Stepping through the gates, I headed east along the pathway that hugs the lake. Rabindra Sarobar has always been one of Kolkata's most beautiful green spaces. The tranquil waters, the towering trees and the abundance of birdlife make it a welcome escape from the city's relentless pace. Yet, as beautiful as it is, I couldn't help but notice that the place could do with better maintenance. Sadly, much of the deterioration is also self-inflicted by the public. Steel dustbins have disappeared, several street lamps are missing, and despite the strict no-smoking rule, groups of youngsters were casually smoking in different parts of the park. It's unfortunate to see such a wonderful public space treated with so little respect.
The lake, however, was very much alive.
The rowing clubs were out in force that afternoon, with crews gliding gracefully across the water. I wandered over to a rescue motorboat that had pulled up near the shore and struck up a conversation with the two lifeguards on board. They told me that three such rescue boats now patrol different sections of the vast lake, a safety measure introduced after the tragic drowning of rowers a few years ago. It was reassuring to know that such precautions are now in place.
Naturally, the rowers became my first photographic subjects. The rhythmic movement of the boats against the calm water made for some wonderful images before I continued my walk in search of something different.
As I wandered further, another sight caught my attention—not through my camera lens, but through observation. Many of the young boys around the lake were completely engrossed in their mobile phones, immersed in online shooting games. Here they were, surrounded by one of the city's finest natural settings, yet seemingly oblivious to the beauty around them. It felt rather sad to see nature losing out to a digital battlefield.
Thankfully, nature still had a few rewards waiting.
I came across a smaller lake almost entirely carpeted with water lilies and water hyacinth. The lush green cover and scattered blooms created a peaceful scene that was irresistible to photograph. Sometimes the quieter corners offer the most satisfying subjects.
Without realising it, nearly two hours had slipped by. It was time to make my way back towards Southern Avenue and return to the nail salon.
As luck would have it, just as I was about to leave through the main gate near Nazrul Mancha, the very same pink Tata Safari pulled up nearby. I walked over and struck up a conversation with the lady police officer inside. We chatted for about ten minutes, and before leaving, I asked if I could take a photograph of the vehicle. She graciously agreed.
So here it is—the distinctive pink Tata Safari Storme used exclusively by the Ladies Police Force of the Kolkata Police. This particular vehicle is assigned to patrol the Rabindra Sarobar lakes area, serving as both a reassuring presence and a symbol of the force's commitment to public safety.
On the walk back, just outside Vivekananda Park, one final subject presented itself. A CESC electrical junction box, painted with artwork from the iconic Bengali film Hirok Rajar Deshe, featuring the legendary Soumitra Chatterjee, had unfortunately been defaced by vandals. It was another reminder that while there are sincere efforts to beautify Kolkata, they can only succeed if citizens learn to value and protect these public artworks.
By the time I reached the car, it had been a leisurely fifteen-minute walk from the lake, and my wife was ready. What had begun as a way to pass the time during a nail appointment had unexpectedly turned into two enjoyable hours of photography, conversation, quiet reflection and a renewed appreciation for one of Kolkata's finest urban escapes.
Sometimes, the best outings are the ones you never planned.
Comments
Post a Comment