How Kolkata Has Changed Dramatically in the Last 11 Years

The changes and non-changes I observed

The interior courtyard of the Oberoi Grand Hotel, established in 1888 (credit: Monica Ray)

As Kolkata came into view from the airplane, it brought back a smorgasbord of memories. My last visit was 11 years ago when we stopped over for a few days on our way to Hong Kong.

I lived here as a child from the ages of 6 until a young teen. During this time, life was largely…