Dhupguri

Geography

Dhupguri is located at 26.60°N 89.02°E / 26.60; 89.02. It has an average elevation of 80 metres (262 feet). It is a municipal town of the Jalpaiguri district. It is located along the foothill regions of Bhutense Himalayas. The Jaldhaka River is the main river flowing along the western margin of the town, besides Daina, Gilandi, Duduya, Kumlai, Jhumur and Bamni etc. are other rivers flowing within the ambit of the town.

Demographics

As of 2011 India census, Dhupguri had a population of 44,719. Males constitute 22953 (51%) of the population and females 21766 (49%). Dhupguri has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 81.61% and, female literacy is 74.21%. In Dhupguri, 9.64% of the population is under 6 years of age. The Dhupguri municipality was established in the year 2001. There is a Rajbongshi community surrounding of Dhupguri. The word Rajbongshi means literally "Royal community". They have a rich cultural heritage and their own language. The Koches called themselves "Kamateshwars" (the rulers of Kamata), but their influence and expansions were so extensive and far reaching that their kingdom is sometimes called the Koch Kingdom. Bhawaiya song is a popular musical form in North Bengal specially in Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri dist. These type of songs sung by koch man to depict the will and woe of the common people.

Economy

Dhupguri is a small but growing and prosperous town in Jalpaiguri district. Agriculture is the backbone of economy. Paddy, jute, betel nut and vegetables are produced in large quantities in and around Dhupguri. Dhupguri is notable for its cultivation of Potato which is directly exported to states like Bihar, Assam and entire north eastern states of India. In recent years, international trade has also built up in this region. Potatoes of Dhupguri are now available in the markets of Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. The government regulated wholesale market has helped the farmers in Dhupguri to achieve their success in a big way and make a mark in the agriculture map of the state. The regulated market, locally known as Dhupguri Hut, established a decade back for the wholesale transactions of all agriculture products is the second largest in West Bengal.

Besides agriculture, small-scale industries are also budding in this small town of Jalpaiguri district.

Transport

The city is well connected with roads and rail network, National Highway 31[Now the road is converting to 'AH'-Asian Highway from Jaigon Indian-Bhutan border] is running across the middle of the city besides State highways connecting Siliguri/Jalpaiguri and Guwahati also passes over Dhupguri. Passenger vehicles on roads are easily available within the city.

The Dhupguri Town railway station has unique distinction of providing connection to all parts of the country through passenger train service. Many long distance trains including superfast trains daily pass through Dhupguri station and provide link between north, west and southern parts of India with north eastern regions. The town is also connected by road to many parts of West Bengal.

Education

The only college in Dhupguri, Sukanta Mahavidyalaya, was established in 1981 with the departments of English, Bengali, History, Economics, Philosophy, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Botany and Political Science. Later on Physical Education,Geography and Sanskrit have been added. The College is affiliated to the North Bengal University. The college is having a science stream with a unique combination of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science. It is also having BBA and BCA as self-financing courses.

Notable schools of this town are:

Notable residents

Amit Kumar De, the renowned poet, lives in this town. He is very popular among the readers for his Bengali rhymes and poems. He portrays the serene beauty of Dooars with his sensitive pen. His writings take the readers to different places, people, tradition and culture of Dooars. Hundreds of poems and rhymes of Amit Kumar De have been published in Uttarbanga Sambad and several other magazines. His published books are as follows : 'Hat Baralam Dharo' (a collection of Bengali Rhymes), 'Brishti Amay Nibi' (a collection of Bengali Poems), 'Ak Sathe Aksho' (collection of 100 rhymes and poems), 'Chhande Chhobite Dooars (a collection of poems and rhymes on Dooars). Amit Kumar De is popularly called as "Poet of Dooars" (Dooars er Kobi). He is an approved lyricist of All India Radio. He wrote dozens of drammas for All India Radio. His compositions are regularly performed by the artists of North Bengal. Some of his popular drammas are : Fire Paoya, Ekushe February, Rehearsal, Pata Oltanor Shabdo, Ekti Kabyik Sakal, Dhansinri Noditir Tire, Shesh Parani Briddhrashram etc. Amit Kumar De is also the editor of a literary magazine, entitled "CHIKRASHI". This magazine sincerely does the research work on the literary figures of Dooars and North Bengal.

Social activities

Book Fare is an ornament to this small rural town which started in the year 1989 and is regularly being held as a yearly social festival. Dhupguri is well cultured area, people are very friendly and peace minded.

Dhupguri Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal has been working since 1987 with the 'man-making, character-building' ideas of Swami Vivekananda under the banner of Akhil Bharat Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal [abvym.org].

Places of interest

Staying in Dhupguri