Gouripur House, Kalimpong — Attraction in West Bengal

Located on Upper Cart Road, Ward 18 in Kalimpong, this house, once built by the Zamjnders of Gouripur of Mymensingh District of East Bengal, has a great historical value. In this house between 1938 and 1940, famous Bengali Nobel Laureate Poet Rabindranath Tagore lived on three occasions. From this house in 1938, a live broadcast was made by the All India Radio , of a recitation by the Poet of his famous poem 'Jannadin'. The house was thoroughly damaged during the Gorkhaland Movement in early nineties and arson, destruction of number of memorabilia of the poet was reportedly made by the miscreants during that time. Since then the house remained in a deplorable condition. As an ardent follower of Tagore and his creations, I always wanted to see this important place and during my recent trip to Kalimpong, I made it a point to visit this famous landmark building. I was shell shocked to see the pathetic state of the building. More surprisingly, this famous building is lying in such poor condition for over 25 odd years at the height apathy of successive Governments that ruled in West Bengal. It's a wonder that the structure didn't gave in during this long period of neglect. In 2018, the State Heritage Commission of West Bengal woken up from their long slumber and declared the building as a Heritage Property and started its restoration. It is more shocking that in last six years very little progress appears to have been made in completing tho job. We somehow managed to enter the area and saw the building from outside. Two camphor trees planted by the poet stand tall in front of the building. A mixed feeling of shivering ( thinking that once that great personality used to stay here) and sadness ( seeing the apathy of ours to take care of such an important historical monument) possessed me. Anybody gave interest in Tagore and his creations should...

The members of Kalimpong #Milanee club have made it as their practice to observe #Rabindra #jayanti at Gouripur House in the morning. Following the tradition members and other rabindra aficionado had gathered at Gouripur House to pay homage to #Kaviguru #Rabindranath #Tagore on his birthday at 7.30 a.m. The program was started by garlanding and offering khadas by the people present there to Tagore’s image. Thereafter a small #cultural program was organized with ‘Aguner parasmani ‘ as opening song, chorally sung by all. The program was enriched by the bold recitation and melodious singing of very relevant Tagore’s creature. Dr. Dulal Chandra Roy, the president of Kalimpong Milanee Club, in his speech, intimated everyone that after a longtime and rigorous efforts of our members, ultimately, on 5th May, 2018, Gouripur House has been declared as #Heritage building by the West Bengal Heritage Commission. He has recognized it as a success of our club. He recited the poem ‘Amar matha nata kore dao he tomar’ in #lepcha language and elucidated the huge work done in lepcha language by translating ten short stories of Tagore and number of Rabindra sangeet and appealed to the other Boards also to come forward with their best effort to taste the creature of Tagore in their own languages. Dr. Roy has invited all to take the initiative to build a Tagore’s #museum at this house and make it a point of attraction to the tourists. Prof. Manojit Dasgupta, the secretary of the club mentioned the historical importance of the house, its relevance at present and proposed the name of the building as Kavi Tirtha and the alongside road which is to be constructed by the Kalimpong municipality as Kavi Tirtha Sarani to give some added importance of the place. The programme was concluded by the National Anthem...

On our way from Morgan House back to city, our cab-driver offered to take us to Gouripur House. I was aware of this place, but had absolutely no idea where it’s located and current condition.

It took us possibly 5-7 minutes, and the driver told us that the road leading to this place continues to the West Bengal Tourism’s Hilltop Tourist Lodge.

The house is situated on a step plain sprawling land. The condition of the building demands immediate maintenance and refurbishment. I was told by the driver that Govt. of West Bengal is planning to repair and set up a Tagore museum in near future, and the process is delayed because of COVID-19.

Rabindranath Tagore had stayed in this house on more than one occasion; and most notably, All India Radio had recorded his recitation of ‘Janmodin’ on 8th April 1938 (25 Baisakh, 1345 bangabda).

Couple of gigantic trees in front of the house, planted by Tagore himself, complete the landscape. Only one thing obstructed view of The Valley in Front - is the polytechnic college painted in white and blue at a step just below this house. I wish, the authorities found a different place to construct this building, which just ruins the view.

Overall, a must visit, I’d say, for any tourists visiting Kalimpong. I hope, on my next visit, I’d be able to visit a renovated Tagore...