Kalyanpur always springs surprises. Once it was soaked with innocent’s blood as the gun totting brutes massacred hundreds of people, severely affected the communal harmony and forced Bengali or Koch-Rajbanshi families to desert their hamlets / paras. But its people did not relent or cow down, they returned and built their life again and kept on moving forward.
It is a story of resilience and perseverance- it is a story of bravery against all odds -man-made or natural, death and destructions.
Only some months ago Kalyanpur was devastated by deadly floods that covered their land with several feet of ‘poli mati’ and washed away the standing crops.
But now, with the onset of winter the crisp scent of fresh vegetables fills the air in Kalyanpur again as it thrives with vibrant greenery. The fertile fields of Durgapur, South Durgapur, Ghilatli, Kunjaban, East Kalyanpur, Kamalnagar, and South Ghilatli have reclaimed their glory. These areas were also once the most affected by militancy and witnessed many mindless violence from close quarters.
The devastating floods earlier this year left a trail of destruction, submerging vast stretches of agricultural land and leaving countless farmers staring at an uncertain future. Yet, as the waters receded, so did despair, replaced by an unyielding resolve to restore what was lost.
These areas are now standing as a testament to the resilience of both nature and the people who nurture it
Farmers who bore the brunt of the flood now share stories of hope and gratitude. In the soft glow of the winter sun, they can be seen tending to fields brimming with cabbages, cauliflowers, spinach, and other seasonal delights. Their joy is palpable as they recount how government support and the tireless efforts of agriculture department officials helped them weather the storm of adversity.
“It was hard to believe that we could plant again this season,” says Ranjan Das, a farmer from South Ghilatli. “The floods destroyed everything, but the agriculture department stood by us, providing seeds, fertilizers, and guidance. Today, we are not just growing crops; we are rebuilding our lives.”
Another farmer, Anita Roy from Kunjaban, shares how neighbours came together, pooling resources and labor to rejuvenate the battered fields. “The flood may have taken much, but it couldn’t break our spirit,” she says with a proud smile.
The fields of Kalyanpur, once a stark reminder of nature’s fury, now tell a different story—a story of renewal and resilience. Rows of lush vegetables sway gently in the winter breeze, a vibrant contrast to the memories of muddy waters and ruined harvests.
As the community prepares to send their produce to markets across the region, the fragrance of fresh vegetables serves as both a symbol and a promise: no matter how deep the scars of calamity, the spirit of Kalyanpur’s farmers will always rise, green and thriving. ( With inputs from Gopal Bhattacharjee, Kalyanpur)
