Kolkata: The Presidency Alumni Association has appealed for vice-chancellor Nirmalya Narayan Chakraborty's intervention to restore and maintain the Eden Hindu Hostel, a structure integral to the Presidency legacy since 1886.
Pointing out the historical and cultural value of the Grade One heritage structure, which has been a home to illustrious personalities like Rajendra Prasad, Amartya Sen and Meghnad Saha, the alumni association expressed concern over the current condition of the hostel, which reflects "serious neglect".
The alumni association's letter stated that the hostel is a "critical source of accommodation for deserving students, especially those from economically and geographically disadvantaged backgrounds". While two wards remain partially functional, they require regular maintenance and proper upkeep. The remaining wards are in a state of disrepair, awaiting restoration and renovation. The letter called for "time-bound" action and regular maintenance of the two currently occupied wards, restoration and renovation of the remaining wards, and ensuring safety for boarders.
On Feb 2025, a chunk fell on the bed of a PG boarder who was lucky to escape as he was not on his bed. During the survey by PWD engineers, it was noticed that several places across the rooms and corridors needed immediate repair.
Boarders entered wards 1 and 2 in 2022, after renovation work was conducted by the university, which started in 2015. Wards 3, 4, and 5 are still closed.
TOI tried to reach Chakraborty through calls and texts, but he did not respond.