Darjeeling 'Clock Tower'

It has remained silent for more than two decades. Ironically, it symbolizes the turmoil that the Darjeeling hills have witnessed post-agitation in the late-80s. This year, thanks to the effort of the Rotary Club members in Darjeeling, the clock tower at the municipality building here will finally start functioning at the stroke of mid-night on the eve of country's Independence Day.
The Darjeeling Rotary Club has been working tirelessly for the last one month to paint, renovate and repair the tower and the historical clock overlooking the town.

According to Dr Deepak Sharma, Rotary Club Darjeeling, a flag hoisting ceremony will be conducted at the venue where the Darjeeling municipality's chairman, Mr B Dewan, will be the chief guest. The Rotary Club has also planned to illuminate the tower to mark the Independence Day celebrations.

Old folks in the town still recall how they used to constantly refer to the clock tower as they went about their daily life. Mr B Sharma, a 50 year-old government employee, fondly recalls: "The clock tower was one of the land marks in the town in its hay days. We always used to refer to the clock for its perfect timing. The revival of the clock is a momentous occasion for the people of Darjeeling.”


Source: The Statesman, India

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