Bengal Rowing Club
| Bengal Rowing Club বঙ্গীয় রোয়িং ক্লাব | |
|---|---|
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| Location |
13/2 Baroj Road, Rabindra Sarobar Kolkata – 700029  (Map) |
| Home water | Rabindra Sarovar Lake |
| Founded | 25 August 1929 |
| Former names | Marvari Rowing Club |
| President | Santosh Kumar Rungta |
| Captain | Gautum Valecha |
| Membership | 2600 (approx) |
| Affiliations | Rowing Federation of India |
| Website |
www |
| Events | |
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| Notable members | |
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The Bengal Rowing Club (BRC), located in Kolkata, India, is one of the most famous rowing clubs in India. The club was founded by GD Birla, on the site of a former lakeside bank, on 25 August 1929.[1]
The club's membership includes Indian business leaders and sportspersons.
History
Foundation
The foundation stone of the Bengal Rowing Club (then Marvari Rowing Club) club was laid on 25 August 1929. It took 6 years to finish constructions and finalise arrangements. The sports club was opened to its members in 1935. The club came to notice for its casual attire rules and intake of women members, which was in stark contrast to some of the other British clubs around the city. This was a sign of Indians uniting to non-cooperate with British raj rules and establish their own rules.[2]
The club was called the Marvari Rowing Club because club facilities were initially intended for people who had travelled from Rajasthan, as traders, to Kolkata. These traders are referred to as Marvaris (citizens from the princely state of Marvar, Rajasthan). [3]
Backdrop
When Kolkata was swept over by a wave of westernization during the 1920s, the community’s loyalty to their traditional life-style gave them the look of a close-knit society. At the same time, a need was felt for a common platform for exchange of ideas. So the progressive men of the community came together to form a Club – ‘The Marvari Rowing Club’.[4]
Important Events
Initially, the Club functioned out of the residence of its first Secretary Sri Kanai Lalji Jatia, a situation that repeated itself during the Second World War when the Club was shifted to the residence of a member. Under the guidance of its first President Sir.B.D.Goenka and other founding members, the Club slowly built for itself a trustworthy reputation.
During the second half of the Second World War (1942–1945), the club premises were requisitioned by the army and all club activities were stalled.[5]
At the onset rowing was considered as a pastime activity for physical fitness. This changed over time as the club was opened to other sections of society and members starting competing in many national and international championships.
Facility
The club houses cutting edge, fiberglass boats for the sport of rowing. The club has over 50 boats, which include fours, scull, double scull and doubles. All oars used are built by 'Concept 2' and used in races worldwide. BRC also has kayaking and paddling boats that are mostly used for leisure to get around the lake waters.
The club has expanded its infrastructure beyond rowing. It offers other sporting facilities, including a badminton court, a squash court, several table tennis boards, multiple snooker and pool boards, darts and a 25-meter, 3-lane swimming pool.
The club gym, next to the swimming pool, holds modern equipments like indoor rowing, treadmill, and cycles among other workout machines.
The club has two fine dining restaurants. The Regency is located on the first floor of the club and can accommodate 50 diners; Water View Restro is located next to the lawns, which extend to the lake on the northern side. Members can also enjoy meals on the green lawns by the lakeside. A small pub called Mirage is located on the first floor. There are two halls on the first floor, which is used for small get-togethers organised by the club.
Sports
Rowing is the primary sport of the club. Several championships are organised throughout the year. These include:
- BRC Students Rowing Championship is the biggest sporting event of the club. It is organised annually in mid May. The participants in the event are students from 50 of the finest schools in Kolkata. The championship is organised in several categories, which include 'Junior Girls, Fours’, 'Senior Girls, Fours', 'Junior Boys, Fours' and 'Senior Boys, Fours'. There is a total of Rs. 1 Lac at stake for the winners. This event was started in 2000 and the objective of the event is to introduce the sport to the youth and encourage them to take it up in their daily lives.[6]
- Intra Club Championship is a regatta where rowers of the club compete against each other.
- Inter Club Championship is a city wide championship, all clubs of the Rabindra Sarovor lake row down the lanes to prove their metal and be titled Head of the Lake.' The participating clubs include the Lake Club, Calcutta Rowing Club, Calcutta University Rowing Club and hosts, BRC. This is generally organised in the month of December or January.
- State Championships have been organised several times by the club. It is a championship where all rowing clubs of the state of West Bengal race against each other. The course is a 1000 m stretch and has two lanes. The south lane is called Tolly and the north lane is called Calcutta.
- National Sub Junior Championship, Is the countrywide completion for under rowers under the age of 16. Rowers of different states race against each other to win gold, silver and bronze metals. It was organised by the club once in 2011
- Amateur Rowing Association Eastern Asian Championship was organised by the club in BRC in 2004. Boat club members from all across East Asia participated in the event.
The club also hosts an inter club sports meet, annually during winter. Sports included are badminton, squash, cricket, table tennis, rowing, snooker, and billiards.
Fun Events
The important events on the club calendar include the following:
- JK Tyre Car Rally is held annually in January. It is a car scavenger hunt around the city and sees participation of about 100 cars and approximately 400 members. The Rally was first introduced to the city, by the club, in the 1980s.
- Christmas Carnival, is held on 25 December and sees about 5000 visitors. Game stalls and different children's rides are set up in the club premises.[7]
- New Year's bash, is held on the eve of the new year.
- Sit & Draw, is held in mid January and is a children-only event. The club promotes creativity among the younger generation by organizing the event.
Food
The food of the club is well known throughout the city. The club offers vegetarian food only. Garlic and onion free meals are also served for the advantage of Jain members. The cuisines served are:
- North Indian
- South Indian
- Chinese
- Italian
- Mongolian
- Mexican
- Continental
Jalebi, an Indian sweet dish, is the biggest attraction on the menu. The jalebi is well known for its extra large size and its saffron flavoring.
Popular Culture
Over the years, various high-profile guests have visited the club. These include:
- Kapil Dev: He was the chief guest when the club was honouring its best rowers after having won the A.E.A.R.E.
- Kiran Bedi: She was the keynote speaker at the Students Rowing Championship in 2006.[8]
- Mohit Chauhan: He was part of a musical concert that was held at the club grounds.
References
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bengal Rowing Club. |
- Bengal Rowing Club on Facebook
- Official website
- 22°31′03″N 88°21′16″E / 22.517631°N 88.354454°ECoordinates: 22°31′03″N 88°21′16″E / 22.517631°N 88.354454°E