In pictures: A park dedicated to Professor Shonku’s immersive world
Located near City Centre, New Town, the park is full of trivia from Satyajit Ray’s iconic stories surrounding the scientist
By
Vedant Karia |
Published 18.03.22, 07:32 PM
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Last year saw New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) bring Professor Trilokeshwar Shonku, one of Satyajit Ray’s most beloved characters to life through a park. At the entrance stands a regal replica of the genius scientist, accompanied by his pet cat, Newton. In his hand is his invention, the Annihilin, a pistol that can obliterate any living thing
TT file picture
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Professor Shonku’s iconic lab in Giridih has also been featured, comprising some of his most popular innovations like the all-knowing robot, Bidhushekhar
Vedant Karia
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Opposite the lab is a wall adorned with graffiti that depicts aspects of the character most fundamental to his existence. We see multiple iterations of the physicist immersed in his experiments
Vedant Karia
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The most iconic part of the park is easily the giant replica of Professor Shonku’s Omniscope. In Ray’s stories, this seemingly standard pair of spectacles tripled up to provide telescope, microscope and X-ray-scope vision
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The park is not only a love letter to the character, but a trivia test for the most ardent fans. Supporting characters also get their due, as the Professor Shonku’s genius crow, Corvus finds a place here, enclosed within his bird-educating device, Ornithon
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This pyramid enclosing sculpted pillars and an Egyptian mummy is undoubtedly a nod to the popular adventures in Professor Shonku o Egypshio Atonko
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A gateway comprising another illustration of Shonku and Newton leads to a colourful model of the solar system, attributing the physicist’s relationship with outer space, explored in 'Byomjatrir Diary' and 'Professor Shonku o Golok Rahasya'
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Another colourful wall is adorned with the names of some of Professor Shonku’s most popular stories, with creator Satyajit Ray’s name taking centrestage
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The shed at the end of the park carries detailed monochrome sketches that re-create the scientist’s most memorable moments in popular culture
