The Pristine Valley: Silchar -- A Sojourn Through Some City-Spots

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.

# posted by AC : 4:53 AM

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Silchar -- A Sojourn Through Some City-Spots