Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has initiated the beautification of two iconic ghats on the banks of the River Hooghly as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. The project focuses on the culturally revered Mayer Ghat at Bagbazar and the historic Suriname Ghat at Garden Reach, both significant landmarks in Kolkata’s heritage.
MoU Signed to Preserve Cultural and Historical Landmarks
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the initiative was signed on 6 August 2025 by Rajeev Vastava, GM (HR&A), GRSE, and Santanu Mitra, Chief Engineer, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK). The signing was witnessed by Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, and Rathendra Raman, Chairman, SMPK. Capt (IN) P Sunilkumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), along with senior officials from both organisations, were also present.
Mayer Ghat: A Spiritual Heritage Site
Located near Bagbazar in North Kolkata, Mayer Ghat holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. It is closely associated with Ma Sarada, the revered spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who used the ghat during her stay at Udbodhan. The beautification will ensure preservation of this sacred site for future generations while enhancing its accessibility and visual appeal.
Suriname Ghat: A Symbol of Migration and Resilience
Suriname Ghat marks a significant chapter in India’s migration history. On 26 February 1873, the sailing ship Lalla departed from this ghat to the Dutch colony of Suriname with 410 indentured labourers and their families, marking the beginning of the Indian diaspora there. Between 1873 and 1916, 63 more ships carried 34,304 Indians to Suriname. Today, over 175,000 people of Indian origin—comprising more than 35% of the country’s population—live in Suriname.
The Mai Baap Memorial and the sculpture of a man and woman carrying potlis symbolise the resilience of these migrants. At the time, men carried two dhotis and two kurtas, women two saris, and some brought religious texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. They were paid 25 pence a week, yet their descendants have gone on to excel in business, arts, sports, and politics.
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GRSE’s Caribbean Connection
GRSE’s ties with the Caribbean are not new. In 2023, the shipyard delivered Ma Lisha, an ocean-going passenger-cum-cargo ferry, to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, a country bordering Suriname. This was the largest and fastest ferry in Guyana and the first of its kind built in India for that nation. Notably, indentured labourers also migrated to Guyana from Kolkata to work in sugarcane plantations.
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
The restoration of Mayer Ghat and Suriname Ghat will preserve two critical heritage sites while creating spaces that educate and inspire visitors. The project highlights GRSE’s commitment to safeguarding history, promoting cultural awareness, and contributing to the community through sustainable CSR initiatives.
About Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), under the Ministry of Defence, is one of India’s leading shipyards. Headquartered in Kolkata, GRSE has a legacy of delivering warships, commercial vessels, and specialised ships for both domestic and international clients. Alongside its shipbuilding expertise, GRSE actively engages in CSR initiatives to promote heritage preservation, education, and community development.
