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The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Comrades bid emotional farewell to departed Naxal leader Azizul Haque
Kolkata bid an emotional farewell to deceased Naxal leader Azizul Haque on Tuesday (July 22, 2025). The veteran leader's passing marks the end of an era in radical Leftist politics of the State. He was 83 and passed away at a private city hospital on July 21. He was suffering from age-related ailments. Haque is survived by a daughter and wife. He had a son who passed away in 2003 in a road accident. Standing outside the iconic Indian Coffee House in central Kolkata's College Street, Haque's comrades, both old and young bid the stalwart leader goodbye. A poster at the gathering read 'Comrade Azizul Haque red salute'. Many of his old friends broke down as they offered flowers to the body and remembered Haque as a 'guiding light' in their political lives. Senior Leftist leaders such as Rabin Deb, Kartik Pal, Tanmoy Bhattacharya and many others were present at the farewell. 'Even though we may have differed politically, he knew how to talk to everyone and connect with people of different ideologies, he continued the necessary debates and inspired many young minds,' CPI(ML) polit bureau member Kartik Pal told The Hindu. Mr. Pal also highlighted that Haque and his fellow Naxalites helped bring change in Indian politics and put forth the rights of workers and marginalised people. 'Prominent face' 'Even after stepping back from active party politics, he continued to wield his pen and voice sharply against religious bigotry, the rise of right-wing forces, and the fascist projects of BJP-RSS combine until his final days. He was one of the most prominent faces of the 1970s Naxalbari movement in West Bengal. Long live Comrade Azizul Haque,' a statement from CPI(ML) Liberation read. Haque had suffered 18 years of incarceration after he was arrested on multiple occasions. Many of his political comrades alleged that he was tortured in police custody and suffered lifelong ailments and injuries because of the torture. Haque was one of the first Leftist leaders who was expelled from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for following his mentor Charu Mazumdar's ideology of 'bonduker nol-i, khomotar utsa' (power grows at the barrel of the gun). He co-founded the CPI(ML)'s Second Central Committee with Nishith Bhattacharya based on Mazumdar's ideologies. During their time, they had tried to establish parallel revolutionary governments in West Bengal and Bihar. The veteran leader was born in Howrah's Uluberia in 1942 and joined the Naxal movement early in life at the age of 17. He was born in an influential zamindari family but gave up his share of the land as a show of his political ideology. He was one of the faces of the Naxal uprising in the Sundarbans area and led a massive uprising against the local Pal Chowdhury zamindars of the area. After he was set free from prison for a second time in 1989, he took to writing about various social issues, including his own time in jail. He was a published author and wrote books such as Karagare Athero Bochor (Eighteen years in jail) and Naxalbari: Tirish Bochor Age Ebong Pore (Naxalbari: Thirty years before and after). A procession led by friends, admirers, many college students and comrades took the body to the Medical College, Kolkata and donated it to the government medical facility for research purposes as per Haque's wish. Dipankar Bhattacharya, general secretary of CPI(ML), expressed his condolences over Haque's passing. 'Long years of incarceration and torture had badly impaired his health. Freed in 1989, he took to writing and championing the cause of various people's rights,' Mr. Bhattacharya wrote on X. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also offered her condolences and referred to him as a 'revolutionary and resolute leader who never bowed his head in his long political career.'
