Exploring the Goddess on Earth: An English Department Excursion

Kolkata has always been a city with immense historical and cultural significance, with every nook and cranny being a reservoir of tales from days bygone. The UG Semester V and PG Semester I students of the Department of English, Loreto College, Kolkata set out to explore such tales related to the city’s water heritage through an excursion entitled “Exploring the Goddess on Earth.” This walking tour of the ghats of Ganga was organised in collaboration with the Living Waters Museum and conducted by Mr. Sukrit Sen on January 14, 2024. The students were accompanied by their teachers Dr. Sukanya Dasgupta, Dr. Sanghita Sanyal, Dr. Subhasree Basu, and Mr. Somnath Basu.

The walk began early in the morning at the famous Mullick Ghat Flower Market and covered the length of Howrah Bridge, after which the group proceeded to catch a ferry ride. The ferry ride allowed the participants to observe the beauty of the Hooghly and contemplate its rich history. This was followed by a visit to Neemtala, where the students saw the Samadhi memorial of Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore. The last stop was Kumortuli, a traditional potters’ quarter renowned for its prowess in the craft of sculpting clay idols. The students were inspired by the dedicated efforts of the artisans, both old and young, to keep their art alive in the midst of sweeping industrial and technological advancements. The trip was a stimulating exploration of the city and the history that it stores, especially in the unlikeliest spots.