Rao Bahadur (also Raobahadur and Rai Bahadur; abbreviated R.B) is a title of honor issued in India to individuals who have performed great service to the nation. Literally translated "Rao" implies "prince" and "Bahadur" means "most honorable." This title was awarded to Indians, both Hindu and Christian. During the British Rule, the Rao Bahadur was accompanied by a medal. The equivalent title for Muslim and Parsi subjects was Khan Bahadur.-Wikipedia Raibahadurs are extinct now. But it was not so even around five decades back. In and around Rashbehari, Bhowanipur and Ballygaunge areas there were a number of mini palatial buildings with gardens at the front behind large wrought iron gates which used to display names of the owners of the buildings prefixing "Raibahadur" . In my early years, while I was in my morning schools I developed the habit of walking around the Kolkata roads most of the day. I could find a number of those build...
On 3 rd .January, 2016 I found a foggy morning from the 4 th Floor balcony of our flat at Mecon Tower though with a mild assurance of forthcoming sunshine. I could not hope for good Picnic scheduled on the day. By God’s grace I was proved utterly wrong. Sharply at 7.45 AM a bright yellow School Bus showed and parked at the gate. Within minutes my intercom rang and I and my better half Jayasree hurriedly came down. She went inside the bus and I, along with some others, was waiting for the desired ones to assemble. Soon all gathered and the Bus started at 8.15 AM towards its destination. Although a School Bus it was carrying passengers who are mostly Grand Parents of School going kids. The destination was Pat’s Cottage at Sonarpur where we, the Ex-Meconians and their families, would gather for the yearly Picnic. The Bus drove through Prince Anwar Shah Road Connector and took a turn towards south after reaching EM BY pass. On the way it stopped at Kalikapur, Satyajit Roy Film ...
Long since I knew that there is an old Japanese temple near Rabindra Sarobar. But I was never sure of its exact location and therefore, opened the Google Map to discover that it is quite near to my place. On 11 th February, 2018, I thought of visiting there. Instead of visiting Rabindra Sarobar via Lake Gardens flyover, I drove over the Dhakuria bridge, took an u-turn towards the right side and proceeded ahead keeping AMRI Hospital on my left , then took a right turn to reach the temple gate on my left on Kavi Bharati Sarani erstwhile Lake Road. I could see from the road the golden peak of the milk white Pagoda, shining under the morning Sun. Unfortunately the gate was under lock and key from inside. I ask the people loitering on the street. They were neither aware of the timings nor interested. I had no option but to wait outside and tried to announce my presence shaking the gate a little. A gentle man came out of the temple and asked my intention. O...
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