By Naba Bhattacharjee
Don Bosco Square in Shillong is renowned and was unique. It owes its name to the statue of Don Bosco, educator and friend of youth; bearing testimony to the academic ambience, as most of the premier schools and colleges, with the exception of few, are located in the vicinity of this place. This square was once the most happening place in the capital being the epicenter of student activity not only of the academic kind but also normal pursuits of youth beyond the realm of the classroom. This square has witnessed euphoria in equal measure over both outstanding examination results and achievements in the sports and cultural arena, unity on students’ protest and temporary acrimony during student’s union elections, romance and love stories both sustaining and ending in heartbreaks; healthy rivalry between students of different institutions in studies and sports.
Till the last few decades of the preceding century, Don Bosco square exhibited an innate bliss and lively atmosphere, difficult to comprehend in the present day rush and scuttle. Human and vehicle population was much less then; there were more open spaces devoid of concrete structures – almost like an extended “free” space of adjoining institutions. There may not have been a typical coffee house but the absence was adequately compensated by the Khasi culinary delight offered by Kong Drial and Kong So; puree and samosa of “ Bhaiji” or “Pandit” or Chinese delicacies served in one of the restaurants – Hills, New or Shangrila.
Then there were two important landmarks – Universal or “Professor’s shop” & “Three-in One”, both being city bus stops for up and down buses. A son of the owner of “Professor’s Shop” – located opposite to St. Anthony’s College at the strategic junction of the roads leading to St. Mary’s College, Shillong College and Upland Road, used to look after the only stationery shop in the area, during the day and attend classes at night. He became a “match maker” of students by default, starting as a repository including receipt and onward delivery of proposal and love letters to cards and messages. His involvement became so intense that he had more knowledge about who likes or loves whom and the romantic linkages, rather than the price of exercise copies, a geometry box or chocolates on sale in his shop. He was privy to almost all new and developing love affairs, having their roots in Don Bosco Square, including individual cases of initial hiccups, agreement and discord, fights and make ups, venue and timing of dates et al. The trust reposed in him was because of his ability to maintain total confidentiality and his acceptability with both parties to mediate in times of stress in a “relationship.” At times he also faced the wrath of the parents – mostly of the girls’, when an affair or exchange of letter was detected and his role was revealed.Don Bosco square used to be abuzz with activity during the day, reaching a crescendo at 2.30 P.M. when St. Mary’s College got over. Needless to add most classes in the college opposite, during that time recorded thin attendance. We learnt later in life from lady friends who studied there that the “half past two itch” of admiring and being admired was never a one sided flow.