India.com
14-07-2025
- India.com
Insider Guide: 7 Secret Markets In Kolkata For Unbelievable Deals
Kolkata, India's cultural capital, is not just a place of historical monuments and literary mythology. It's also a shopping hub, with its vibrant markets and tiny streets full of everything from ethnic clothes and local crafts to unusual souvenirs and street food. The city of Kolkata offers something for every budget conscious and unique shopaholic. For the shopping addicts out there, we've listed seven shopping malls and flea markets that will make for an unforgettable shopping therapy session. Keep your wallets ready because these stores will have you eating your heart out! 1. New Market – A Timeless Shopper's Delight New Market, or Hogg Market as it was then referred to, is one of the oldest and most iconic shopping places in Kolkata. This enormous Victorian-era market was founded in 1874, and is an unrivalled hoarder's paradise — clothing, shoes, jewellery, computers, and even fresh flowers. What's distinctive about New Market is the maze of stalls that have seen better days. This is a one-of-a-kind market, so don't be afraid to bargain! Key Highlights It was constructed in 1874, and still retains a colonial feel. Over 2,000 stores offer clothing, leather goods, jewelry and more. Famous for traditional Bengali sarees such as taant and baluchari. It's open all day, except on Sundays and most busy in the evenings. 2. Gariahat Market – Saree Madness The Saree Lovers' Dream Land Gariahat Market: If you want the finest sarees at most reasonable prices, this is the place to visit. This vibrant bazaar is in South Kolkata, and the products offered here range from inexpensive cotton sarees to luxurious silk ones. More than sarees, you'll find home decor, fake jewellery and street stalls offering mouthwatering meals. The buzz is palpable, merchants jostle for your business and the smell of street food wafts in the air. Key Highlights They are famous for good Bengal tant, Dhakai jamdani, and Baluchari sarees. Stands by the roadside and permanent outlets for various goods. Popular snacks like phuchka (pani puri) and kathi rolls. Try visiting it late in the afternoon for a quieter visit. 3. College Street – For Bookworms and More College Street – The Place for the Books College Street, or Boi Para (Book Town), is a book lover's paradise. It's India's biggest second-hand book store, where you'll get to browse old out-of-print editions as well as new releases. Other than books, you can visit the famous Indian Coffee House here and drink a cup of coffee and soak in the intellectual ambience of the city. Key Highlights Famous for ebooks and hard-to-find books. Contains some of the most prominent publishing houses and academic bookstores. The Indian Coffee House offers nostalgia and affordable dining. You can negotiate books at the most ridiculously cheap prices. 4. Dakshinapan Shopping Complex – Traditional Handicrafts Center If you want to buy real Indian wares and ethnic products then Dakshinapan Shopping Complex is a one stop destination. This sprawling complex in Dhakuria houses state-owned emporiums hawking textiles, pottery, jewellery and other goods from all over India. It's a wonderful place to shop for souvenirs and special gifts and to support artisans and artisans. Key Highlights Shops from Rajasthan, West Bengal and Gujarat. Sells terracotta, dokra jewelry, and handicraft. Fixed-price shopping ensures hassle-free buying. It is open from 11am to 7pm everyday, except Sundays. 5. Bara Bazar – Wholesale Wonderland Bara Bazaar is Kolkata's answer to Delhi's Chandni Chowk — a noisy but beautiful market where you buy everything in bulk. It's a wholesale hub from spices and dried fruits to fabrics and electronics. Be prepared to trek through narrow lanes teeming with merchants, natives and hand-pulled wagons. The journey is just as exhilarating as it is satisfying! Key Highlights One of the oldest and most busy markets in Kolkata, dating back to the 18th century. They are known for the wholesale sales of textiles, homeware, and food. A colourful mixture of Marwari, Gujarati and Bengali cultures. To be visited in the early morning, to stay away from crowds. 6. Hatibagan Market – Ideal for the Budget Shoppers. Hatibagan is the place to be if you want to shop for the latest styles of clothes, jewellery, and household goods without emptying your pockets. : Located in North Kolkata, this market is very popular with the residents for its affordable prices. As you shop, check out the nearby street vendors offering steaming hot kachoris and jilipi (jalebi). Key Highlights Beloved for its affordable fashion, furniture, and cosmetics. Trendy bags and shoes at cheap prices are sold in street stalls. A hotspot for budget-conscious shoppers. There is no street food here other than kachori sabzi and jilipi. 7. Esplanade – The Difference Between Old and New. Esplanade is an exciting mall that fuses Kolkata's historic character with retail therapy. Though it has a few malls here, its street vendors and small-scale stores are what are unique here. You can get anything here from logo knockoffs to eccentric mementos. Esplanade is also an entrance to New Market, so you can shop here and then. Key Highlights Street-side discounts and mall shopping. A perfect place for affordable bags, shoes and jewellery. It is easily accessible through Kolkata Metro (Esplanade Station). Open 7 days a week, peak hours are in the evenings. Final Thoughts Kolkata's shopping boulevards and markets aren't merely retail outlets, they're cultural encounters. From New Market's ancient lanes to Bara Bazaar's pulsing maelstrom, each location conveys a tale of its vibrant history and contemporary vision. So, whether you're visiting the city or just visiting and discovering its charm, these seven destinations guarantee a shopping experience like no other. Remember – in Kolkata, negotiating is just as crucial as shopping.
