Last year Porosh had organized 1-day overnight trip to Taki. The venue was Sonar Bangla. We had written about it as well. Amidst all fun and frolic one request resonated among the members and it was about organizing a 2-day trip in a similar destination. True to Porosh’s commitment to the well-being of its members, a year later, we did indeed made a trip to Mandarmoni. It was between February 5th to 7th.
Alongwith thirty-five members we boarded a Volvo bus in front of the Calcutta Port Trust Officers’ Club and left for our destination around 8.15 am. Enroute Mandarmoni we had a brief stopover at Kolaghat for breakfast where a week advance we paid a visit and placed orders in advance keeping in mind personal food preferences of each and every individual. This saved us time and also chaos in the food court.
Finally, by 2 pm we reached Mandarmoni Sonar Bangla’s impeccably maintained beachfront resort. A brief rest and thereafter we treated to lavish Bengali lunch spread. Although the items were the usual ones yet the quality of food and service stood out. This was followed by siesta before the evening cultural program unfolded around 6.30 pm. What followed was one-and-half hours of soulful entertainment comprising songs, recitation and games for the members, of the members and by the members. Not to forget before the cultural events unfolded the entire team visited the serene and beautiful beach.
Next day, for most of us, started with morning walk on the beach. The weather was pleasant and so was the soothing breeze. Around 8 am or so assembled for breakfast and what followed thereafter till 10 am was pure unalloyed Bengali adda, fun and banter. The members were effusive in praising Porosh for organizing an engaging event the night before. And obviously, quite a few were curious to know what we had up our sleeves the evening of Day 2.
The entire day was spent in leisurely manner. Most of us had an afternoon siesta before getting ready for the cultural events scheduled in the evening. The key part of the event was dance performance by the Team Porosh. It was sheer fun and enjoyment. The event assumed greater significance because all the team members despite hectic and erratic work hours managed to rehearse and put-up a show like this for their members! It also showcases their passion to the work.
On February 7th it was time to pack-up for Kolkata with box load of pleasant memories. However, this time around the demand has been to organize such get-togethers every six months instead of twelve months. Let’s see if can live upto this expectation as well.
