Bijon Bose

My elder daughter, Mahasweta, requested me to pen down some of my memories of Scouting in Dunlop Sahagunj. Before I delve into those yester-years, I sincerely congratulate our succeeding generation of youngsters, for their earnest endeavour to stoke the embers of the Dunlop spirit, which has never really gone out....and memories of Dunlop as it was in its golden days.

Travelling down memory lane, I recollect the formation of a movement that became successful by way of gathering young boys and girls to become a part of the internationally renowned Scouts & Guides movement.  Those of us who were associated with the organization, do gratefully recognize the great impact Scouting & Guiding made in our lives.

Way back in the 1950s, two Dunlop executives, Mr. Mrityunjoy Mukherjee & Mr. P.K. Bose, were exploring the possibilities of channelizing the energy of the Dunlop youth to become good citizens of the country. Hence the origin of the Bharat Scouts & Guides movement in Dunlop Sahagunj. It is said that providence supports good intentions! The Bose & Mukherjee duo came to know of one Phanindra Nath Chatterjee (Later ‘Phanida’ to all and sundry), a trained Scoutmaster with exposure to scouting within the country and abroad. Phanida, very enthusiastically accepted their invitation to develop a Scouts Troop for the Dunlop boys. Gradually a Cub Pack, a Guide Company, a Bulbul Flock and finally a Rover Crew were set up with children from 7 years onward to young men up to the age of 25 years.

I cannot but mention here another fine young Anglo-Nepalese bachelor, Mr Frank Samuel Jordan, later affectionately known as ‘Borda’ to everyone, who was a very prominent figure in the Scouts / Guides movement at Dunlop. 60 years later I still recollect the Adventure Training Programs that we undertook every Sunday morning in the adjoining jungle, full of rabbits, snakes and jackals. Canned sardines and bread was available aplenty - courtesy Borda. Camping trips to far and distant places was an added attraction, where we did not merely enjoy but learnt many worthwhile life – oriented skills.

In 1952/53, when the management staff flats were being built along the ‘Link Road’ the executive committee of Dunlop Scouts and Guides managed to persuade the Dunlop Management to convince the builders, Britania Engg Co. to build a Scouts’ Den free of cost. The Scouts and Rover, in turn, provided a part of the labour support.

                                  

Scouting / Guiding flourished thereafter in great spontaneity. I take pride in being one of the first few President’s Scouts from West Bengal.  Sometimes in the late 1950s, I was one of the privileged four young men to travel to Delhi to attend a President’s Scouts/ Guides rally where we received the coveted President's Award from Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the then Hon’able President of India.  We were also invited to Tea meets, one hosted by the then Prime Minister Sri Jawaharlal Nehru and Mrs. Indira Gandhi and a second one hosted by Sri Govind Ballav Pant, the Home Minister of India at the time. Afterwards I tried to put the acquired knowledge to good use by training as a Scout-master to help mould youngsters in Dunlop.

Before I conclude, I have no hesitation in acknowledging the enormous benefit I have derived through my Scouting training, not only in my personal life but also in my professional career spanning 50+ years. 

Bharat scout guide jhanda uncha sada rahega,
Uncha sada rahega jhanda, uncha sada rahega.
Neela rang gagan sa vistrut bhatru bhav failatha,
Tridal kamal nit teen pratigna onki yad dilate
Aur chakr kehata hei prathipal agey kadam badega
Uncha sada rahega jhanda uncha sada rahega