India.com
29-06-2025
- India.com
Is It Possible To Enjoy Kolkata Without Spending A Rupee? YES—Here's How
By casual observation, one can say that Kolkata is the city for everyone– from Mohit to Mulchand. If you are someone who loves exploring new places with an empty wallet but an expectant heart, do not worry as there is a wide range of experiences the city has to offer without showing any rupee. From famous monuments to the colorful streets overflowing with energy, the charm of Kolkata can truly be experienced best while walking through its sounds, sights, and stories. With this, let me tell you how we can enjoy the city of joy or Kolkata, as most call it, for free. Through the Historic Streets of North Kolkata The areas people refer to as North Kolkata, is where the history of the city meets the modern era. Walking through the narrow lanes dotted with century-old mansions over the years have started to feel like time colonial and Bengali influenced design of the zamindar mansions showcases a time period when the landowners lived in elaborate houses with wide open spaces. You can also check out Kumartuli which is known for its skilled craftsmen that skillfully design wonderful clay sculptures. In my opinion, seeing them sculpt these statues is pure magic. Fun Facts & Highlights: Kumartuli, which is over 300 years old, fulfills the idol making needs of people from diverse locations both in India and abroad. Sovabazar Rajbari, a heritage mansion, was visited by Swami Vivekananda after he returned from Chicago in 1897. For many years, the Chitpur Road has housed Kolkata's traditional bookbinding industry and sweet shops. the Majesty of the Howrah Bridge Everyone knows about the Howrah Bridge and its magnificence. The construction reflects Kolkata's pride in engineering. Imagine standing on the bridge at dawn, witnessing the golden rays of sunrise reflecting off the Hooghly River. This is a sight for sore eyes. The bridge is always bustling, with rickshaws and trams moving in tandem with people transporting agricultural products to the nearby markets. With a straightforward walk, visitors can bask in this engineering marvel while getting a pulse of the vibrant city. Fun Facts & Highlights: Howrah Bridge is one of the busiest cantilever bridges across the globe, built in the year 1943. Over 100,000 vehicles use the bridge and over 150,000 people walk across it every single day. It has no bolt or nut holding it together at all. Rivets are used instead. in the Atmosphere at the College Street Boi Para Often referred to as the 'bask in the book area,' College Street is an ideal location for enthusiastic readers. This specific area is embellished with secondhand book stalls that cover all imaginable topics. Even if you do not plan on making any purchases, skimming through aged volumes and fragrant ancient manuscripts is an enjoyable experience. Don't forget to stop by the Indian Coffee House. This place was frequented by revolutionaries and authors, and it is exactly like a bohemian café other than serving coffee. Sure, getting a coffee from a vendor would cost money, but here you can sit comfortably and relish the exchange of high-minded ideas taking place around you! Fun Facts & Highlights: Fab Book Shop College Street is the largest bookstore in Asia. Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Amartya Sen all spent some time at the Indian Coffee House. Some vendors even sell used novels for 10 rupees for those of you that might have extra change! the Victoria Memorial Gardens In regard to the Victoria Memorial Museum, tickets are necessary for entry, however, the lush gardens that surround the museum are open to the public free of charge. If you want to enjoy a stroll, you may, alongside the locals jogging as well as sit on a bench to appreciate the beautiful white marble structure. The monument itself reminds an individual of Kolkata's colonial history and the history of Britain's Queen Victoria. Simply put, the view of the monument at sunset while the sky turns a gentle pink is stunning. Fun Facts & Highlights: The Victoria Memorial took approximately 15 years to build with completion set in 1921. Though the building itself has 25 galleries, the gardens surrounding it are equally as beautiful. It is built from Makrana marble and designed from none other than the Taj Mahal. Hidden Treasures in the Streets of Park Street and Esplanade Known as the 'Food Street' of Kolkata, Park Street has a unique feel to it with musicians playing on the sidewalks and the vintage buildings telling a story. Simply walking here and soaking in the vibe of the street is free of charge. Likewise, Esplanade features colonial era buildings