In a world where the shadows of monumental achievements often eclipse the creators, the tale of Professor S. K. Acharya stands as an unsung anthem to foresight and ambition. His pioneering vision, conceptualised over five decades ago, sought to bridge the Brahmaputra with the Ganges through the heart of Bangladesh – an idea that would not only become a reality but also transform the landscape of northeastern India.
A Dream Realised:
Fast forward to January 13, 2023, and witness the fruition of Acharya's dream: the world's
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| Sailing aboard the MV Vilas: 32 Swiss tourists on a scenic voyage |
Connecting Past and Present Success:
The recent success stories of cargo movements and luxury cruises along the envisioned route have underscored the economic and touristic potential of Acharya's brainchild. In March 2019, three luxury passenger vessels embarked on four voyages, carrying around 300 tourists, predominantly foreign nationals. Two of these journeys traversed the river systems of Bangladesh, illuminating the potential for industrial development and tourism growth in the northeastern region.
Navigating Change:
The historical context unveils a shift in focus from waterways in ancient and medieval times to railways and roadways post-1947. However, the recent surge in inland water transport has reignited the forgotten lifeline of transportation. Acharya's foresight, dating back to the 1950s, advocated for making inland waters navigable for large vessels, offering an alternative route for transportation and fostering international trade.
Blueprint of Vision:
The visionary blueprint, endorsed by the Assam government under B. P. Chalia in the 1950s,
Legacy Beyond Borders:
Tragically, Acharya's demise in 1994 marked the loss of a brilliant mind dedicated to the economic development of the northeastern region. His involvement in establishing the Centre for Ethno Social Studies (CESS) in Calcutta (now defunct) and his research on mutual economic cooperation between Bangladesh and eastern states showcase his commitment to the cause.
Acknowledging a Visionary:
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| Prof S. K. Acharya |
Preserving a Visionary’s Work:
The challenges of that era, marked by the absence of digitisation, meant that much of Acharya's valuable work couldn't be preserved. However, the snippets of recognition in news articles from November 1994 serve as testaments to his foresight. Despite the passage of time, his contributions have not been forgotten, and the promise of acknowledgment from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) brings hope that his name will be rightfully restored.
A Watershed Moment:
Reflecting on the past, the historic sail of a motor vessel laden with over 50 container cargo consignments from Haldia Dock to Guwahati's Pandu terminal on November 4, 2019, marked a watershed moment. This unprecedented 1,425-kilometre voyage, spanning twelve to fifteen days, represented the first-ever containerised cargo movement along the inland water transport route, reshaping the narrative of connectivity.
Initiating Transformative Dialogue:
The genesis of this transformative initiative harks back to October 2018, when India and Bangladesh explored the prospect of passenger and cruise vessels between Kolkata and Guwahati via Dhaka. As the news reverberated, the echoes of Professor S. K. Acharya's original vision resounded, prompting action from those who recognised the debt owed to this visionary mind.
Undeterred Advocacy:
Undeterred by bureaucratic hurdles, the author of this article took it upon themselves to ensure Acharya's legacy was not consigned to oblivion. Engaging with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and national media, the efforts to shed light on Acharya's pivotal role faced setbacks with transfers and indifference.
Palpable Frustration:
The frustration and disappointment are palpable – a brilliant intellectual, who declined prestigious offers for the sake of his dream projects for northeast India, relegated to the shadows. In a country where individuals with questionable credentials hog the limelight, Acharya's contributions remain obscured.
Testament to Truth:
This article stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth, a clarion call to acknowledge the unsung hero whose dreams have materialised. In a nation where accolades often elude true visionaries, it is imperative to rewrite the narrative and give credit where it is long overdue.
A Watershed Moment:
Reflecting on the past, the historic sail of a motor vessel laden with over 50 container cargo consignments from Haldia Dock to Guwahati's Pandu terminal on November 4, 2019, marked a watershed moment. This unprecedented 1,425-kilometre voyage, spanning twelve to fifteen days, represented the first-ever containerised cargo movement along the inland water transport route, reshaping the narrative of connectivity.
Initiating Transformative Dialogue:
The genesis of this transformative initiative harks back to October 2018, when India and Bangladesh explored the prospect of passenger and cruise vessels between Kolkata and Guwahati via Dhaka. As the news reverberated, the echoes of Professor S. K. Acharya's original vision resounded, prompting action from those who recognised the debt owed to this visionary mind.
Undeterred Advocacy:
Undeterred by bureaucratic hurdles, the author of this article took it upon themselves to ensure Acharya's legacy was not consigned to oblivion. Engaging with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and national media, the efforts to shed light on Acharya's pivotal role faced setbacks with transfers and indifference.
Palpable Frustration:
The frustration and disappointment are palpable – a brilliant intellectual, who declined prestigious offers for the sake of his dream projects for northeast India, relegated to the shadows. In a country where individuals with questionable credentials hog the limelight, Acharya's contributions remain obscured.
Testament to Truth:
This article stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth, a clarion call to acknowledge the unsung hero whose dreams have materialised. In a nation where accolades often elude true visionaries, it is imperative to rewrite the narrative and give credit where it is long overdue.
Founding Father of Shillong Commerce College:
In an illustrious career, Professor S. K. Acharya, also known as my father, served as the founder-Principal of the Shillong Commerce College. His multifaceted contributions extended beyond envisioning transformative waterways, shaping the educational landscape in Shillong.
To delve deeper into his visionary endeavours at Shillong Commerce College, explore my other blog post, Shillong Commerce College: A Chronicle of Vision and Triumph
Immerse yourself in the authentic voices of recognition and acknowledgment from prominent publications.
Immerse yourself in the authentic voices of recognition and acknowledgment from prominent publications.
The Shillong Times.
dated, 18-11-2019
The Assam Tribune,
dated, 22-11-1994
dated, 22-11-1994
A video presentation in memory of S. K. Acharya
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