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When Beethoven wrote the Ode to Joy, it was to be the grandiose conclusion that his seminal 9^th symphony deserved. A tragedy in its essence, the Ode to Joy reflects optimism, something that this world desperately needs. Ergo, you have the anthem of the European Union. The Story of Calcutta is three barren settlements coming together to form what was to become one of the greatest cities of the world in the 20^th century. This Great City was bought for a measly sum of a few hundred from the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury Household, the Local Zamindars. Down the 21st century, Calcutta is replete with stories immortalized not only through books, but also through its culinary traditions, thespian ideals and endearing legacy. 

Calcutta is a city that can arguably fit into every definition of the word, and it is where man’s paracosm flourishes. The city is one of the only in the world that does not have a specific culture adhering to the traditions of a singular group, social and economic. Once the secondary capital of the British Empire, and one of the richest cities in the world, the only adjective that one can use for Kolkata today, is nostalgia. When other metropolitan cities in the country boast about GDP buildup in double digits, or the growth of new industries, or even new opportunities. But for Kolkata, every introduction begins with an ode to the city’s heritage

This writeup is one that will attempt to chart the resurgence of Kolkata, approach redevelopment from various angles, and analyze movements like Make Calcutta Great Again, which aims to put Kolkata back on track once again, through cultural pursuits. This isn’t a question of right or wrong. It is rather a question of whether a city as dynamic as ours, can take a leap of faith, and chart a path unique to itself, that doesn’t beg you to look back at its history. This remains the city of Netaji and Tagore. But it also must provide a milieu which produces visionaries for the next era. Kolkata is not Wodehouse’s Big Ben, described as nothing but a wrist watch that made it big in life. Kolkata stands a monolith. But if it wants to make it big in life, we better start taking care of it.

Therefore, this is indeed an ode to joy, a grand resurgence, that will make a definitive statement in the history of cultural rediscovery.

By Arya Bhattacharya (Class XII)