I have always felt a profound connection to Kolkata, the city where I was born and raised. It's a place that knows the ins and outs of my very being. As I find myself reminiscing about its streets, its people, and the myriad experiences it gifted me, an overwhelming sense of nostalgia envelops my heart. In an attempt to capture the essence of this city, which holds an irreplaceable space in my soul, I feel compelled to put my sentiments into words.

Kolkata, often referred to as 'the City of Joy,' lives up to its name in every way imaginable. It's a melting pot of culture, a culinary haven, a canvas of diverse attires, a chaotic yet vibrant traffic symphony, a reservoir of kindness, and a hub of intellectuality. The city effortlessly blends the charm of hand-pulled rickshaws with the sleekness of modern cars, showcasing a diversity that has always been its hallmark.

The linguistic tapestry of Kolkata is equally enchanting. Bengali, hailed as 'the sweetest language in the world,' is spoken with a distinctive Kolkata accent. Beyond words, the city has been home to legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on history – Rabindranath Tagore, Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, Amartya Sen, Mother Teresa, Satyajit Ray, Uday Shankar, Sourav Ganguly, and, dare I say, even myself.

Ah, the food! It's a symphony of flavors that defies description. From the renowned sweets to the eclectic cuisine and an uncountable variety of fast food, Kolkata's culinary scene is unparalleled. Yet, amidst all these delights, my mother's home-cooked meals hold a special place in my heart – a realm where emotions are stirred with every bite.

The journey through school life was a tapestry of unforgettable moments. The first taste of freedom, the first bicycle ride to school, the clandestine experiences of cigarettes and alcohol, the first flush of love, the exhilaration of popularity, the first live guitar performance, and the bittersweet sting of failure – each day felt like a year, etching memories that time could not erase. The tradition of 'kochin,' studying together at a teacher's house after school, not only forged deep friendships but also introduced me to the rich tapestry of human stories.

College life unfolded against the backdrop of the heart of Kolkata – College Street and the iconic Coffee House. Here, I grew intellectually, surrounded by brilliant minds that taught me life's lessons beyond textbooks. College Street's 'boi para,' the world's largest book market, became my sanctuary, feeding my voracious appetite for knowledge. Photography emerged as a passion, documenting every nook and cranny of Kolkata, a city whose scent I could recognize with closed eyes.

As my dream of studying in Canada waned, I embarked on a new phase. A love for computers led me to programming, offering a pathway to earn and fulfill aspirations. The global pandemic disrupted plans, but it also led me to an unexpected fascination with Japan. Kolkata, somehow, always knew my twists and turns.

Yet, amidst the unfolding chapters of life, one emotion remained unexplored – the longing for Kolkata. Tokyo, with its urban jungles and familiar train rhythms, brought a sense of comfort reminiscent of home. Kolkata, with its teachings of freedom, cultural communication, and human respect, remains etched in my heart, a beacon guiding me even in the far corners of the world.

Today, as I reflect, I realize that Kolkata isn't just a city; it's a living, breathing entity that has taught me the art of being free in a world that often feels ruled. It's a place where freedom is not just a concept but a way of life – a lesson that will stay with me till my last breath.

As I conclude this nostalgic journey through the lanes and bylanes of Kolkata, the City of Joy, it's only fitting to weave the melodious strains of "Prathom Sabkichu" by Kabir Suman into the fabric of our reminiscence. This soul-stirring song, much like the city itself, captures the essence of life's beginnings and the myriad emotions that accompany our journey.

*Prathom sabkichu, tomar sathe,*

*Prathom ami, prathom tumi,*

*Prathom shurjo, prathom chhaya,*

*Prathom ek sathe.*

Translated, it resonates:

*At first, everything with you,*

*At first, you and me,*

*At first, the sun, at first, the shade,*

*At first, all together.*

These lyrics mirror the essence of beginnings, of shared experiences, of the intertwining of individual tales against the backdrop of a city that witnessed our firsts, our triumphs, and our heartbreaks. In the mellifluous voice of Kabir Suman, this song becomes an anthem for the journey we undertook through the city that knew us so intimately.

As the familiar notes of "Prathom Sabkichu" linger in the air, let them serve as a gentle reminder of the myriad 'firsts' that Kolkata gifted us – from the first steps in school corridors to the first heartbeats of love, from the first taste of success to the first pangs of loss. It's a melodic tribute to the city that shaped us, a celebration of the beautiful chaos that is Kolkata.

In every chord and every verse, Kabir Suman's creation becomes a harmonious tribute to the spirit of Kolkata, resonating with the symphony of memories etched in our hearts. So, as we bid adieu to this nostalgic journey, let the strains of "Prathom Sabkichu" linger, echoing the timeless tales of a city that will forever remain our own – the City of Joy. Peace ✌🏻