Legacy of Vision: Tagore’s Memorial Chair Still Preserved at Canning Station

Amidst the emerald waters and mangrove forests of the Sundarbans lies a tale of vision, dedication, and cultural confluence. The story of Sir Daniel Hamilton, a Scottish magnate who embraced India as his own, intertwines with the footprints of the Nobel Laureate, Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore.

Arriving in India in 1880, Sir Daniel Hamilton chose to make Bengal his home, dedicating himself to the upliftment of the poverty-stricken populace under British rule. In 1903, on the remote yet serene deltaic island of Gosaba, he built his abode the historic Beacon’s Bungalow. Standing on sturdy wooden stilts, this architectural marvel bore witness to an era of transformative socio-economic initiatives.

In recognition of Hamilton’s relentless efforts, Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore himself journeyed to Gosaba at the Scottish visionary’s invitation. On 29th December 1932, a special railway coach was arranged for the poet, carrying him to Canning Railway Station, the gateway to the Sundarbans. At 10:30 a.m., Tagore arrived, embarking on an expedition that would etch Gosaba into the annals of history. Tagore spent two days at the Beacon’s Bungalow, observing the cooperative initiatives that Hamilton had pioneered, reminiscent of his own ideals in Sriniketan and Shantiniketan. Their shared dreams of rural empowerment resonated in letters exchanged between them, forging an intellectual and philanthropic bond.

A relic of this historic visit remains preserved at the Running Room of Canning Railway Station of Sealdah Division – a chair on which Tagore sat while waiting for his return train. Beyond its tangible presence, the true legacy is the spirit of development and self-sufficiency that continues to inspire generations. It is believed that the name ‘Gosaba’ was bestowed upon this island by Tagore himself, derived from the three symbolic elements of the Sundarbans ‘Go’ from ‘Goru’ (cow), ‘Sa’ from ‘Saap’ (snake), and ‘Ba’ from ‘Bagh’ (tiger).

The tale of Sir Daniel Hamilton and Rabindranath Tagore is not just a fragment of history but a guiding light for future endeavors in sustainable development and human welfare. Gosaba remains a testament to their vision, resonating through the dense mangroves and the aspirations of its people.

To reach Bacon’s Bungalow (actually, the Rabindranath Tagore Bungalow, which is also known as Hamilton Bungalow) in Gosaba, West Bengal, one needs to travel to Canning by train from Sealdah, then take a bus or auto to Gadkhali, and finally take a boat to reach the bungalow at Gosaba.

The chair on which the poet sat when he arrived at Canning Station is still being carefully preserved by the Eastern Railway. Eastern Railway is considering showcasing the chair to the public. It is planned that when the new building is constructed at Canning Station, the poet’s memorial chair would be placed in the most appropriate location for public viewing.

Team Maverick