Balagarh college praised for role in getting GI tag for 2 Hooghly products

The National Service Scheme (NSS) and the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) cells of Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya were commended today for their contributions towards securing the GI (Geographical Indicator) tag for the traditional Balagarh Boat and Gupo Sandesh, popularly known as Nolen Gur sandesh.

In his welcome address at a seminar on IPR today, Dr Pratap Banerjee, Principal, emphasised the contribution of the cells in securing the GI tag for both the products. He acknowledged the cultural importance of Gupo Sandesh, a traditional, milk-based Bengali sweet originating from Guptipara. This sweet was among the seven products from West Bengal that were awarded the GI tag in April this year, recognising its unique origin and cutural significance.

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The keynote speaker was Dr. Pinaki Ghosh, IPR Chair Professor, West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences. The event was coordinated by the NSS Programme Officer and Convener of the IPR Cell, Partha Chatterjee. Over a hundred students actively participated in the seminar, making it enlightening and interactive.

The Gupo Sandesh is considered Bengal’s first branded sweet. Made from chhena (curdled milk cheese), it’s prepared by beating the cheese to expel excess water, then adding sugar or nolen gur (winter molasses) and shaping it into pairs or roundish forms. Historically, Gupo Sandesh was a popular, export-grade delicacy, patronised by nobility and rich zamindars.

The Balagarh boat industry is an ancient wooden boat-making craft from West Bengal, with origins possibly dating back over 600 years in areas like Sripur-Balagarh near the historic Saptagram port. The craft developed out of necessity for riverine transport and fishing and is characterised by its traditional techniques, including using specific woods, heating and pressing planks, and joining them with small iron nails, although modern nails and some other woods are now used.

Historically, the craft is central to Bengal’s economy and mentioned in ancient texts. But the industry faces declining demand and competition, prompting efforts like seeking a GI tag to revive the heritage.

In his lecture, Dr. Ghosh stressed the importance of preserving intellectual talent and elaborated on how IPR serves as a safeguard for creative and innovative minds. He highlighted that IPR not only recognises creators but also fosters economic growth and social development.

Intellectual Property Rights are legal rights granted to creators and innovators for their intellectual creations. The rights are over logos, brand names, or symbols that distinguish goods, or rights that protect products associated with a particular region, such as the Balagarh boat or Gupo Sandesh.