Kolkata Scottish Heritage Trust

Thank you Ish*ta, and your team at Komorebi, for helping us 'look good' and helping us share our journey with som many around the world, these last twelve years!

31st March 2024 brings us to the close of the Phase One of the Conservation project. We shall return with more when we have more to share. Thank you for your continued support dear followers!

Dr. Neeta Das
Conservation Architect and Project Lead

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And finally, we would like to celebrate our Trustees of Kolkata Scottish Heritage Trust, without whom this project would be impossible. They really supported everyone in making the Cemetery transform into the inclusive community driven space that brings peace to everyone it touches.

Please give your applaud to :
Chairman Lord Charles Bruce
Hon. Treasurer Mridula Chakraborty, Robotic Engineer
Trustee Prof. Bashabi Fraser
Trustee Dr. Anne Buddle
Member Elizabeth Guest
Member Ian Stein

Thank you to all of them from the entire KSHT team.

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Special mention to these two gentlemen, who have helped us from behind the scenes over the last decade:

Development Consultant: Rajiv Saurastri
Consulting Archaeologist: Dilip Datta

Your contribution has been priceless.

MEET THE TEAM: HOUSEKEEPING

MEMBERS: Tinku Ghosh, Samar Naskar, Md. Sajid

🌟 Shoutout to our Amazing Housekeeping Team at the Scottish Cemetery Restoration Project! 👏🏠 Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in maintaining the pristine beauty of this historical site. From the meticulous upkeep of pathways to ensuring cleanliness, your efforts make the cemetery a welcoming and peaceful space. Thank you for your commitment to excellence in preserving this heritage gem!

MEET OUR TEAM: Landscape Design

🌿✨ Meet Tania Das , the creative force behind the mesmerizing transformation of the Scottish Cemetery in Kolkata! As our exceptional Landscape Designer, Tania's artistry has gracefully blended nature and heritage, creating enchanting spaces within this historic site. Her passion for preserving the natural beauty of the cemetery is evident in the meticulously planned biodiversity park. Kudos to Tania for infusing life and serenity into the landscape.

📸✨ MEET THE TEAM: Brand & Communication Designer Ish*ta Das

Hello, everyone! Introducing me! 😅

It's been an incredible journey being your Brand Designer, Social Media, and Communication Consultant for the Scottish Cemetery. From the ruins 12 years ago to the serene haven it is today, every step has been a testament to the power of restoration and community spirit.

Watching the cemetery evolve into a tranquil space has been nothing short of magical. Managing the content and branding has allowed us to tell a story of resilience, preservation, and the beauty that arises from dedicated efforts. It's more than just a project; it's a narrative of revival.

Engaging with this space, both visually and communicatively, has been an honor. I'm immensely proud to have played a role in showcasing the journey of the Scottish Cemetery. Here's to more years of preserving history and sharing its stories!

🌿 MEET OUR TEAM: Neeta Shubhrajit Das Associates

MEMBERS: Neeta Das, Shubhrajit Das, Miguel Pifarre, Tania Das, Antara Ghosh, Biplab Mukherjee

Introducing our brilliant Architecture Team, the driving force behind the meticulous conservation efforts at the Scottish Cemetery in Kolkata. With an unwavering commitment to preserving historical charm, this team has reimagined and restored structures with profound sensitivity. A heartfelt salute to them for their ingenious conservation work, dedication, and the transformative touch they bring to the project.

🌈✨ MEET THE TEAM: Community Program Team

Members: Rakhi Poddar, Kaikasha Banu, Prosenjit Das, Nafisa Siddiqui, Nazia Parveen

Meet our extraordinary Community Program Team, the heart and soul behind the vibrant tapestry of engagement around the Scottish Cemetery. Through art and hobby classes for children, empowering vocational training for women, and exciting events for all, they're weaving connections that go beyond heritage.

A huge shoutout to our Community Program Team for bringing life and laughter to this historical haven!

🌿 MEET OUR TEAM: Horticulture Team

MEMBERS: Biswajit Ghosh, Gaffar Ali, Prasanta Ghosh, Sankar Sil

Introducing our dedicated 🌷Horticulture Team🌷, the green thumbs behind the breathtaking transformation of the Scottish Cemetery in Kolkata. Their expertise in landscaping, love for flora, and meticulous care have turned the cemetery into a botanical haven. A big thank you to our Horticulture Team for their outstanding efforts in preserving the natural beauty and creating a serene environment.

