Gandhi had himself recalled the incident in 1939. “One experience that changed the course of life...What was my duty? Should I go back to India or go forward with god as my helper and face whatever was in store for me. I decided to stay and suffer. My active non-violence started from that date,” he had written.

Sourav Ganguly and the Indian cricket team had come on a steam engine to inaugurate the plaque during the World Cup in 2003. “I remember the last time I was there. I remember how we went on the steamer,” Ganguly said. “I really wanted to go there again this time but I didn’t get the time. In the IPL, with so many matches, it became difficult.”

India went on to reach the final of the 2003 tournament. On Tuesday, Ganguly was slated to go to the same place again, and be a part of a practice match for the Kolkata Knight Riders. But the trip didn’t materialise because KKR’s kitbags didn’t arrive on time.