The best part of 'Introduction' of Tech Hall is that it does not need any introduction. In the parlance of Tech Hall, introduction has got a specific significance, which can be elaborated later on.

To begin with, let us see how Tech Hall can be defined. In simple words, it can be described as a small shelter in the prime area of Cosmopolitan city of Kolkata (South), which provides enough time & activities to those young boys who mostly come from urban and semi-urban backdrops with a burning desire in the core of the heart to make something BIG, one day. It has been experienced, repeatedly, that a young chap enters Tech Hall with timid and nervous footsteps but within couple of years, he leaves this abode of transformation with definite confidence and a commitment for life.

Believe it or not, today, these Techalities are settled all over the country, from Digboi in Assam to Baroda in Gujarat, as well as from Trivandrum in down South to Jammu & Kashmir in extreme North. Besides they are scattered, across the length and breadth of the country. If you try to locate the fellow-folks of Tech Hall, you will be surprised to find them in almost all major industries in the country. Non-Kolkata metros, especially Delhi and Mumbai, have got a good cluster of Techhallites of yester-year. Not only in India, they can be tracked in other parts of the world. Starting from our next door neighbouring country - Srilanka to Singapore and beyond. Some seniors have taken a big leap across Atlantic Ocean and have settled in the other corner of the globe.

Now, comes the real 'introduction' to Tech Hall. Till a fellow is christened through the process of 'introduction' he is not mature enough for the real life. Before coming to Tech Hall, he was staying under the protective environment of his parents or other guardians. Now, that umbrella is off and he has to decide his own course. At this stage, please do not think that he is left alone and unguarded. Since 'introduction' ceremony, he is always protected and guided by senior dadas. By virtue of his stay at Tech Hall, he learns that how caring dadas can be - starting from taking to a movie-trip to providing the rare notes of curriculum, the list is endless. By this process, he picks up the same quality from seniors and showers his affection and help to newcomers, as he grows up with passage of every year.

At Tech Hall, time flies past very fast. Before, one could realise the span of time, he is in the final lap of his course, and so is his tenure in Tech Hall. During this intervening period, he remains immersed with plenty of activities, throughout the year. Some events worth mentioning are Saraswati Puja, Annual social, Picnic etc. Even celebrations like Holi, Newyear's eve etc. has got some charm in unique way of Tech Hall.

These are the activities, which are participated by one and all of Tech Hall. Apparently, there may be celebrations, joy and fun. But what Techalities learn from these functions are worth million dollars. These can not be taught, even in MBA schools. They learn how to organize programs, how to manage funds (surprisingly, many a times it starts from near-empty coffer), maintain cordial relationship with peers and seniors - to quote a few. Not to mention about the constant battle, Tech Hall is carrying out against any political invasion into its peaceful and innocent bastion. Given the current geo-socio-political environment, in which Tech Hall is situated, it is worth mentioning that so far, its arena is free from political interference. Historically, Techhallites have ensured that Tech Hall is out of bounds for colours of politics.

Millions of kudos to Tech Hall !

Majorities of Techalities are born ornithologist. They have the talent to study the characteristics, behaviour and specialties of birds. The tall Tech Hall serves the purpose of watchtower, overlooking Ballyugunge Circular road.

A favourite activity of Techalities is giving tuition. This phenomenon is common for almost all the guys, who have ever stayed in Tech Hall. This is irrespective of financial status of the chap. In the evening, other than Sunday, the ground floor lobby or the common room wears a deserted look, as the guys have gone for giving tuition. By way of giving tuition, Techhallites, in one shot, do the worship of both of the Goddesses - Saraswati and Lakshmi. Availability of these extra funds, earned by way of giving tuition, besides monthly merit scholarship, put them at ease for enhanced spending power for movie and masti.

The entrance lobby and floor corridors, start vibrating with activities, once they are back after giving tuition. Some return after spending an hour or so, at the junction of Gariahat, which is a hub of hustle and bustle of shopping activities. The colourful stream of shoppers, which flows down the junction of Gariahat, sparkling in the evening neon lights of advertisement boards, takes one to a fairy land. The fatal attraction of Gariahat More is irresistible and Techalities are more than willing to respond to this magnetic charm.

An aroma of pure amusement and laughter prevails over Tech Hall round the clock. The inherent culture of Tech Hall can not be seen but be felt. It is like the colour of rising sun, which with its magic touch makes everything visible that hitherto remains covered under the darkness of night. Tech Hall provides the right ambience to flourish the hidden talents. The scope ranges from running an effective mess to artistic display of decoration at Puja Pandal to literary explosion in wall magazine - "Shayak".

Study, of course, comes under the category of extra-curricular activities.

Tech Hall can be visualised as the cocoon of Pupa, which mysteriously, transforms a catter-pillar into a colourful and beautiful butterfly. During his stay Techhalite, at times ponders about his past but never forgets to nurture a dream that will come true some day. Amidst all multifarious activities, the lamp of desire to succeed burns continuously within, which even he may not know in his conscious mind. One day, his dream comes true, he leaves his beloved Tech Hall with heavy heart and tearful eyes, to spread his wings in the open outer world.

And the cycle goes on-and-on, generation-after-generation.

Kumar Biswas
New Delhi
13.02.2001