Remnants of the Soviet Era and Overlooked Connections: Soviet-Inspired Spots to Explore in Kolkata
In the bustling heart of Kolkata, India, remnants of a Soviet past can still be found, serving as a testament to the deep cultural and historical connection between the two cities.
In 1795, Gerasim Stepanovich Lebedev, a writer, linguist, and musician, staged the first proscenium performance in Bengali at 37 Ezra Street. Lebedev's theatre was ahead of its time, as he cast both male and female Indian actors, defying the era's norm where only male Europeans took the stage. One of his most notable productions was a Bengali adaptation of Richard Jodrell's play, The Disguise.
Fast forward to more recent history, and Kolkata became the first Indian city to have an underground transit system, known as the Metro. Construction began in the 1970s, with the design and master plan heavily influenced by Soviet and East German engineers. Today, a Russian company is among the partners driving the latest phase of the Metro expansion, ensuring that the Soviet legacy continues in this modern infrastructure.
The Metro network is still growing, with a notable expansion being a tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. This expansion is a testament to the enduring influence of the Soviet Union, even as the political landscape has changed.
In the city's streets, Soviet influence is evident in the form of statues, plaques, and street names. A prominent statue of Lenin stands in Curzon Park, Dharmatala, one of the city's busiest intersections. Despite Lenin's memory fading in Russia, his statue remains firmly rooted in Kolkata. People gather around this statue, sharing food, children play, and impromptu protests take place. Other Soviet thinkers, like Maxim Gorky, are also commemorated in the city's older parts.
The cultural scene in Kolkata was deeply immersed in Soviet art and philosophy. Middle-class families named their children after Russian literary and political figures, and youth discussed Soviet thinkers at local tea stalls. This strong ideological and cultural affinity can still be seen today, although it may be more subtle than in the past.
One such remnant of the Soviet era is Manisha Granthalay, a quiet archive of Soviet-era publications located in North Kolkata. Dusty Soviet-era volumes line the wooden shelves of this archive, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. However, Manisha Granthalay fell silent in the early 1990s with the Soviet Union's collapse.
Despite the absence of specific old bookshops with Soviet influence, the continuation of Soviet cultural centers or libraries might be implied by the general cultural affinity and historical presence. For example, Gorky Sadan, the Russian Cultural Centre, was a vibrant hub of Soviet-era memory, featuring the Alekhine Chess Club and the Einstein Cine Club.
One of the most enduring legacies of the Soviet era in Kolkata is the culinary tradition. Chicken a la Kiev, or Chicken Kyiv, originated in St Petersburg but has found a second home in Kolkata. Old favourites on Park Street like Mocambo and Trincas still serve up buttery, garlicky versions of this dish.
In conclusion, Kolkata preserves a Soviet-era cultural and historical footprint long after the USSR's dissolution in 1991. This is evident in several cultural centers, old bookshops, and notable public landmarks such as statues and streets named after Russian thinkers. These elements serve as a reminder of the deep connection between Kolkata and the Soviet Union, a connection that continues to influence the city's culture and identity.
- In the ever-evolving world of industry and finance, one cannot ignore the influence of Kolkata, a city that still echoes the Soviet past.
- As the lifestyle scene in Kolkata flourishes, the fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink sectors showcase a unique blend of traditional Indian and Soviet influences.
- The city's real-estate market buzzes with business, offering a mix of modern and Soviet-era architectural styles.
- Data-and-cloud-computing firms thrive in Kolkata's technological hub, with the city's rich history and cultural heritage providing a unique backdrop.
- Investing in Kolkata's startup ecosystem promises exciting opportunities, given its unique blend of traditional and Soviet-era influences.
- The home-and-garden sector in Kolkata offers a unique mix of traditional Indian and Soviet-era design elements.
- The legacy of the Soviet Union can be seen in Kolkata's business landscape, where a Russian company is driving the latest phase of the Metro expansion.
- The profound impact of the Soviet Union is evident in Kolkata's educational institutions, with a focus on education-and-self-development and career-development.
- Motivational talks, skills-training workshops, and job-search seminars often incorporate themes of personal-growth and career-development, themes that found resonance in Soviet art and philosophy.
- The sports scene in Kolkata reflects the city's diverse influences, from traditional Indian sports to football, and even sports-betting, with a focus on European leagues like the Premier League.
- A musical evening in Kolkata might feature performances of classical Indian music, Western symphonies, or even contemporary European music, a testament to the city's multifaceted cultural heritage.
- In the heart of Kolkata,where history, culture, and modernity coexist, one can find a vibrant job market offering opportunities in diverse fields, from technology and entertainment to education, sports, and beyond.
