong, Meghalaya's capital is a visit to ethereal beauty. Most Indians have not ventured into this city and are ignorant of the Khasi lifestyle. Shillong is a good example of female supremacy. Its the place where citizens from the cow belt should visit to learn how to treat women. Shillong: The Scotland of the East
	Shillong is a neat city and everything is meticulously planned. The Khasis have a rich taste for colours, flowers and dresses. There was a time about two decades back when Indians were ignorant of Jeans as a dressing item while every a poor Khasi could be seen wearing one. Once in Shillong you do not feel you are in India. Its like the west -- the taste, the rock music and the food habits.
	As you travel through magnificent mountains, crystal clear rivers and diverse landscape ridden with the picturesque regions of Meghalaya, you slowly head towards South Assam, the popular town of Silchar. Silchar, they say is the soul of the Barak Valley and have aeons of tales to tell.
	The road from Shillong are full of twists and turns. As I shot the scenes from my window, I was rocking sideways much to the surprise of other fellow Silchar-bound passengers. They were perhaps surprised at the way I was shooting the pictures. That's the beauty of the North-East -- it never fails to amaze the nature lover.
	Delhi has changed my perception to an extent and I was skeptical whether I should go and shoot a picture of the driver. As usual, I found the driver equally cool. He smilingly agreed to pose for me even while the bus was speeding at 60 kilometers per hour. Most North-eastern people are simple folks, members of what I call the "other India" -- they hate being obsessed with the idea of taking others for a ride. The smart ASTC bus driver poses for me even while driving at at 70km/hr speed.
	As you cross Jowai and head further, you will come to see this hotel in Ladrymbai. This hotel is a popular eatery enroute either way where you can relish a complete meal with as little as Rs 25 per plate. The Dosti Hotel in Ladrymbai
	As you reach Sonapur you know that Silchar is not far. Sonapur has beautiful landscapes that enchants the onlooker. The place also has a river that goes further down in Bangladesh. Localites use occassions like happy new year for picnic in these pristine mountains.
	The dance of nature in Sonapur is bewildering. One second you feel you are in the middle of nowhere while the very next you see some pretty and colourfully dressed tribal women carrying pitchers full of water. The mountains ranges and the river are equally deceptive. The water in the river is chilly even while the weather is warm. The mountains dissappear behind the curtain of clouds and appear again in theatrical precision to reveal their beauty. The river as seen from atop the Sonapur Bridge
	In Sonapur the bus comes to a stop at a small Devi Mandir. The mandir is a pious ancient temple and travellers and locals believe that worshipping the deity enroute is auspicious for a safe journey. The pious Devi temple enroute.
	The curvy hills and undulations of the mountainour regions come to an end, the Kalain Tea Estate unfolds like a new chapter. Kalain is the entry to the Karimganj district and it has a forest gate and a police check-post. The Kalain Tea Estate: Welcome to the Barak Valley
	As you head towards Silchar from Kalain, you find that there are no more hill terrains. The only visible site enroute are agricultural fields. You can see the hills in the background. So you have got the idea of why Silchar is in Barak Valley. The Barak Valley is surrounded on all sides by mountains. Behold the harvested fields: You have touched Silchar
	As you move towards Silchar it is not unusual for you to witness the traditional house surrounded by a thick run of beatle-nut, coconut and bamboo trees. You can smell Silchar now.
	The Railway flyover in Tarapur is one of the few flyovers ever built in North-east India, a luxury for an Indian during the 1970s.
	You are now in central Silchar, Premtala. Premtala is a happening place in the town as it has some very good Adda Spots where you can settle down with a friend over a few cups of tea