In 1912, Bengali Babu Mangobindo Panda established the local mess named Hindu Hotel in Kolkata. Despite being Hindu, it was a Muslim family that graciously provided him with a location on Bhabani Dutta Lane, where the hotel has proudly stood since 1927. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose frequently visited his hotel during India’s struggle for independence.
Mangobindo Panda, affectionately known as ‘Thakur Moshai,’ founded the hotel, warmly welcoming individuals of all faiths and promoting unity. His establishment became an abode for young freedom fighters who gathered to discuss plans and compose protest poetry. Once, when a group of freedom fighters faced a sudden police raid, the fearless Mangobindo aided them in escaping through a secret passage within the hotel.
In 1930, Subhas Chandra Bose and his comrades visited the hotel, raising spirited slogans like ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Vande Mataram,’ with Thakurmoshai enthusiastically joining the movement. Amid the devastating Bengal famine of 1943, Mangobindo exhibited compassion by regularly feeding hundreds of starving individuals and poor on the streets.
On August 15, 1947, as India celebrated Independence Day, Shri Mangobindo honored the occasion by renaming the hotel “Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel,” commemorating the sacrifices of himself and countless others for the cause of freedom.