S.R. Kalidas, a name synonymous with Indian rowing, has been an exceptional athlete whose remarkable career span nearly five decades. At the age of 66, Kalidas continues to inspire generations of rowers with his dedication, achievements, and unwavering passion for the sport. His journey into rowing began in 1975, and since then, he has carved a niche for himself not only in national and international competitions but also as a coach and mentor for upcoming talent. From humble beginnings at a school regatta to becoming a national and international rowing champion, Kalidas's contributions to the sport are nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Life and Introduction to Rowing

 Kalidas’s initiation into rowing was purely coincidental yet transformative. In 1975, while representing the National High School, he participated in the Lake Club School Regatta, one of the most prestigious rowing events for school-goers in Kolkata. It was this event that sparked his lifelong passion for rowing. Competing against some of the best schools in the region, Kalidas's potential quickly became evident. With sheer determination and an innate understanding of the sport, he made an indelible mark on the event, which laid the foundation for his illustrious career.

Outstanding Achievements in Rowing

 Kalidas's journey through the ranks of rowing is a testament to his talent and work ethic. His accomplishments, both as a young rower and an experienced athlete, have brought immense pride to the Indian rowing community.

1.      School Regatta Successes: One of Kalidas’s earliest and most remarkable achievements was securing four consecutive victories at the prestigious Lake Club School Regatta. Dominating this event year after year, he quickly became a name to watch in the local rowing scene. These wins not only solidified his reputation as a

talented young rower but also set the stage for future successes at the national and international levels.

2.      Rapid Climb in Sculling: Kalidas's rapid ascent from the Dinghi (a small boat) to Senior Scull within a single calendar year remains one of his most significant early milestones. The Lake Club's Sculling Ladder, a system designed to measure and promote talent, recognized his skill and persistence, elevating him through the ranks at an astonishing pace. This achievement spoke volumes about his technical mastery and ability to adapt to the sport’s demanding physical and mental challenges.

3.      Success at ARAE Regattas: Kalidas made a lasting impact at the Amateur Rowing Association of the East (ARAE) regattas, one of the most competitive rowing events in the region. He secured three victories in the Pairs category, along with four runner- up finishes, demonstrating his consistency and competitive spirit. The ARAE regattas, known for their tough competition, are where Kalidas showcased his mettle, regularly outperforming seasoned athletes. With two ARAE medals, silver and bronze, in Karachi, Kalidas set a benchmark in the sculling category for years to come.

    4.       National Games Gold: Teaming up with his rowing partner, Mr. Girish, Kalidas clinched a gold medal in the Pairs category at the National Games. This victory was a significant milestone in his career, as it came against some of the best rowing talent in India. Winning at the National Games is a prestigious honour, and Kalidas’s performance here further solidified his status as one of India's top rowers.

5.      Dominance at the Head of the Lake: Kalidas's prowess at the Head of the Lake races was nothing short of legendary. Over the years, he secured seven wins in the

Pairs, Fours, and Scull categories, consistently proving his dominance in multiple boat classes. His versatility, stamina, and technical skill across various categories distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.

6.      WBRA State Championship Triumphs: At the state level, Kalidas was a force to be reckoned with, securing seven wins at the West Bengal Rowing Association (WBRA) State Championships. These victories are a testament to his sustained excellence and enduring commitment to rowing, particularly in a state known for its competitive rowing culture.

7.      International Representation: Kalidas’s career reached its pinnacle when he represented India at the 1982 Asian Games held in Delhi. Competing at such a prestigious event on home soil was a momentous occasion for him and for Indian rowing. Although a medal eluded him at the Asian Games, his participation at this level was a proud moment for the nation, and it highlighted the international recognition of his talent.

8.      Silver Medal at the National Scull: As a sculler, Kalidas was nothing short of exceptional. He won silver at the Open National Scull event, showcasing his individual rowing talent and determination. He also went on to win a silver at the Chandigarh open nationals in the pairs event. Additionally, he became a three-time gold medallist at the Junior Nationals, an incredible achievement that underscored his dominance in the sport from an early age.

9.      Merchant’s Cup: To finally top off his decorated career, Kalidas set a Merchant’s Cup record time in fours with a time of ‘2 min 42 sec’ which remains unbroken till date.

Rigorous Training Regime

 Kalidas’s success can be attributed not only to his natural talent but also to his rigorous training regimen. Throughout his competitive years, Kalidas trained for six to seven hours every day. His daily routine included early morning running sessions, which helped him build endurance and stamina, followed by intense rowing sessions in the evening. His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition and constantly refining his technique enabled him to

perform at the highest level for many years. When asked, Mr. S.R Kalidas mentions, “Rowers should emphasize on Running, Punting and Ergometer to improve their performance in the

boat”. This level of dedication is a hallmark of elite athletes, and it played a crucial role in Kalidas’s longevity in the sport.

Coaching Career and Contributions to Bengal Rowing

 After achieving immense success as a rower, Kalidas transitioned into coaching, where he continued to contribute significantly to the sport. His most notable achievement as a coach came when he guided the Bengal Junior Girls’ team to a gold medal at the Nationals. His ability to mentor and inspire young rowers demonstrated his deep understanding of the sport and his passion for nurturing future talent.

In addition to coaching, Kalidas served as the vice-captain of the Calcutta Rowing Club for an impressive 18 years. In this leadership role, he played a pivotal part in promoting rowing within the club and the wider community. His long tenure is a testament to his dedication not just to the sport but also to fostering a supportive and competitive environment for rowers in Bengal.

Transition to Indoor Rowing and Recent Achievements

In 2019, after sustaining a leg injury, Kalidas was forced to make the difficult decision to switch from outdoor rowing to indoor rowing. However, his passion for the sport remained undiminished. He took up indoor rowing with the same zeal and determination that had defined his earlier career. In 2024, Kalidas secured a gold medal in the Individual Men's Super Master Category at the All-Bengal District Indoor Rowing Championships. This victory demonstrated his resilience and adaptability, as he continued to excel in the sport despite the challenges posed by his injury. 

Conclusion 

S.R. Kalidas’s journey in the world of rowing is one of passion, perseverance, and exceptional achievement. From dominating school regattas in the 1970s to representing India at the Asian Games, and from winning national titles to coaching future champions, his

contributions to the sport are unparalleled. Kali Da mentions, “Our Hon. Secretary, Mr. Chandan Roy Chowdhury has taken efforts to bring State-of-the-art equipment like Wintech Boats and New Carbon-Fiber Oars at CRC which surpass the equipment owned by other clubs in Bengal. This will give our young boys and girls to use the best equipment for

training”. Even in his sixties, after transitioning to indoor rowing, he continues to inspire with his commitment and competitive spirit. Kalidas’s legacy as one of India’s finest rowers will undoubtedly endure for generations to come, and his story will serve as a beacon of inspiration for athletes across all sports.