“The plush club lawns overlooking the lake, a line of trees, complement the view of Rabindra Sarobar, a beautifully maintained natural setting, sight of the coxswain fours leaving the club raft. Some members ritually walk and jog amidst gleaming dew as others browse through newspapers over a steaming cuppa. The scent of camaraderie. The sound of friendly banter. The feel of a home away from home. Marwari vibrancy is synonymous with Bengal Rowing Club (B.R.C.).”
It was entrepreneurial ingenuity that brought residents from distant Rajasthan to Kolkata. It was the community’s unfailing loyalty to their traditional lifestyle that gave them the looks of a close-knit society, and a need was felt for a common platform for some exchange of ideas. So, the progressive men of the community came together to form a club. The foundation of The Bengal Rowing Club (then Marwari Rowing Club) was laid on the 25th of August 1929. It took six years to finalize all arrangements, and the club took its position on the Rabindra Sarobar Lakes in 1935.
Initially, the club functioned out of the residence of its first Secretary, Kanai Lalji Jatia. This situation would repeat itself during the Second World War when the club was shifted to the residence of a member. Under the guidance of its first President, Sir B D Goenka, and its illustrious founder members, including Shri Ghanshyam Dasji Birla, Shri Kanai Lalji Jatia, Shri Raghunath Prasadji Poddar, Shri Ramprasadji Rajgaria, Shri Gajanandji Jatia, Shri Brijmohanji Birla, Shri Shiv Kishnji Bhatter, Shri Prabhu Dayalji Himatsingka, Shri S. K. Chaudhari, Shri Radha Kishanji Chamaria, and Shri Ramdhan Dasji Jhajharia, the club began to spread its wings like a graceful swan.
In fact, for those times, BRC took some unprecedented steps, such as enrolling women members for rowing and permitting Indian attire within the precincts of the club. Smt. Umaraoji Kheruka was the first lady rowing member, way back in 1937.
With India gaining its independence, the club was rechristened as The Bengal Rowing Club on 9th November 1948. Given its fast-growing reputation as a club that offered a family atmosphere, held onto its Indian roots yet welcomed progressive ideas, membership began to be much sought after from diverse communities such as Punjabis, Gujaratis, Bengalis, and of course, Marwaris. The concept of proper etiquette and decent behaviour remained the hallmark of the club, and the elders of the community preferred their younger members going to this club than to any other westernized ones.
Rowing was not taken seriously and was just a pastime for physical fitness. The rowing activities were suspended during World War II from 1942 to 1945, as the premises were requisitioned for army use. It took four years to reorganize rowing. In keeping with its name, rowing was one of the earliest sporting activities of the club. Through hard work and discipline, the rowing members began to earn laurels for the club. Eighteen rowing boats, at a total cost of £125.10, were imported from London in 1936. In 1949, the club was affiliated with the Amateur Rowing Association of the East (ARAE), and then in 1978, with the Far East Amateur Rowing Association (FEARA). The club is also a founding member of the West Bengal Rowing Association (WBRA). The club has paddle boats and kayaking for pleasure rides and manoeuvring skills in the lake waters. Over the years, the club has built an excellent boat house with an impressive arsenal of boats and oars, one of the best in the country.
The club began training young individuals, organizing regattas for schools and colleges, and gradually participating in open regattas to a moderate extent. By the 1960s, the club had successfully produced talented rowers. Their first victory came in 1959 when they won the Losers Scull event in ARAE 1959. The club plays a significant role in national competitions, with a considerable number of rowers from the club representing the Bengal contingent each year. Today, the club’s rowers not only excel in domestic regattas but also achieve recognition in international events.
Since its establishment in 2002, the BRC Students Rowing Championship has grown significantly. Initially involving only a few schools, it has now become a highly anticipated event for students from leading schools in Kolkata. This two-month-long regatta attracts approximately 300-350 school boys and girls. The event has garnered immense success, received extensive media coverage and generated a sense of euphoria. Rowing embodies the spirit of unity, and the club members celebrate their achievements through enjoyable and lively activities filled with laughter and joy.
Billiards, pool, table tennis, card rooms, badminton courts, and the swimming pool are just a few of the many activities available for members to enjoy at our prestigious club. Whether you prefer a thoughtful cue or an energetic swing with a racket, there is something for everyone. And for those seeking a refreshing escape, a joyful plunge in the pool awaits.
But our club offers more than just physical activities. Our well-equipped gym allows members to tone their bodies and stay in shape. We also take pride in introducing Kolkatans to the game of croquet, a tradition that has been cherished within our club for years. In fact, we have a rich history of both intra-club and inter-club sports competitions, where participants engage in friendly competition. And as they strive for victory, impartial spectators cheer them on, creating an electric atmosphere.
The prestigious Billiard Room has been the regular venue for the State Championships, showcasing the incredible talent of our members. In fact, we have had the honour of hosting the National Billiards & Snooker Championships in both 1978 and 1998.
Social gatherings during Diwali and Holi have transformed into vibrant spectacles, brimming with merriment, delectable cuisine, enchanting musical performances, and captivating entertainment. Notably, the facilities have been expanded and enhanced to prioritize functionality over mere aesthetics. The kitchen dished out gourmet delights from Rajasthan. Even today, this is one of the rare places that has not lost its old culinary expertise. From the very beginning, the club served only non-alcoholic beverages, a rule that is welcomed even today. In addition to the traditional Rajasthani delicacies, diners now have the pleasure of indulging in a diverse array of local, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. However, the enduring preference for vegetarian and onion-garlic-free recipes remains immensely popular, with the only compromise being the provision of onions as a separate accompaniment upon request.
Children’s Corner and Carnivals are enjoyed by both the little ones and the adults alike. The Fashion Pageant of 2000 A.D., held in January 1993, received thunderous applause from the attendees. Undoubtedly, it was one of the most awe-inspiring events ever witnessed on the club premises, showcasing the club’s contemporary ideas while still honouring our rich ethnic values. Contrary to popular belief, the club’s activities throughout the years have unequivocally demonstrated that the so-called conservative communities of India are just as open-minded and progressive as any other segment of society. It is the unwavering determination, mutual respect, and cooperation that bind the members of this esteemed club together.
Within the club, the sense of camaraderie is so powerful that there is no need for an election to choose the governing committee. This decision has remained unquestioned, further solidifying the club’s unity. Enhancing the club’s strength is Waves & Words, a printed forum that weaves the members together in a tight-knit web of friendship. This publication provides an additional platform for sharing news and opinions, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.
The illustrious members of BRC hold significant influence over the destiny of Corporate India. These members include the esteemed Birla family (GD Birla, BK Birla, KK Birla, and GP Birla). The influential Goenka family (RP Goenka and Sanjiv Goenka). The Khaitan family (BM Khaitan, GN Khaitan, and Binod Khaitan). Additionally, B P Bajoria, Bharat H. Singhania, B. G. Bangur, R P Mody, H. L. Somany, Jagmohan Dalmia, and L. N. Mittal are among the many other dynamic achievers who contribute to this prestigious group.
Over the years, the club has emerged as one of the city’s top social hubs, offering an unparalleled atmosphere that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. With cutting-edge sports and fitness facilities, a diverse and exquisite culinary selection, meticulously curated cultural and musical events, as well as lively carnivals and fiestas, the club has established extraordinary standards, ensuring that its prestigious legacy continues to flourish with each passing year. Today, BRC is not only a place for toddlers, but also a welcoming home for teenagers and septuagenarians alike.