BENGAL BOATS & RICKSHAW ROADS
A Cultural Exchange Project Celebrating Patrick Geddes’ Legacy in India
150th Anniversary Project (2004-2005)
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This phase was triggered by the 150th anniversary of Patrick Geddes’ birth in 2004. The project represented a remarkable cultural bridge between Scotland and India, celebrating Geddes’ pioneering work in both countries through sustainable transport and environmental themes.
In 2004, working alongside local artists and students in Kolkata, a traditional Bengal Boat was decorated and brought to Scotland as part of the “Language of Rivers and Leaves” project. This initiative linked the two countries through an environmental theme, celebrating Patrick Geddes and his family’s significant work in India.
The boat, named ‘Sonar Tori’ (Golden Boat), became a powerful symbol of the cultural and environmental connections between Bengal and Scotland, embodying Geddes’ philosophy of “Think Global, Act Local.”
RICKSHAW ROADS – SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
Creative Sustainability
Following the Bengal Boat project, in 2005 rickshaws became an alternative form of transport in Edinburgh, though they have since been displaced by conventional taxis.
The year after the Bengal Boat project, two decorated rickshaws (tricycle and two-wheel) were commissioned in Kolkata as part of a sustainable transport project that looked to Geddes’ principles. Due respect was given to addressing the exploitation of many rickshaw operators.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
School Tours
The tricycle rickshaw was formally toured around schools by the project team and Gavin Smith in Aberdeenshire and Fife schools. While ambitions to tour all three regions of Scotland did not secure appropriate funding, the project made significant educational impact.
Cultural Exchange
There was a very significant cultural and educational project between the ‘school’ art centre in Kolkata and schools in Aberdeenshire. Key collaborators included Tandra Chanda and Pulak Goshe, artists and directors of the originally named ‘School of Arts and Crafts’ – now the Green Wave Art Centre.
Ballater Focus
Ballater/Aberdeenshire became a major focus for the project team. Since 2004, the actual location where Patrick Geddes was born in Ballater was confirmed, and a bronze plaque is now in place. Various public talks have taken place, and Geddes books have been launched in Ballater.
LEGACY & DOCUMENTATION
Film Documentation
Both projects were filmed and can be viewed on YouTube under the titles “Bengal Boats” and “Rickshaw Roads,” providing a lasting record of this remarkable cultural exchange.
Ongoing Impact:
The project has generated a vast range of legacy initiatives, including sculptural school gates and a themed walk through Ballater. For the last couple of years, exhibitions and books have been presented in Deeside Book-shop with encouragement from Sabine Muir and Stella Potter.
Recent reconnections with Ballater and Finzean schools have continued the educational mission. A school calendar has been generated, and Ballater school has introduced awards and a new Geddes trophy presented to pupils on 10th October for arts and environmental achievements.
Plans are underway to gain commercial sponsorship for future Geddes projects, ensuring the continuation of this important educational and cultural legacy.
KEY COLLABORATORS:
Scotland Focus:
- Gavin Smith (School Tours)
- Prof Bashabi Fraser (Ballater Focus)
- Walter (Ballater Focus)
- Sabine Muir (Deeside Book-shop)
- Stella Potter (Deeside Book-shop)
India Focus
- Tandra Chanda (Artist & Director)
- Pulak Goshe (Artist & Director)
- Green Wave Art Centre (formerly School of Arts and Crafts)
- Local artists and students in Kolkata
BALLATER WALK & SCHOOL CALENDAR
A vast range of ‘legacy projects’ have emerged from this initiative, including sculptural school gates and a themed walk through Ballater as illustrated in the detailed map above. Since 2004, the actual location where Patrick Geddes was born in Ballater was confirmed by the Trust, and a bronze plaque is now in place with various public talks having taken place.
Ballater Heritage Trail
The Sir Patrick Geddes Walk through Ballater features 12 places and features with links to Sir Patrick Geddes, creating a comprehensive heritage trail that celebrates his birthplace and lasting influence on the community.
Geddes books have been launched in Ballater, and for the last couple of years exhibitions and books have been presented in Deeside Book-shop with encouragement from Sabine Muir and Stella Potter. The project team reconnected with Ballater and Finzean schools last year and continued this year with Ballater school.
School Calendar & Awards
A school calendar has been generated and Ballater school this year introduced awards and a new Geddes trophy presented to pupils on 10th October for arts and environmental achievements.
Plans are underway to gain commercial sponsorship for future Geddes projects, ensuring the continuation of this important educational and cultural legacy in Patrick Geddes’ birthplace.
GEDDES PHILOSOPHY IN ACTION
This project exemplified Patrick Geddes’ core principles of “Place-Work-Folk” and “Think Global, Act Local.” By connecting the specific places of Bengal and Scotland through the work of cultural exchange and involving the folk of both communities, the project created a living demonstration of Geddes’ vision for international cooperation and environmental awareness.
The emphasis on sustainable transport, environmental themes, and educational outreach reflected Geddes’ holistic approach to social and environmental improvement, proving that his ideas remain as relevant today as they were over a century ago.