From A World War II Airstrip To A Yoga Day Venue: The Untold Story Of Kolkata’s Red Road

Kolkata: There was a different scene on Kolkata's Red Road on International Yoga Day. On one side, PM Modi was doing Asana with thousands of people, on the other side, the soil of the same road was remembering its 200-year-old history. Where today there was the sound of "Om", in the 1940s the roar of fighter planes was heard. Such a confluence of history and present is rarely seen.

After all, what is the history of Red Road?

This road situated in the heart of the city is Indira Gandhi Sarani by official name, but the people of Kolkata still call it Red Road. This road leading from Eden Gardens to Fort William was built in the early 19th century. Then its name was 'Secretaries Walk'. This was a special route for the movement of British officers. Wide, clean and straight – the British liked such roads.

Why was 'Red' added to the name?

There are many stories regarding the name. The most confirmed thing is that during construction, a layer of red bricks was laid on the surface of the road. The entire road looked red when seen from a distance. What happened next, everyone from Bengalis to the British started calling it 'Red Road'. The name spread so much that even the government name was left behind.

How was the airstrip built during the war?

From 1941 to 1945, when the threat of Japanese attack was looming, the British government converted this wide road into a temporary airstrip. Spitfire and other fighter planes used to take off and land from here. At that time Red Road was not just a road, it was the first line of security of Kolkata. The surrounding buildings were also changed according to the needs of the war.

What other historical moments did it see?

Before independence, royal receptions were held here. After independence, it became the stage for big celebrations of the state. The grand parade of West Bengal takes place here on 26 January. Minister, Governor, Army – everyone keeps their eyes on this road. For this reason it is called the cultural and historical heartbeat of the city.

Why was this place chosen for Yoga Day?

The answer is simple – legacy space. The open grounds and historical importance of Red Road make it best for big events. This time thousands of people did yoga together. Where once there was fear of bombs falling, today the message of peace, health and unity was sent there. Once this road was a witness to war, today it is of yoga. This journey of Red Road is telling how India haschanged – fromm weapons to health, from conflict to wellness.