Bardhaman-Howrah railway line passes through the rural parts of Hooghly district. Between this stretch of greenery exists a desolate station named Simlagarh.
Since the habitation named Simlagarh comprises only a few dwellings, the station hardly gets a few footfalls. Both sides of the Station are graced by "unending" paddy fields stretching to the horizon, banana plantation, bamboo bush and ponds. The historic Grand Trunk Road passes by a hand-shaking distance from the station.
During my college days in Hooghly, I got introduced to Simlagarh station. Without stepping onto the platform, I had fallen in love with this station at the very first sight from the window itself.
I have stepped upon Simlagarh only once ---- exactly 30 years ago, prior to the College-leaving examination. There exists a Kali Temple right beside G.T. Road which is reputed to be "living", "inspiring" many people to seek blessings there. Once, one of our college mates urged us to pray to the deity for our success in the exam. Though a confirmed agnostic, I had also joined the group just because the destination is Simlagarh and I cannot miss the opportunity to step upon my much-cherished station!
My joy simply knew no bounds as I alighted at the station. Previously I used to appreciate the greenery and rural ambience from the window of the train; now I am bang in the midst of it. A pond here, a haystack there, surrounded by lush green paddy fields were acting as soothing balm in parched eyes and soul. Recently, a close relation of mine passed away prematurely in Bardhaman. Following morning, myself and a senior relative started for an ancient religious place named Tribeni to immerse the ashes in the waters of the Hooghly.
Since we were negotiating G T Road, the car was destined to pass through Simlagarh. I noticed that the sparsely populated habitat had undergone hardly any significant change.
Ashes were immersed in Tribeni. Due to certain compulsions, I would have to return to my Kolkata residence. I could have easily started my return journey from Tribeni. However, to give company to my mentally-shattered senior relative who was returning to Bardhaman, I also started the journey with him in the car.
As it was passing through Simlagarh, I decided to disembark right at this place as G T Road almost touches the station here.
So after a gap of 30 years, again I stepped on the platform of Simlagarh. The whole station and the surrounding natural ambience seemed exactly the same as it was in 1992.
It seems time has simply come to a dead stop here. Though my heart was elated, I was wondering how a cruel bend in my life has ensured my return here after three decades.
While bidding adieu to Simlagarh, promised the scenic surroundings to again return amidst it; hoping in a much better frame of mind --- at least in spiritual and humane terms.