Did you ever wonder about the secrets hidden behind the stoic facade of the Sealdah Traffic Guard? This unassuming building, also known as Almond House, stands as a silent witness to over 120 years of Kolkata’s vibrant history. Let’s embark on a journey back in time, to 1892, when a certain C.H. Smith first graced this very spot with his presence. Almond House changed hands a few times over the years, passing from C.J. Disscut to Basant Lal Nathany, and eventually finding its way to the prominent nationalist and businessman, Sir Abdul Halim Ghaznavi. He, in turn, bequeathed it to a trust in 1948. The Sealdah Traffic Guard, the very building we stand before, officially became part of Kolkata’s bustling landscape in 1976. It served as the city’s traffic nerve center until 2014. The building faced near demolition due to its dilapidated state, but thankfully, it was saved by the timely intervention of Police Commissioner Soumen Mitra. Now renovated, it serves as a barrack for police personnel and houses a conference room. Interestingly, the name Sealdah, the area where our Guard House stands, has a curious origin. It is believed to derive from “Shiyaldihi,” meaning “jackal village.” This moniker reflects a time when herds of jackals roamed freely amidst the marshland and raised islands that characterized early Kolkata. The Sealdah Traffic Guard is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a time capsule, preserving the echoes of Kolkata’s past.
Nazrul Tirtha
Remembering Kazi Nazrul Islam, the rebel poet of Bengal. That is why Nazrul Tirtha was established in May 2014. It