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.

Our member Ms K. Paul had a desire and a long-lasting wish to visit Lord Biswanath at Banaras, from the time she heard about the temple’s renovation. She narrates about her wish fulfilment.
I had visited the Biswanath temple in Banaras many times in my life, but those experiences had left me disheartened due to its neglected state. However, learning about its renovation some time ago ignited a longing within me to revisit it, which became a persisting wish which required fulfilment.
Despite the constraints of age and familial obligations, a meticulously planned trip unfolded. After some discussions it was agreed that we would fly to Banaras on Saturday and return on Monday. It was the month of June. Amidst the sweltering heat, we travelled but due to the airconditioned travel, we were pretty comfortable.
We reached Banaras on Saturday evening. The visits to the various ghats by boat was a serene start. But the best was the soul-stirring spectacle of the evening arati. I enjoyed it thoroughly, albeit with aid of a wheelchair.
The following day we visited the Biswanath temple. Being advised and guided by a Guruji of Ramakrishna Mission, Banaras regarding seamless access to the temple precincts, we started on our journey. We approached the police to secure swift access to the shrine. We were four people, wheelchair assisted taken straight to the shrine saving us the misery of waiting in long queues. After getting off the wheelchairs, it was hardly a few steps to the shrine. We offered our prayers, traversed the marble floored sanctuary. I marvelled at its pristine beauty- a stark contrast to its former state. Now it had an open space for all followers to sit and pray. The entire place was bright and nice with a spiritual aura. It felt as if Lord Biswanath himself expressed satisfaction at the transformation.
After our visit to the Biswanath temple, we retreated to our hotel briefly before exploring Banaras’ other renowned temples. Our itinerary encompassed revered sites such as the Shankatmochan temple, Durga temple, Annapurna temple, Kalbhairav temple, and Tilbhandeshwar. Each destination offered a unique spiritual serenity and architectural grandeur.
Being accompanied by my cherished school friend and beloved relatives, this short excursion brought even greater joy and togetherness. Evening was a time for shopping which we gleefully immersed in to buy well known sweets and other things which Banaras was famous for.
In the morning of our day of return we visited Ramkrishna Mission, reconnecting with familiar faces. Interactions there concluded the trip on a nostalgic note. I might not be able to visit Banaras again, but the experience there would always remain as a lasting expression in my mind.