Dalhousie Institute (DI) has been a part of Jayajit Biswas’s life since his teenage years. He has spent almost four decades at this 150-year-old Ballygunge club and been its president for three consecutive years. The alumnus of La Martiniere for Boys and St. Xavier’s College, Biswas shared his plans for DI.

Congratulations! This is your third time as the president. Has your office changed in these three years or is it the same?

Yes, this is my third year as the president. The office is our engine room! This is the place where we discuss and decide on the operations and logistics before they get implemented. When you take decisions, someone will be happy and someone will not be happy. But then that’s life. At the end of the day whatever decision is taken by the council, it is in the best interest of all our members and for the good of the club. I guess, the office remains the same, the scene changes with the changing times.

You’ve been coming to DI forever...

I have been coming to DI from my teens, when my father Biman Biswas was a member. He was the one who introduced me to the club culture. I was a hosteller and whenever I used to get a break during the summer holidays, I would come here for a swim. I remember digging into fish fries after a round of swimming! Since then DI has been my love and passion.

Are they still constants?

Now, DI has a lot more options. Now I love the Chicken American Steak, Coriander Chicken and Chicken Fried Noodles. As for swimming, I don’t get much time now. When I have some time on my hands, I love my adda with my friends and family at the club. So, from swimming it turned to socialising.

What are the things you would never want to change about DI?

The tradition and its culture that makes DI unique in more ways than one. DI moved to a couple of places before settling down for good at this present address. Like several other established clubs in the city, the membership was select and limited but now, given the demand, the membership has increased several folds. DI, which had been founded for intellectual pursuits, now also happens to be a sports landmark. It participates regularly in the intra-club and inter-club competitions and is always considered a strong contender. Sports include tennis, table tennis, cricket, football, snooker, swimming, badminton, darts, chess bridge... the list goes on. On the food front, several cuisines are offered.

How did you feel when you became president for the first time? And now that you are in the chair for the third time...

It was a great feeling! To be leading an institution which is more than 150 years old is by itself a huge honour. It also came with a responsibility to steer the club, not just keeping with its tradition and culture but also moving ahead with the changing times. I am truly blessed to have the unstinted support of my colleagues in the council in this continuous endeavour. The members have been a pillar of strength for me. Their love and support have been overwhelming. I am deeply touched by the suggestions I receive from senior members, past presidents especially Derek O’Brien, who despite his busy schedule never fails to inspire and motivate us with sound advice. After all, any club which is as old as 150, speaks volumes about the members who have made the club what it is today.

What were the initial challenges? What are the challenges that remain?

Challenges will always remain in our life be it in any sphere. I look at it as an opportunity. What it has taught me the most is there is nothing called pressure. For the council and me, it’s an opportunity to excel and take the club forward. There are lot of statutes that are coming into place, especially rules framed by the government, excise rules and regulations have changed. Then there are labour issues... catering to the different needs of members. A lot of activities have come up now compared to earlier years. And when you do good, you also raise the level of expectation. The culture, ethos and tradition of the club should be maintained at any cost.

What are your short-term and long-term goals for the club?

Considering short-term goals, there is lot of work to be done — running the administration properly, tackling labour issues, maintaining this age-old heritage institution, responding to the call of the members, keeping pace with the cultural, entertainment and sporting activities. To be responsive to the society at large is definitely my long-term goal. There are other long-term goals like rainwater harvesting, introduction of solar power, waste management, besides upkeep and further development, which will be a balance of tradition and modernity.

Over the years did you have to make changes in your personal routine because of DI?

DI occupies a special place in my heart ever since I was introduced to it. Since then we love each other. This is my passion and a way of life for me. The fabric and the spirit of bonhomie is what makes DI the proverbial second home. Members from all walks of life cutting across caste, creed and religion love to enjoy the ambience which is truly fascinating! Adda with friends and family is what it means to us besides participating in various cultural pursuits and multifarious sporting activities.

I am an avid clubber but I do give time to my family and friends besides my work. I guess it’s all about balance. I am used to this life. For me, this is a huge responsibility and I try and do my best at what I am given at that point.

What are the upcoming events?

For December we have a lot lined up — Christmas Light-up, Neil O’Brien DI Open Quiz, Christmas Tree Party, DI Cares (an afternoon with underprivileged children), Members Candlelight Dinner, Carols Evening, Christmas get-together, Christmas Bumper Housie and New Year’s Eve.

Apart from these, our regular activities include encouraging the habit of book reading among children. Interestingly, on Monday evenings, DI opens its doors to members of practically all established clubs in the city to listen to music and partake of all facilities in the well-appointed bar, arguably the only of its kind in the city.

As far as ‘intellectual pursuits’ are concerned this is considered “the home of quiz” in India. There used to be panel discussions featuring some of the best-known names in the country as well. There are plans to resurrect and revive these pursuits, and continue with those in progress.