Calcutta, India
"As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate lovingly, our own." (Margaret Mead) The ability to learn about other cultures by actually experiencing them through travel is undoubtedly a great gift. By actually perceiving first hand the aspects of a completely different society from yours will teach you more than any book could ever do, and it is for this reason that I genuinely believe that this "City of Joy" trip will be one of the most beneficial experiences you will have. Nevertheless, background knowledge of the place you are visiting would be advantageous in your journey to the fascinating Calcutta. Calcutta can be known as "the city of contradictions" and this theme could actually be expanded to encompass all of India (Tharoor). The reason for this is although India is a land of much cultural richness and diversity and it is a home for many industries, it also has qualities that can be seen in an opposite light such as poverty, overpopulation, corruption, and intolerance to name a few. There are many aspects of India and Calcutta that you will encounter includ
The most serious communal riots of all took place in 1946, when the partition of British India became imminent and tensions between Muslims and Hindus reached their height. Corrupt politicians indulge in immoral practices to raise funds for their party, to contest elections and distribute patronage and the spoils of office, and, of course, for personal enrichment. In1947 the partition of Bengal between India and Pakistan constituted a serious setback for Calcutta, which became the capital of West Bengal only, losing the trade of a part of its former land. It serves as the major educational and cultural center, catering to a cosmopolitan population speaking Bengali, English, Hindi, and Urdu. Large refugee colonies have also sprung up in the northern and southern suburbs. The blending of Eastern and Western cultural influences over the centuries has stimulated the creation of numerous and diverse organizations that contribute to Calcutta's cultural life. The history of the area has also greatly impacted the cultural aspect of Calcutta. In addition, the city has an acute housing shortage. Evidently, the financial situation of the people is reflected by the economic conditions of Calcutta, which happens to be relatively the same as the rest of Third World India. ing social/cultural, economic, political, and geographic components, and a knowledge of these various aspects beforehand will prepare you for what you are about to see. Calcutta's position as one of India's preeminent economic centers is rooted in its industries, financial and trade activities, and role as a major port. Although the idea that there exists such a substantial amount of corruption is terrible in and of itself, what is worse is the fact that it has existed for so long and has come to be more or less accepted by the people. As Calcutta's population grew larger, social problems also became more insistent, as did demands for home rule for India. In addition, a large number of migrants from other states, mostly from neighboring Bihar and Orissa and eastern Uttar Pradesh, have come to Calcutta in search of employment and a "better life," but many don't see this better life.
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