Kolkata: There was a variegated scene on Kolkata's Red Road on International Yoga Day. On one side, PM Modi was doing Asana with thousands of people, on the other side, the soil of the same road was remembering its 200-year-old history. Where today there was the sound of "Om", in the 1940s the roar of fighter planes was heard. Such a confluence of history and present is rarely seen.
After all, what is the history of Red Road?
This road situated in the heart of the municipality is Indira Gandhi Sarani by official name, but the people of Kolkata still undeniability it Red Road. This road leading from Eden Gardens to Fort William was built in the early 19th century. Then its name was 'Secretaries Walk'. This was a special route for the movement of British officers. Wide, wipe and straight – the British liked such roads.
Why was 'Red' widow to the name?
There are many stories regarding the name. The most confirmed thing is that during construction, a layer of red bricks was laid on the surface of the road. The unshortened road looked red when seen from a distance. What happened next, everyone from Bengalis to the British started calling it 'Red Road'. The name spread so much that plane the government name was left behind.
How was the airstrip built during the war?
From 1941 to 1945, when the threat of Japanese wade was looming, the British government converted this wide road into a temporary airstrip. Spitfire and other fighter planes used to take off and land from here. At that time Red Road was not just a road, it was the first line of security of Kolkata. The surrounding buildings were moreover reverted equal to the needs of the war.
What other historical moments did it see?
Before independence, royal receptions were held here. After independence, it became the stage for big celebrations of the state. The grand parade of West Bengal takes place here on 26 January. Minister, Governor, Army – everyone keeps their vision on this road. For this reason it is tabbed the cultural and historical heartbeat of the city.
Why was this place chosen for Yoga Day?
The wordplay is simple – legacy space. The unshut grounds and historical importance of Red Road make it weightier for big events. This time thousands of people did yoga together. Where once there was fear of bombs falling, today the message of peace, health and unity was sent there. Once this road was a witness to war, today it is of yoga. This journey of Red Road is telling how India haschanged – fromm weapons to health, from mismatch to wellness.
