College Street once more

College Street is one of my favourite spots in Kolkata, a city I could die for. Yesterday our modern Feluda a much adored actor was on a TV reality show and he stoutly proclaimed his allegiance to the city of joy. I am big fan of Sabyasachi (Feluda) and his statement yesterday made me feel a sort of kinship towards him. Like Ray Sabyasachi has been all over the world but he is firmly rooted in the city. According to him the  Kolkata's street corner “bharer cha” is not to be traded for anything else.  It breaks my heart when people say unkind words about the city. It is like committing daylight murder to me.

Coming back to College Street where I spent five years of my academic life, the area almost holds a witch like spell on my senses. Being a librarian I have been fortunate enough to go on these periodic book procurement sojourns to the place for the past ten years. It is always a thrill to walk through the alleys and hunt for books in hidden go downs and bookshops. Our supplier Mr Majumdar of Jyoti Books (http://www.jyotibooks.com/  )  is a gem of his kind. It is rare to find a bookseller like him with a passion for selling quality books. Mr Majumdar has introduced me to some of the most interesting and quaint bookshops in College Street and elsewhere. During the school text book season the lanes are awake throughout the night with intense activity. My other favourite haunts in College street are the coffee house and Rupa and Co‘s showroom( http://www.rupapublications.co.in/client/home.aspx ). It is always a pleasure to visit the Rupa showroom and Mr Burman the suave owner always takes personal initiative to show me around the place.

Of late I have been back at the University as a guest lecturer in their annual UGC Refresher Courses conducted by the Dept of Library and Information Science. The University has recently introduced a five-year integrated course in Library and Information Science. I attended the inaugural programme this Friday. I will be visiting the Department in future as a guest faculty and I look forward to walking the lanes of College Street more often.