Editor,
“Kelsal Lodge” at Oakland Shillong, now the residencial bungalow of the CGM, BSNL stands as an irrelevant mute witness to the onslaught of time.
The place which could be preserved as heritage site in the memory of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, is left behind as an ordinary bungalow.
97 years ago on 12th June 1927 Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose set his first foot at Shillong. He came to stay at Kelsal Lodge along with his parents and other family members. He came to Shillong to recover his ill health after he was released from Insein Jail of Burma by the British.
Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy advised him to stay at Shillong which was very famous as sanatorium. On 21st August 1927 he left for Calcutta (Kolkata). After a few days he again came back to stay at Kelsal Lodge. On 18th October Netaji left Shillong for Calcutta.
Kelsal Lodge is now under the ownership of BSNL. It is now the residencial bungalow of CGM, BSNL. To preserve Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s memories in Shillong , this petitioner requested former and present Governors of Meghalaya Shri Satya Pal Mallik and Shri Phagu Chauhan respectively. Request was also made to the State Government of Meghalaya and Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills District Shillong. From Governor house requests have been made to Hon’ble CM of Meghalaya Shri Conrad Sangma and Commissioner and Secretary, Arts and Culture Shri Fredrik Roy Kharkongor IAS.
After 96 years, last year State Government of Meghalaya has taken initiative to preserve Kelsal Lodge after the memory of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Different departments of State Government of Meghalaya inspected Kelsal Lodge on 20th July 2023. Officials from BSNL joined the inspection. This petitioner was invited to join the inspection.
One year left but no fruitful results have come out.
Netaji admirers wanted to pay tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Kelsal Lodge on 12th June 2024 to commemorate Netaji’s 97th anniversary of his first visit to Shillong. ‘NOC’ was not given to this petitioner to organise the tribute programme on the premises of Kelsall Lodge or CGM’S residence, BSNL.
The hundred year old Kelsal Lodge stands as an irrelevant mute witness to the onslaught of time carrying the memories of patriot and freedom fighter, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Oakland, Shillong. Shillong
Yours etc…
Malabika Bisharad
Shillong-4
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