Chandannagore’s Alo Hub
Chandannagore is not just an erstwhile French colony, but the Town that redefined ‘Light.’ It is a glowing example of how a group of self-taught light artisans can weave magic combining imagination and creativity with advanced light technology. Now, their efforts will gain a new boost, as the state government recently inaugurated ‘Alo Hub’ or the Lightmen’s Den in Chandannagore. In 2017, Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, had declared a new project, that of setting up of Alo Hub (Light Hub) at Chandannagore. Administrative approval for a sum of Rs. 15 Cr was accorded by TET&S Dept. of Govt. of West Bengal and now the dream of rehabilitating and relocating the Light Wizards of Chandannagore is complete. The Alo Hub has been inaugurated this month and will be functioning in full swing now.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, had declared a new project, that of setting up of Alo Hub (Light Hub) at Chandannagore. Administrative approval for a sum of Rs. 15 Cr was accorded by TET&S Dept. of Govt. of West Bengal and now the dream of rehabilitating and relocating the Light Wizards of Chandannagore is complete.
Indranil Sen, MLA Chandannagore and MOS Department of Tourism and Information and Cultural Affairs, explained: ‘The fame of Chandannagore’s lightmen is world renowned. Not just in Bengal or India, the artisans of this area have left their mark in various American and European cities as well. From time to time they are still asked to participate in worldwide lighting venues and they are famous. To help these artisans further, our CM decided to build an exclusive place for them, so that they can further collaborate and produce their best. Alo Hub will definitely be a grand addition to the history of Chandannagore’s Light Industry.’
True to what Sen said, the artisans of Chandannagore are indeed happy. As Light Wizard Sridhar Das who is world famous for his participation in Thames Lighting Festival of London years ago, said: “We are happy the work is over and all will now get a place of their own.” While, other artisans believe the hub will improve the technical skills through education of people involved in the light industry. They will get a chance to be trained in fire-fighting skills too alongside technical skills, providing a base for production and sale of decorative lights and fixtures.
When Sridhar Das started his foray into the world of innovative decoration with lights in 1950s, technology and skills were a distant cry. But now with the era of automated lighting even innovative ideas of artisans need to be honed up through skills that the comprehensive Alo Hub will provide for sure.
