Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Personnel of West Bengal Forest Department treated the injured leg of a black-headed night heron captured yesterday in Howrah, near Kolkata.

Yesterday, clay arrived at Kumortuli in Kolkata to make idol of Durga. (source: ABP)

In the year 1939, on this day, the legendary composer of Bollywood film industry, Rahul Dev Burman was born in Kolkata. He received basic knowledge of music from his father - the great composer singer S D Burman. RD learned tabla from Brojen Biswas and sarod from Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. Later, he worked in Mumbai film industry under his father. His first film as an independent composer was 'Chhote Nawab' and first super hit film 'Teesri Manjil'. And after this film, he never looked back. RDB composed songs for more than 400 films. His speciality was in the field of experimentation with eastern and western music. He also composed so many Bengali songs in the decades of 60s and 70s. He was a versatile singer also and sung several duets with Asha Bhosle. RDB received Film Fair Awards for composing sweet songs for the films 'Masoom' and 'Sanam Teri Kasam'. He was the first recipient of prestigious "Lata Mangeshkar Award" by the government of Madhya P...

The high court on Wednesday criticised the state pollution control board for not taking "effective measures" to free the Shibpur botanical garden of pollution. "The Continue Reading » Click here to read the full story --

In the year 1839, on this day, Lord William Bentinck - the reformer in the British period of India - died. He was appointed as the first Governor General of India in the year 1834. He was able to stop "Custom of burning Sati's" (Satidaho) by acting regulation. Raja Rammohan Roy of India assisted him in this case. William Bentinck also initiated 'learn English' for the people of India, for which the country will ever remember him. A street of Kolkata named after him as 'Bentinck Street'.

Although monsoon has come, it accompanied by depression. Result: heavy rainfall with gusty winds in Bengal alongwith Kolkata. So, normal life disrupted this morning.

Today I walked through the pavements of Kolkata to enjoy the first shower of monsoon. I looked at the hawkers all along the footpath of Esplanade and Chowrangee area of the city and found them quite happy. They've no complaints regarding rains. The crowded areas depicted the usual scenery as we use to see regularly. Prospective customers of stalls were busy to bargain amid drizzle. Some of them had umbrellas, most of them had none. Passers by not reluctant to wet in rains. I also enjoyed the drizzle.

Once upon a time, residents of Kolkata had a special place of river Ganga in their lifestyle. They used to take bath on river Ganga everyday. Even they walked miles to reach the river from their residence regularly. When Kolkata was known as the city of Bengalee, there were so many bathing ghats between Bagbazar and Baboo Ghat. Rich men used to erect room and stairways for the common people. And thus, several ghats of the river named after them. Between the year 1784 and 1856, six maps were published regarding the ghats of Kolkata. But, many of them lost their entity. James Princep came in India in the year 1819 as the Assistant Metal Examiner of Kolkata Mint. He was a chemical scientist, Indian coins, inscriptions reader. He was also a river and weather specialist. Residents of Kolkata wanted to remember that multi-faced genius. And so, Princep Ghat was built in Kolkata. Baboo Ghat, near Eden Gardens was established by baboo Rajchandra, the husband of Rani Rasmoni - who was a rich man...

In the year 1834 on this day, William Carey died at Serampore near Kolkata. This is the tomb of him in the graveyard at Serampore. -- A. B.

After 35 years, 4 rare species of Red Kangaroos arrived at Kolkata Zoo today from Czech Republic - 2 male and 2 female. The zoo authority will observe them for the next 15 days. Then, they will be put in cages for the visitors. Special cages and special lighting will be provided for them. We hope, Red Kangaroos will be the new attraction of city of joy. -- A. B.

In the year 1831, on this day, Henry Louis Vivian Derozio first published 'East Indian' - the news daily for Anglo-Indian society in Kolkata. -- A. B.

Kolkata zoo introducing 'Audio Guide' - a unique card to scratch numbers and activate on mobile phone. It will be of Rs 10 & 20 available from booking counters. The former for half-n-hour and later for one hour. And the activation will remain for six hours. Every cage of the zoo has separate numbers. In front of a cage, type that number on mobile and you'll get the audio guide about that animal - their habits, special features etc. It is very interesting and funny also. Particularly teens and kids will find fun from this audio guide. -- A. B.