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There is a well-equipped
hospital along with two
dispensaries in the estate. Health
camps on family planning; hygiene;
sanitation; preventive measures against malaria, diarrhoea
and other illnesses; ill effects of alcohol and tobacco
products; are held on a regular basis for the benefit of the
workers. A number of welfare schemes too have been
undertaken by the resident doctor and his able team from
time to time.The MRIL Vision Project has greatly helped
the people here, with a large number of cataract cases
being operated on. Routine health check-ups for the staff
and workers are conducted thrice a year. The medical
team, along with the Mothers’ Club members, has played
an important role in reaching out to the workers on health
issues, thereby promoting a
healthy atmosphere. A
unique garbage disposal
scheme is being propagated
in the Lines – each family
puts its garbage in a
disposable bag hung on a
fence post to be collected
on a daily basis.
In 1965, Sri Nobin Kond, a retired and dedicated worker,
received the certificate of ‘President’s Scout’ from the then
President of India, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. In
recent times,Ms Sushmita Borah, daughter of Sri
D.P. Borah, Head Clerk, has participated in the
sport of badminton
at the State and
National levels, earning numerous accolades.The popular
Nagadhoolie Jhumur Dance Group too, has won several
awards in competitions in the area.
The majority of the workers in this estate are Hindus with
a lesser populace of Christians. There is a beautiful Shiv
temple where Shiv Ratri is celebrated on a large scale each
year.There is also a Shankari Naamghar , where religious
rituals are performed regularly. These occasions are well
attended by the executives, staff and workers along with
their families. There are three churches, one in each
Division, for the benefit of the Christian community.
The Mariani Planters’Club overlooking the Bhogdoi River,
is located in Hunwal T.E. Established in the year 1880, it
was initially housed in the Mariani railway colony. It was
only in 1959 that the club was relocated to its present site,
under the aegis of Mr A.T.A.McIntosh Smith. Having all
amenities, such as tennis courts, a squash court, swimming
pool, table tennis board and an old, well maintained
billiards
table,
it
has
membership of executives
from thirteen estates. The
bar has an old world
charm with its wooden
floor and panelling. In the
olden days, the club was the
only place where the planters
would get together to enjoy their sports and a tipple after
a hard day’s work, as well as escape from loneliness.
‘The Machaan’ is an ideal retreat for
the executives of the garden, their
families and friends. This two storeyed
bamboo structure standing on stilts, is
picturesquely located between two large ponds stocked
with several varieties of carp and local fish, and
surrounded by beautiful lofty trees. Initiated in 2008 by
Mr R.K. Baruah, the Manager then, it was later completed
by Mr S. Batra during his tenure. Lazy Sundays, especially
in winter, with a catch of fresh fish, has been the preferred
activity for all who have been posted there.
The Burra Bungalow was built in 1928, with a brass
plaque on the verandah wall testifying to it. Close by
stands an enormous rain tree with a huge canopy - a
stunning feature, adding to the overall beauty of the place.
This old structure was built keeping the hot and humid
climate of Assam in mind.
Over the years Hunwal has had many
important visitors such as: the
Governor of Assam – His Excellency
Sri Prakash Mehrotra on 8 August
1983; Mr D.M. Jayaratne – Honourable Minister of
Plantations, Sri Lanka, along with his wife and other
dignitaries in 2007; Honourable Union Minister of State,
Commerce & Industry – Sri Jyotiraditya Madhavrao
Scindia in September 2009.
Hunwal T.E. has been the proud recipient of the
Company’s Overall Performance Award in the years 2008
– 2009 and 2013 – 2014.With such dedication and pride
of the entire work force towards the garden, may that rich
cup of tea always delight the senses.
40 January 2016
January 2016 41
The Team
Standing (L to R): K.S. Ranawat,
R. Dutt, D. J. Baruah & S. Das
Seated (L to R): A Negi, A. Wats,
(Superintendent), Dr S. C. Gogoi &
S.Bhadury (DM Systems)
Garbage Disposal Scheme
Sri Nobin Kond with Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
Sushmita Borah
Visitors
The Machaan
Burra Bungalow
The Mariani Planters’ Club