Kolkata witnessed a significant event on February 25 as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated several development projects, including the Jain Manas Stambh located in Bhawanipur. This event underscored the state government’s commitment to cultural preservation and the welfare of diverse communities within West Bengal.

During her address, Chief Minister Banerjee referred to Bhawanipur as a “mini-India,” emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of various castes and religions. She highlighted the distinctive qualities and cultural contributions of each community. Banerjee took the opportunity to extend greetings for the ongoing month of Ramadan, as well as the approaching festival of Holi, which is scheduled for March 2 this year, mentioning that last year’s celebrations were modest. She expressed her solidarity with the people, stating, “If someone has a problem, I stand with them.”

Historical Ties Between West Bengal and Jainism

Chief Minister Banerjee elaborated on West Bengal’s longstanding connection with Jainism, indicating that the relationship has historical roots, particularly with the Burdwan district and Purulia. She noted, “Bengal’s relationship with Jainism goes back a long way,” underscoring the significance of these connections in the cultural fabric of the region. Banerjee’s familiarity with various Indian languages, including Gujarati and Punjabi, was also mentioned, as she noted cultural exchanges between Bengali and these languages.

Plans for New Multicultural Facility in Salt Lake

In her address, Banerjee announced plans for the construction of a new facility in Salt Lake. This building is intended to serve as a venue for individuals of all religions to conduct their programs and events, reflecting the inclusive ethos that she praised as being foundational to the community. “We who live in Bengal are taught in our small schools that everyone is one,” she stated, marking a commitment to fostering cultural dialogue.

Reminder on the Proposal for State Renaming

During the function, Banerjee congratulated Kerala for its recent naming change to “Keralam,” prompting her to remind the central government of West Bengal’s longstanding request to rename itself “Bangla.” The Chief Minister pointed out that the proposal has not progressed despite its relevance to the state’s cultural identity. In a statement shared by the Trinamool Congress, she characterized opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party as a disregard for the state’s heritage and linguistic identity.

Addressing Political Concerns

Banerjee noted that the central government must recognize West Bengal’s “legitimate demand,” asserting that it should not be overlooked merely because the state has not aligned with the ruling party’s narratives. She expressed frustration towards political theatrics during election seasons, emphasizing that her administration would continue to advocate for the state’s identity and traditions without compromising its dignity.

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