Sahityika AdminThe Life from Downing to Profession
Himadri Ghosh Hazra, 1974 Mechanical Engineering
At Downing!
Chapter 1: The Beginning
It was the 28th of August 1969 when we stepped into Downing Hall, our home away from home during our college years. Under the watchful eye and guidance of our most beloved and respected Professor Kamada Majumder, we embarked on a beautiful journey that would shape our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Leading the way was Principal Prof. Dr. D. Banerjee, setting the tone for a unique and ambitious adventure.
The institute, with its massive dimensions and magnitudes, provided not just education but a platform for dreams and ambitions. Grateful for the support of scholarships, I felt encouraged to forge ahead in my academic pursuits.
Chapter 2: Feasts and Improved Diets
Our college life wasn’t just about academics; it was a holistic experience. Professor Kamada
Majumder, our guardian, took charge not only of our education but also our well-being. The Grand Feast and Improved Diet (ID) were highlights of our days, albeit under a restricted budget. These gatherings became the backdrop of lasting memories, where camaraderie thrived amidst the challenges.
Chapter 3: Youthful Horizons
In the corridors of B.E. College, there was an electric energy, an undeniable sense of youthfulness. As we navigated through our academic pursuits, we were also reaching for the sky, each of us trying to define our place in this vast horizon. It was a time of dreams, aspirations, and the boundless spirit of youth.
Chapter 4: Cricket Matches and Chaos 1969
It was the winter of 1969, the cricket fever hit us all. Standing in queues, eagerly waiting to get tickets for the India Australia cricket match at Eden Gardens, we experienced the excitement and chaos that surrounded such events. The safe return from the chaos marked another shared adventure, etching more stories into the tapestry of our college life.
Chapter 5: Identity and Dignity
B.E. College became more than just an educational institution; it became our identity. The honour and dignity bestowed upon us by the institution elevated our sense of self-respect.
With each passing day, we felt a profound connection to the alma mater that was shaping not just our academic journey but our character and values.
As we reminisce about those years within and beyond Downing boundary, from 1969 to 1974, we find ourselves grateful for the friendships, the challenges, and the growth that defined our college life. The echoes of those days continue to resonate, a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring spirit of camaraderie that binds us together.
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And Beyond Downing!
Chapter 1: A Glimpse into the Professional World Emerging from the nurturing confines of our beloved institute, the reality of the professional world hit us with unanticipated force. The stark contrast between the carefree days of student-hood and the challenges of professional life became increasingly apparent. As we navigated this unfamiliar terrain, the true test of our mettle began. The once-familiar faces of professors and classmates were replaced by the stern countenances of colleagues and supervisors. The corridors echoed with the hustle and bustle of a different kind, and the pressure to perform in the corporate arena left us yearning for the simplicity of academic pursuits.
Chapter 2: The Job Hunt Dilemma
The transition to the professional world presented the toughest challenge yet – securing a job opportunity to lay the foundation for our secure and prosperous future. The arduous task of job-hunting required resilience, patience, and a determination to carve out a niche in the competitive landscape. Each job interview and application submission became a crucial step towards the elusive stability we sought. Rejections became lessons, and each setback of ours was met with renewed determination. The job hunt was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, testing our resolve and moulding us into individuals capable of facing the uncertainties that lay ahead. With persistence, we eventually secured our foothold in the professional realm, but the challenges were only just beginning.
Chapter 3: Navigating Multidimensional Challenges
Upon securing job opportunities, the challenges took on a rapid and multifaceted nature. Job locations, work responsibilities, revenue considerations, and the potential for future growth became the new dimensions we had to navigate. The professional realm demanded adaptability, forcing us to broaden our horizons and confront challenges from various angles. The routine of office life brought a rhythm that was both comforting and demanding. Balancing competing priorities required a delicate dance, and the learning curve in the professional world was steep. The camaraderie we had experienced in college took on new forms, as colleagues became allies in the shared pursuit of success.
Chapter 4: Balancing Survival with Honour
Survival in the professional realm went beyond mere employment; it was about upholding honour and maintaining security. Our commitment to professional integrity became a compass guiding us through the intricacies of the corporate world. The pursuit of success was accompanied by a dedication to ethical conduct, reinforcing our sense of self-worth. The challenges were not only external but internal as well. Maintaining a work-life balance became an art, and the pressures of career growth were sometimes at odds with personal well-being. Yet, the values instilled during our college days served as a foundation, helping us navigate the complexities with grace and resilience.
Chapter 5: Settling into Family Life
Job security marked the gateway to a new chapter – settling down with family. Juggling professional responsibilities with the joys and challenges of family life became the new norm. The priorities in our lives shifted as we embraced the roles of spouses and parents, finding fulfilment in the bonds that transcended the professional sphere. As the demands of family life grew, we found ourselves adapting once again. The late nights at the office were balanced with bedtime stories, and the relentless pursuit of career goals now included the dream of providing a stable and loving environment for our loved ones.
Chapter 6: From Romance to Parenthood
The journey continued from romance to the responsibilities of parenthood. Watching our children grow and flourish became a source of immense joy and pride. The cyclical nature of life unfolded as we endeavoured to provide a secure and promising future for the next generation, echoing the dreams we once held in our college days. The challenges now extended beyond the professional realm, encompassing the intricate dance of raising children. Amidst the chaos of parent-teacher meetings, extracurricular activities, and bedtime routines, we found a different kind of fulfilment – the joy of seeing our children thrive in a world we had helped shape.
Chapter 7: Embracing Seniority and Loss
In the blink of an eye, we found ourselves transformed into senior citizens. The once-vibrant 22-year-old engineers were now individuals enriched by the experiences of life. Nostalgia crept in, and the absence of old friends became more pronounced. We began to miss the simplicity of our youth, reflecting on the enduring bonds forged in college. The professional world had evolved, and so had we. The challenges of youth were replaced by the wisdom of age. We navigated the complexities of seniority with a sense of accomplishment, but the shadows of loss loomed, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Chapter 8: Reconnecting Amidst Loss
at B E College during celebration of fifty years of our Friendship
25th January 2017
Bijoya Sammilani of B E College 1974 batch, Hostel No. 8 at Satyesh’s place on 22nd Oct 2018.
Realizing the value of old friendships, we embarked on a journey to reconnect with our cherished friends. However, the passage of time had brought the bitter realization that some dear friends had departed from this world. The reunion became a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring the connections that endured.
As we reminisced about the shared memories and the friends who were no longer with us, a sense of gratitude washed over us. The bonds forged in the crucible of college life had stood the test of time, and the enduring friendships remained a source of strength and solace. In the twilight of our years, we embraced the bittersweet beauty of life’s journey.
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