such as Grand Oberoi Hotel, Raj Bhavan and General Post Office GPO. The architecture which is reminiscent of the British Empire is stunning for historical lovers. Fun Facts & Highlights: Electric street lighting was first introduced to Park Street, the first street in India. Raj Bhavan in Esplanade is a replica of Kedleston Hall in England. The famous yellow cabs of Kolkata can be seen all over Esplanade throughout the day. the Ghats of the Hooghly River Some ghats like Princep Ghat and Babughat are found in the city of Kolkata. They provide a beautiful break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Watching the boats while sitting by the river and feeling the gentle wind hitting your face is an experience you cannot put a price on. During early mornings, you can catch glimpses of yoga practitioners, priests performing their procedures, and locals feeding pigeons. It is an ideal place for peaceful contemplation or photography. Fun Facts & Highlights: Princep Ghat, which was built in 1841, is named after James Princep, a British scholar. The Ganges' tributary, the Hooghly River, has been important for trade in Kolkata for centuries now. Millennium Park, situated near Babughat, is great for a stroll by the river. the Day at the Maidan The Maidan is the largest open place in Kolkata where people come together to play soccer, fly kites, or simply laze around. There is a beautiful stretch of green fields as far as the eye can see with the iconic Eden Gardens cricket stadium in the background. This is the best place to end the day of exploration as you watch the sun painting the sky in different colors. Fun Facts & Highlights: Maidan is also known as the 'Lungs of Kolkata.' The Victoria Memorial is found inside the Maidan. Home of the legendary Mohun Bagan and East Bengal football clubs. Final Thoughts Whenever an individual wants to explore a city, the very first thought that usually pops in their head is expenses attached to this journey. However, one can surely put away that notion to rest as the best of European romance can be experienced in this Indian city of Kolkata without a single penny being spent. From its heritage lanes, breathtaking Hooghly River's sight, and the stunning monuments all on board, the city has truly embraced every single one of us. So, don't forget to put your best foot forward as well the next time you visit Kolkata without having the need to break the bank. You can take a stroll around the city and experience its charm for free.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
What the boys ate: The gastronomy of growing up in Delhi
There are two types of food stories in Delhi. The first is about Mughlai gravies, royal khansamahs, and secret spice mixes. The kind you see on the Epic channel narrated by Prof. Pushpesh Pant, or experience on a heritage walk with Ms. Rana Safvi. The second is about what the middle-class boys ate and where. This kind has no place in curated food walks or five-minute reels. It has little to do with heritage and even less with presentation. But it is real. It is grounded. And woven, indelibly, into the muscle memory of an entire generation of Delhi boys. This food was not glamorous, and almost always eaten standing up. This was not food for indulgence, but food for function. What the boys ate was simple: rajma chawal from a stall near Shankar Market, bread pakoras from Kamla Nagar, coffee at the Indian Coffee House, and on special occasions, the hot chocolate fudge at Nirula's. No dish cost more than Rs 100 and no transaction took longer than two minutes. Yet the memory of the taste that lasted decades. Back in school, the tiffin was a socioeconomic document disguised as Tupperware plastic box. One boy had a cold, hard aloo ka parantha. Another had a vegetable sandwich in a Ziploc pouch. The rich kid had foil-wrapped cheese toast. And then there was the boy with aloo-poori, the food that everyone secretly loved and publicly hated. Because food, like masculinity, was hierarchical. While some meals conferred status, others invited ridicule. There was also the samosa. Not samosa in general but the school canteen samosa. It was misshapen, rarely hot, and left an oil stain on the school uniform that spread faster than the news of the cancelled maths class. Its brownish, blistered skin crackled when we bit into it, revealing a mash of aloo and green chilli, the occasional raisin, and a rogue ajwain. But, no one complained. The samosa did not taste particularly fancy, but still felt like an achievement, typifying a quiet rebellion against the conformity of the home-cooked tiffin. Beyond the school, the food outside coaching centres formed its culinary