🌿 MEET OUR TEAM:

👷‍♂️ Meet Mr. Sailendra Mohan Datta, our dedicated Site Works Manager overseeing the daily operations at the Scottish Cemetery in Kolkata. He plays a pivotal role in the successful day-to-day ex*****on of restoration efforts.

🌳 Alongside, we express our heartfelt appreciation for Mr. Atanu Sharma, our diligent Cemetery Caretaker. His unwavering commitment ensures the tranquility and beauty of the Scottish Cemetery are maintained with utmost care.

🙏 Together, the duo form the heart and soul of this restoration project. Kudos to their passion and hard work in preserving the historical essence of this sacred space.

🏛️🌿 MEET OUR TEAM: Restoration and Civil Works

MEMBERS: Anindya Chatterjee, Nihar Halder, Sanjay Sardar, Sanjay Ball

This is our 🏛️ Restoration and Civil Works Team 🏛️ that has been tirelessly working on the conservation of the historic Scottish Cemetery in Kolkata. Their passion for preserving heritage, commitment to excellence, and innovative techniques have revitalized the site, honoring its cultural significance. We express heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team for their hard work in preserving history and contributing to the rich legacy of Kolkata.

Yet another class for the community children on a warm winter morning.

On way from school.

Spotted! A Drongo at the cemetery!

Process photos from a recently restored grave.

Placemaking, closely linked with community engagement programs, was an integral part of the conservation of the Scottish Cemetery and the urban regeneration of its neighbourhood in Kolkata. It helped in the revitalisation of a derelict 19th century heritage precinct and helped revive it in the memories of the people today. The success of this model prompted BACSA (British Association of Cemeteries in South Asia) to publish a manual to be used in other cemeteries. The manual can be used for cemeteries and for any urban regeneration or urban conservation projects. It can be downloaded for free from their website, link given below.

Placemaking is a transformative approach to urban development that harnesses a community's strengths, aspirations, and potential to cultivate public spaces that enhance urban life. Rooted in a political landscape shaped by place identity, placemaking integrates urban design principles to revitalise neglected spaces, enriching the local experience.

Originating in the 1960s, pioneers like Jane Jacobs emphasized human-centric urban planning, setting the stage for placemaking's emergence in the 1970s. Essential to its success is community input, ensuring that public spaces resonate with their intended users. Beyond mere aesthetics, effective placemaking considers the intricate web of interactions between surrounding elements and activities, resulting in cohesive environments that exceed the sum of their parts. Collaboration with diverse partners—from individuals to institutions—provides crucial support for these projects. Anchored by arts, economic growth, and community cohesion, great places foster attachment and collective commitment, nurturing vibrant, inclusive communities. Vital elements such as green spaces and recreational facilities contribute to the physical beauty and functionality that define exceptional places.

A Practical Handbook for Historic Cemeteries in South Asia and Community Engagement - BACSA A Practical Handbook for Historic Cemeteries in South Asia and Community Engagement

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24108084.kolkata-scottish-cemetery-born/

How a Scottish corner of Kolkata is being gently brought back to life Under Indian skies, it is a corner of Kolkata that remains forever Scotland: a sprawling Victorian monument to those who sought a new life under the…

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/200-year-old-scottish-cemetery-turns-into-biodiversity-park/articleshow/107394810.cms #

200-year-old Scottish Cemetery Turns Into Biodiversity Park | Kolkata News - Times of India Kolkata: The two-century-old Scottish Cemetery, located amidst the clutter of car repair garages in congested Mullick Bazar, has transformed into an o.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/plans-afoot-to-turn-scottish-cemetery-on-karaya-road-into-active-burial-ground/cid/1998206

Plans afoot to turn Scottish cemetery on Karaya Road into active burial ground Cemetery was rescued from ruins and has been restored and beautified under initiative of Kolkata Scottish Heritage Trust

A great start to the new year with 'Sports Day' for the community children to enjoy the beautiful weather we've been experiencing! The class starts with a meditation session to bring them to the moment of being, joy and playfulness!

"The grass is greener where you water it" - Michelle Obama.

Gardeners carry all organic waste to the compost areas where these will soon give us rich manure.

Old bricks reused during restoration works. This not only saves money but also reduces garbage and unnecessary wastage of precious resources.

Old materials like 'surkhi' (brick dust) salvaged and reused for restoration.