Time Capsule: Reliving Five Decades at Bengal Engineering College

Time Capsule: Reliving Five Decades at Bengal Engineering College
Amit Bhaduri, 1974 Mechanical Engineering

Ah, Bengal Engineering College! The very name conjures up a kaleidoscope of memories, a tapestry woven with the threads of academics, friendships, and the sheer magic of youth. And for me, that tapestry glows even brighter against the backdrop of 50 years gone by.

It was a different era, wasn’t it? The Oval ground echoed not with floodlights and raucous cheers, but with the rhythmic thud of leather on willow and the quiet camaraderie of friends sharing a passion for the game. It was there, on that very ground, that I learned the art of the perfect swing, the thrill of a well-timed catch, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.

Downing Hall wasn’t just a place to rest my head, it was a haven of laughter, shared meals, and late­ night study sessions fueled by strong chai and even stronger dreams. The walls whispered tales of generations past, and within its embrace, I discovered the true meaning of brotherhood.
The clock tower stood sentinel, its hands marking the passage of time, each tick and chime a reminder of the fleeting nature of our college days. And the cemetery, though an unlikely source of affection, held a morbid beauty, a silent testament to the legacy of those who came before us.

Institute Hall, oh, Institute Hall! Its walls, adorned with the names of past luminaries, became a silent cheer squad, urging us to strive for greatness. Each etched script was a whispered challenge, a testament to the indomitable spirit of BECians.

But beyond the specifics, what truly lingers is the memory of the campus itself. A verdant oasis in the heart of the city, it cradled our dreams and nurtured our ambitions. The banyan tree whispered secrets in the breeze, the sun dappled through the leaves, painting the classrooms in shades of gold, and the laughter that echoed in the corridors resonated with the joy of young hearts.

Fifty years may have passed, but the spirit of Bengal Engineering College remains timeless. It’s a whispered in the rustling leaves of the banyan tree. It’s a spirit I carry with me, a souvenir more precious than any trophy or degree.

So, here’s to BEC, to Prof Durgadas Banerjee’s memories etched in the heart of that unforgettable campus. It’s a time capsule I hold close, a reminder that some experiences, like those at Bengal Engineering College, transcend time itself.