Bengal Blues

This, believe it or not, is a govt. emplyoee guarding an important, impressive and popular historical monument in Kolkata, the Princep ghat. Without a uniform, one leg non- chalantly hoisted on the chair he was a picture of unchallanged and complete supremacy! His total disregard of the fact that I was taking his photograph shows that he has faith in his dadas in the party or govt. or both.
This is very typical of India in general, but Bengal in particular. In Bengal, most so called 4th class staff, usually guards, sweepers, peons etc. act and behave as if they own the building where they work! The Director of Nandan, the film centre, may not believe that he owns the place but the guards at the gate certainly do!

The guy in the picture became extremely vigilant when he saw us, decent blokes, strolling among the grand coloumns. We were after all intruders in his private domain! The sooner we left the better. We did not fail to notice however, that the place was over run with lumpen elements. They were huddled in every corner, either having some contraband stuff, or involved in some crude form of gambling.

We have lost our beautiful river-front to the gamblers, pick-pockets, muggers and drug-peddlers and addicts. We have lost 2 of our large lakes to similar activities. We have lost all the beautiful and secluded places of our city to anti-socials. Our apathy, their gain.