Cuttack: The 77th edition of Cuttack Heritage Walks (CHW) took participants on a fascinating journey into the legacy of the century-old Kalinga Gymnasium (Bayamshala), one of Cuttack’s most remarkable institutions that has long stood as a symbol of discipline, fitness, and cultural pride.
Located near Saheed Bhawan in the city’s Choudhury Bazaar area, the gymnasium has been nurturing the traditional arts of wrestling and physical fitness for over a hundred years.
Founded in 1920 by the late Padma Charan Ray, the gymnasium initially began in the Kazi Bazaar area and later shifted to Nimchouri in 1928.
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Impressed by Ray’s skills and his dedication to physical education, the then British administration allotted about one acre of land in 1943 to establish the Kalinga Gymnasium at its present site.
Since then, it has been a hub for aspiring wrestlers, weightlifters, and fitness enthusiasts.
The gymnasium has played a vital role in shaping generations of young athletes by providing free training in wrestling and physical fitness.
The philosophy behind its establishment lies in promoting a healthy, disciplined, and disease-free lifestyle. The tradition of wrestling, often referred to as malla-yuddha, is believed to have ancient origins, dating back to the Mahabharata era.
Historical evidence of this art form is visible in carvings found in ancient temples, where sculptors immortalised wrestling scenes, symbolising strength and vitality as key aspects of human life.
Kalinga Gymnasium’s development over the decades owes much to several visionary Odia leaders.
Eminent personalities like Harekrushna Mahatab and Nabakrushna Chaudhuri took an active interest in strengthening the institution.
Mahatab, who became the first president of the gymnasium, formed a committee for its smooth management and appointed Padma Charan Ray as the secretary.
After Ray’s demise in 1961, the responsibility passed to Fakir Charan Mohanty as secretary and Akshay Panda as the managing head.
Their leadership marked a golden era for the institution, which rose to national prominence.
Under their stewardship, the gymnasium produced several outstanding wrestlers, weightlifters, and bodybuilders who brought laurels to Cuttack and the state of Odisha.
The latest heritage walk, facilitated by CHW founder-convenor Dipak Samantarai, was coordinated by senior members Jayant Singh, Biswaranjan Dehuri, Kishore Bit, Hitesh Seth, Jitendra Singh, Aditya Prasad Ghosh, Lalit Mohan Panda, and Amar Prasad Patra.
The visit highlighted not only the gymnasium’s historical and sporting significance but also Cuttack’s enduring spirit.
As one of Odisha’s oldest cities, Cuttack continues to preserve its identity as the cultural heart of the state, home to landmarks like SCB Medical College, Ravenshaw College, the Orissa High Court, Barabati Stadium, and the grand celebrations of Dussehra and Bali Yatra, all testaments to its rich heritage and timeless vitality.
