By Our Correspondent
Lucknow: The Foundation Day of West Bengal State was celebrated today at Raj Bhavan, with a mesmerizing cultural program presented by local artists. Governor Annadiben Patel emphasized the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat” during her speech, highlighting the significance of celebrating each other’s festivals in uniting the nation.
In her address, Governor extended warm greetings and best wishes to everyone on West Bengal Foundation Day. She praised the rich and diverse culture of West Bengal, deeply rooted in Bengali literature, music, fine arts, drama, theater, and cinema. Festivals such as Durga Puja, Dolyatra, Rath Yatra, Rakhi Purnima, Lakshmi Puja, and Saraswati Puja are celebrated with great pomp, reflecting the vibrant culture of the state.
Recalling the literary heritage of Bengali language, the Governor paid tribute to renowned writers like Bankim Chand Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath Tagore, and Sharad Chand Chattopadhyay. She highlighted the renaissance that took place in West Bengal through social reforms led by Ram Mohan Roy, and the numerous West Bengal personalities who have brought pride to the country by winning Nobel Prizes.
Governor expressed that the celebration of West Bengal Foundation Day at Raj Bhavan in Uttar Pradesh is aimed at realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.” She emphasized the unbreakable ties between the states of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, with a significant number of West Bengal residents having settled in Uttar Pradesh for generations. Preserving cultural heritage is crucial, and both states share the responsibility of safeguarding it.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome to the Governor by the members of the Bengali community, accompanied by the melodious sound of conch shells. Singer Kaberi Banerjee presented Rabindra Sangeet, while Sanjeev Rai and his fellow artists showcased a captivating performance of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s renowned song, ‘Ekla Chalo Re,’ along with the famous tribal dance of West Bengal, Jhoomur.
During the event, Abhijit Sarkar, President of the Board of Trustees of Kalibari Trust, highlighted the remarkable contributions made by the Bengali community residing in Uttar Pradesh in the fields of literature, art, culture, academics, and business. Their efforts were acknowledged for successfully organizing the event.
