Nukkad Natak

Students from Class 9 reflected on Kolkata's architectural heritage and the collective responsibility to preserve it. They observed that Kolkata's identity is shaped by its architectural marvels, yet safeguarding them rests heavily upon us. Consider the pristine white marble of the Victoria Memorial; it symbolizes grace, yet its grounds often suffer from visitors' carelessness, leaving behind plastic and debris. To genuinely honor this monument, we must keep the lawns as immaculate as the structure itself, treating the space with the respect it deserves rather than using it as a casual dumping ground. The memorial's beauty fades when the path leading to it is cluttered with litter, and it is our primary duty to ensure its surroundings reflect its grandeur, urging every citizen to contribute through mindful and responsible behavior.

Moving towards the river, the iconic Howrah Bridge and the bustling Howrah Station serve as the city's lifeline. These are not merely transit points but engineering feats that define our skyline. However, the station complex and the bridge's pedestrian pathways are frequently marred by spit stains, general filth, and accumulated waste. It is essential that we recognize these structures as the gateway to our city; maintaining their cleanliness is the first step in welcoming the world to Kolkata with pride and in uniting civic discipline with respect for our shared heritage. We must stop treating the station as a refuse bin and view the bridge as a national treasure that deserves freedom from corrosion and dirt caused by human negligence.

Similarly, the Indian Museum, the oldest in the Asia-Pacific region, houses treasures of antiquity, yet its surroundings often lack the cleanliness such an institution deserves. Preserving our heritage is not solely the government's responsibility but a collective civic duty. We must cultivate cleanliness habits by disposing of waste correctly and actively discouraging the defacement of these historic walls. By keeping these four pillars of Kolkata's history—Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Howrah Station, and the Indian Museum—spotless, we ensure that the City of Joy remains a city of beauty and self-respect for generations to come.