𝗔 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁

Our member Mr. J. Ghatak has a connection with Burma for the last three generations. His recent visit to Rangoon evoked childhood memories and a sense of reconnection with the past which he has shared.
Across three generations, my family has had deep ties with Burma. It all began with my grandfather, who went to Burma to serve as a Deputy Accountant General. After a fruitful stint, he relocated to India, where he continued his career as an Accountant General and held various other esteemed positions.
My father, following in his footsteps, took up his own journey in Burma, albeit in a different capacity. As a professor of Mathematics, he taught at Georgeson College, an American missionary institution, and also imparted knowledge to eager postgraduate students at Rangoon University. As children my brothers and I attended the Bengal Academy School, my sisters went to a convent school quite close to our house in Rangoon.
The year 1941 was a significant year for our family, as whispers of impending conflict reached our ears. Fearing our safety, my father decided to leave Burma behind and seek refuge in Kolkata, where we temporarily stayed with my grandfather. From there, our journey led us to Lucknow, where my father found a new home at Lucknow University, continuing to shape young minds with his passion for mathematics.
Rangoon left an indelible mark on us – the memories flood back with vivid clarity. The city, with its picturesque lakes and well-maintained roads were beautiful. The bustling Scott Market, now transformed and renamed, was a hub of activity, where the sights and sounds of daily life was evident.
On a recent return visit to Rangoon, I was filled with nostalgia as I retraced the footsteps of my childhood days. Walking the halls of my old school, now under a new management, I was transported back in time, reminiscing about the carefree days of my childhood. Though our attempts to visit Rangoon University were thwarted by student protests, the mere sight of its grandeur from afar stirred emotions deep within me.
But our journey didn’t end there. Venturing beyond the confines of the city, we went on a trip to Bagan, formerly known as Pagan, which is now a famous UNESCO accredited heritage site. This ancient city, steeped in Buddhist heritage, was soul-stirring. Pagan kingdom was the first kingdom to unite the regions to later constitute Myanmar. Exploring its sprawling ruins and cruising along the tranquil waters of the Iravati River, I regained my childhood connection to this land.
In the end, our visit to Rangoon served as more than just a trip down memory lane—it was a pilgrimage of sorts, allowing me to reconnect with my childhood days and relive a few moments where my ancestors also had spent a part of their lives. And as I boarded the plane back home, I carried with me not only cherished memories but also a renewed sense of gratitude for the journey that brought me full circle.