micro-climate, whether it was FIITJEE in Kalu Sarai or VMC in Pitampura. Amidst back-breaking routines of juggling the delicacies of Irodov and RD Sharma, there was the veg cutlet sandwich passed off as an artisanal aloo-tikki burger, and the kulfi, which was served on sticks that bent if you did not consume it fast enough. The vendors who stood outside with their wooden carts knew their market well – boys with cavernous hunger, shallow pockets, and iron constitutions. Sanitation was a rumour. But no one cared. These were not merely meals, but pit stops. It was food that made you feel like you were surviving something important. Every neighbourhood in Delhi had its unofficial cricket ground – a public park with an uneven wicket and at least one interruption by a jogging uncle. After the match, the boys, some in whites and others in yesterday's T-shirts, would congregate around the juice stall. Not to drink protein shakes or carrot-beet combinations. But the half-sweetened mosambi juice in plastic cups that always tasted faintly of iron. As an accompaniment, there was bhel puri – the crunchy, chaotic mix of murmura, peanuts, chopped onions, green chilli, and a dash of nimbu squeezed from a rusted squeezer. It came wrapped in newspaper cones, always carrying the faint smell of old ink and Delhi's crime stories. One bite and our mouths lit up with joy rarely found in gourmet eateries. In college, food was laughter, rivalry, heartbreak, and the embarrassment of a female crush walking by just as you slurped down the redolent upma at Triveni Kala Sangam. Ordering food for her was chivalry and sharing a brownie from Wenger's meant something special. Middle-class Delhi boys, awkward in communication, relied on food as their Meghdootam. They did not write her a poem, but bought her golgappas from Bengali Market, without her having to ask. The boys of Delhi did not grow up on fancy paneer tikkas or the (depressingly) ubiquitous soya chaap. They grew up on chowmein. You would be hard-pressed not to find it at every street corner. And mind you, this was no hakka or schezwan. It was the old-school Indian variety: soy-heavy (poured from a repurposed Bisleri bottle), oversalted (to a default), served in flimsy plates, and stirred in blackened woks. You asked for it to be extra spicy and with more of that red, fiery ketchup, because red signalled the richness of food. The hissing steam, the clang of the ladle, tossing of the noodles, and the sprinkle of chopped coriander on top – all of it added to the experience. And, trust me, it was some experience. Eating was not merely an afterthought but an event. The boys would pool money and even run errands for the vendor, just to get a discount. Delhi itself seemed to hum with food. The air smelled of frying oil, roasting chana, the sizzle of tadka in a kadhai, the smell of melting butter, the floral whiff of agarbatti from street temples, pressure cookers hissing in the background, kulfi wallahs ringing their bells, and the distant puk-puk of banta bottle tops being popped open. Today, many of these food habits and those food spots are gone. The juice stalls have been replaced by Blue Tokai. The chowmein corners have given way to momo stands and the Rs 10 samosa is now Rs 130 with peri-peri sauce. The boys now eat not at Chaina Ram Halwai or Sitaram Diwan Chand, but at joints with Instagrammable lighting or (worse) alone in their office cubicles. That is fine; change is the only constant. But in some corner of the city, some schoolboy still stands, licking chutney off his thumb, and stuffing a samosa into his blazer pocket to eat later in secret. That, I hope, never changes. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
New Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Indian Coffee House launches branded tea in collaboration with Priyadarshini Estate
KANNUR: The Indian Coffee House, the iconic worker-cooperative chain headquartered in Kannur, has launched its first branded tea. The product, made from tea leaves sourced exclusively from the state-owned Priyadarshini Tea Estate in Wayanad, was officially unveiled by Minister for Welfare of SCs, STs and OBCs O R Kelu. In the initial phase, the cooperative has introduced 250g packets, priced at Rs 65, available for purchase at Indian Coffee House outlets. 'This move is part of our diversification strategy. Following the success of our coffee powder and bottled drinking water brands, we're now expanding into tea. It's not just a business initiative to increase revenue but also a means to support the Priyadarshini Tea Estate by providing them access to a broader market,' said Indian Coffee Workers' Co-operative Society president Balakrishnan N.
