In conversation with Alapan Bandyapadhyay, Chairman of West Bengal Heritage Commission
How were your days at RKM?
My days at RKM Narendrapur were wonderful, fabulous, and very instructive.
RKM follows a strict discipline. How important is it in character building?
RKM’s strict and austere disciplinary regimen has been most important in our character building.
What’s your best memory of RKM?
I particularly fondly remember the pre-Puja morning prayers when we used to sing the ‘Agamani’ songs to welcome Uma to her homeland in Bengal.
Were you interested in sports?
Yes, I was interested particularly in football.
RKM believes in value education and character building — the ideology of Swamiji. How important is it in man-making in today’s world?
Value Education has always been the fulcrum thrust in RKM and I feel Swamiji’s teachings are very much relevant in today’s world. They teach you courage and fearlessness.
Your favourite subject?
History.
Your favourite teacher?
There were several great teachers, but I was most influenced by Ajitda, late Ajit Sengupta, who taught us the art of public speaking.
One subject you feel should be mandatory in educational institutions?
Indian History, as I feel the prism of our history is of utmost importance in understanding our life and times.
What’s your message to aspiring civil servants?
Work hard and you will surely succeed