আমাদের প্রাক্তনীদের লেখা বই “Eternal Kolkata / কলকাতা চিরন্তন”

আমাদের প্রাক্তনীদের লেখা বই
Book Review of “Eternal Kolkata / কলকাতা চিরন্তন”
Author: Amitava Dutta, 1974 Civil Engineering.

Self-introduction and Presentation
“Eternal Kolkata / কলকাতা চিরন্তন”
I am a Civil Engineer by profession and a heritage enthusiast by passion. After my graduation in 1974, I spent over five decades working on major infrastructure and engineering consultancy projects in India and abroad, particularly in bridges, highways, railways, urban infrastructure, and construction management. My professional journey across countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Lao PDR exposed me to global diverse cultures, its historical architecture, and traditional craftsmanship.

Alongside engineering, photography has remained my lifelong passion. To add, I have always been deeply drawn to diversified architecture, heritage structures, and the character of old cities. During my travels, I extensively documented historic buildings, temples, churches, bridges, and urban landscapes through my camera lens.
My emotional connection with my home-city Kolkata gradually inspired me to explore and document the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. During the COVID period, I found the opportunity to study the stories behind many of Kolkata’s iconic landmarks. What began as photography slowly evolved into research, writing, and storytelling.
This journey resulted in my bilingual Coffee Table Book, “Eternal Kolkata / কলকাতা চিরন্তন,” published in January 2026. The book combines my original photographs with historical narratives on Kolkata’s iconic heritage structures, including Kalighat Temple, Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Indian Museum, Writers’ Building, National Library, and many other historical institutions that reflect the soul and evolution of the city.
More than a collection of photographs or historical facts, this book is my humble attempt to preserve the memories and heritage of Kolkata for future generations. It also represents a meaningful creative rediscovery after a long professional career in engineering and infrastructure development.

Name of the Book (“Eternal Kolkata / কলকাতা চিরন্তন”) Bilingual.
Availability: Please contact me at: +91 98302 79446
Price: Rs. 1,250/-, (packing & shipment within West Bengal included).

Reader’s Review:
The name Amitava Dutta, is somehow known to the civil engineering circle, certainly in West Bengal, and to some extent outside also. However, historian Amitava is a new identity. Beyond any doubt, after I read this book, I wonder how much time and efforts, I mean research and tracing the archives has gone into its compilation, the book “Eternal Kolkata / কলকাতা চিরন্তন”. I find that author has gone to many minute unknown but important and interesting facts of the landmarks. I wish, the Bengali generation born and brought up in other countries must read this book.
It’s bilingual, so satisfies a larger group’s interest. To add, the color photography makes reading with eye’s pleasure.
I am sure, with a little marketing, the book would be widely accepted in the readers’ circle.

Dr. Asima Ghosh
Ex Professor, Lady Brabourne College
Kolkata.

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