Old Sonamura Days- A Bygone Era!!
Biswanath Bhattacharya
October 10, 2024, 06:57:52
In the recesses of my mind, a treasure trove of memories lies hidden, waiting to be unearthed. Memories of a bygone era, of childhood innocence, of laughter and tears, of friendships that transcended time. Sonamura, my second motherland, holds a special place in my heart, a place where nostalgia whispers secrets in my ear.
The brick-sold road, the small marketing stalls, Matri Bhandar, Bhuiyan Bari, Kazi Bari, Tamshabari, Devta Bari, and the majestic Bakul trees – all evoke a sense of longing. The present-day Sonamura, with its luxurious buildings and bustling streets, fades into the background as my mind wanders to the Sonamura of yesteryears.
Matri Bhandar, our den, was a hub of intellectual and cultural activity. The adda sessions, fueled by hot tea and passionate debates, were the stuff of legend. It was here that we, a group of young friends, would gather to discuss life, politics, and everything in between. Late Nani Lodh, the patriarch of Matri Bhandar, would watch over us with a benevolent smile, never once objecting to our occupation of his space.
Those were the days of restless curiosity, of exploration and discovery. We would spend hours discussing the intricacies of life, our minds razor-sharp, our hearts full of wonder. The Sandesh of Matri Bhandar, famous throughout Tripura, was a testament to the town's rich cultural heritage. Even India Gandhi, during her visit to Tripura in 1971, was treated to this delicacy, and she savored every bite.
But life, like the river Gomati, flows relentlessly. Friends come and go, some leaving But life, like the river Gomati, flows relentlessly. Friends come and go, some leaving indelible marks on our hearts. I remember Kazi Shah Alam, Krishna, Ali Imam, Jahir, Tapan Bhowmick, Mannan, Ashish, Buttu da, Badal, Milu, Janardhan, Manu, Amu, Siddique, Mohan, Rathu da, and Falu Kakku – each one a thread in the rich tapestry of my boyhood. Some have left us, their memories now etched in the annals of time.
• Friendships Forged in Youth
In those golden days of yesteryear, friendships were forged with sincerity and innocence only found in the hearts of the young. With Kazi Shah Alam, I learned the art of enjoying songs, his laughter echoing through the fields as we chased dreams bigger than ourselves. Krishna’s wisdom, beyond his years, often left us in awe, a guiding star in our youthful adventures.
Ali Imam’s courage was a beacon, lighting our paths during the darkest of times. Jahir’s endless curiosity inspired us to explore beyond the confines of our small town, while Tapan Bhowmick’s artistic soul painted our world with colors we had never seen. Mannan’s resilience taught us the meaning of perseverance, even when the odds were against us.
• The Passage of Time
Ashish’s kindness was a balm, soothing our bruises, both physical and emotional. Buttu da’s stories, filled with humor and wisdom, kept our spirits high. Badal’s strength was a pillar we could lean on, no matter the storm. Milu’s gentle nature was a reminder of the beauty in simplicity. Janardhan’s loyalty was unwavering, a constant in our ever-changing world.
Manu’s adventurous spirit pushed us to take risks, to live life to the fullest. Amu’s intellect challenged us to think deeper, to question and seek answers. Siddique’s empathy was a comfort, always there to listen and understand. Mohan’s generosity knew no bounds, sharing not just his possessions but his heart. Rathu da’s guidance was a force that shaped our paths, and Falu Kakku’s warmth was a home where we all found solace.
• Memories Etched in Time
As the river of life flowed on, some of these cherished friends departed, leaving behind a legacy of memories. Their absence is felt deeply, yet their presence remains in the stories we recount, the lessons we carry, and the love that stays with us. Each name, each face, is a chapter in the book of my life, their stories woven into the fabric of who I am.
Mohan, who dreamed of becoming Devananda, was consumed by poverty. He died a Tehsildar, his potential unrealized. Death, they say, is contagious, contracted the moment we are conceived. Yet, I do not fear death; I have been dead for billions of years, and it has not inconvenienced me. Life is pleasant; death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.
Today, as I sit in contemplation, I am reminded of the transience of life. Deepak Saha, a dear friend and renowned medicine retailer, passed away suddenly. He sat in his chair, opened his shop, and was gone in an instant. No suffering, no trauma, just a peaceful departure.
In the evening, my mind wanders to the public library, now relocated, or the banks of the river Gomati, where the waters flow murmuringly towards Meghna. Rivers, like life, are unpredictable, sometimes gentle, sometimes turbulent. Yet, they flow, carrying us along, shaping the landscape of our souls.
A river, like life, is a mystery, a magic thing that sweeps us along. It doesn't doubt its path; it knows where it's going. I aspire to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding. Life, like the river, has its rapids and calm stretches. We must learn to navigate both, to find peace in the turbulence.
As I look back, Sonamura's memories flood my mind. The laughter, the tears, the friendships – all blend into a rich tapestry of nostalgia.
In the evening silence, I hear the river Gomati's gentle murmur, reminding me of life's preciousness, beauty, and fleeting nature.
• Gratitude for the Journey
In reflecting upon these friendships, I am filled with gratitude. The river may flow on, but the moments shared—the laughter, the tears, the triumphs, and the trials—are the treasures of my journey. It is these relationships that have shaped me and continue to guide me as I navigate the ever-changing currents of life.
Though some friends have moved on to different shores, their essence remains, a part of the river that is me. The Gomati may be relentless, but it is also a bearer of all that has been and all that will be. And so, with each passing day, I honor these friendships, cherishing the past as I step into the future.
(Tripurainfo)