Embracing Life in My Hometown : Glimpse of Mymensingh

I find myself overwhelmed with blend of nostalgia and pride whenever I talk about my hometown as it is not just a place but also a collection of memories and environment that has shaped me who I am. Mymensingh is a city in northern Bangladesh, blessed with beautiful natural beauty of Brahmaputra which runs along it's edge. Its was founded in 18th century that has grown from a small trading post to urban center with a population of over 400,000.The city is known for it’s eye catching landscape, educational hub, history,culture and the essence of fascinating past.To me, Brahmaputra is one of the most  appealing features.

The "Zainul Abedin" park in the riverbank provides a lush green space for spend time with family or lonetime. "Zainul Abedin Shangrahashala", an art museum situated beside the river which was established in 1975. It contains the collection of artist Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin. I have so much memories in this place. I used to do cycling beside the river. Whenever I visit Mymensingh, I never miss a morning walk there. Sipping morning tea beside Brahmaputra and watching the sunrise is on of the best experience. People from the village across the river come and sell their fresh  vegetables and fruits in a small market that stands in the riverside. People come for.morning walk and buy fresh goods for families. I love to click the lively morning moments beside the river.

Mymensingh is carrying great historic value. "Shashi Lodge" is one of them. Soshi Lodge is the name of Maharaja Shashikant Acharya's palace situated in the centre of Mymensingh city. It was known as "Rangmahal". At the beginning of 20th century, Maharaja Suryakanta Acharya made Shashi Lodge in the style of Byzantine. His adopted child finished the constructio of Shahshi lodge. The whole building floor is made of marble stone. The white- marbled statue Venus has been standing at the garden of 'Soshi Lodge' for more than 200 centuries. Behind the palace there is a pond. There is a small two-storey building beside the pond.Some say that "Monda of Muktagacha" was only made for the Maharaja. The kings would not allow others to eat 'Monda' except them. Extra Mondas were fed to his two elephants, Shankha and Sambhu. The main buildong always fascinated me with lots of curves,arch and structural design. The place is now used as museum. Alexandra Castle is another historical landmark near the river in Mymensingh.

It is.popularly known as "Lohar Kuthi" due to the iron structure. It was named after the Alexandra, wife of the then Emperor Edward VII of India. The spiral staircase inside the building very eye catching. It is currently used as Teachers Training College Library. 

But beside these, I want to share about my school.Vidyamoyee Govt. Girls' High School girls' is an old historic high school in Mymensingh. The school was founded by Jagatkishore Acharya Chowdhury, the son of Vidyamoyee Devvya in 1873 during British Raj for female education. This school is a collector of historic memories. Rabindranath Tagore also once visited this place in 1926. Mymensingh is also known as a city of educational institutions. It's also called "Shikha Nagari ". Bangladesh Agricultural University was established is 1961. It is the first agricultural university and also the second largest public university of Bangladesh. The campus master-planning was designed by Architect Paul Rudolph.

I grew up among all of these historic architectural landmark that inspired me today to become an architectural student. Beside the places, it is fill up with peace loving people and delightful culinary experiences. The Monda of Muktagacha is one of the famous one. The bond among the people and communities made me who I am today. Every semester break, I go back to my place. Every corner of this city gives me a feeling of home, cozy and comfortable.