SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARI LAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF BENGALI POILA BAISHAK CELEBRATION AT TAGORE THEATRE ON APRIL 15, 2024 AT 7.00 PM.

POILA BAISHAK CELEBRATION AT TAGORE THEATRE CHANDIGARH ON APRIL 15, 2024.

 It is a matter of great happiness to be amongst you once again.

 Let me at the onset wish you all a very happy and prosperous Bengali New Year (15th April), POILA BAISHAK (पोइला बैसाख).

 May the new year bring with it unbounded joy for all of you and your family members.

 I was here last when you celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Bangiya Sanskritik Sammilani and for the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee Multipurpose Hall.

 It is indeed great that this organization has successfully completed 50 glorious year of its existence.

 Chandigarh is indeed a mini-India where people from different states live in harmony, and a true showcase of India’s vision of Unity in diversity.

 All the communities have contributed immensely to the progress of this city beautiful and the Bengali community is one of the front runners in this field.

 You bring along with you rich culture of Bengal, which is known worldwide.

 Bengali language is one of the sweetest languages.

 A Bangla Babu creates an atmosphere of enthusiasm and rejuvenation with his “Moshai Energy”, wherever he is.

 Bengal has produced great sons and daughters in all the fields.

 Swami Vivekananda and Rishi Aurobindo in the field of religion and philosophy.

 Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazul Islam in the field of literature,

Freedom Fighters like Khudiram Bose and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in political field

Noble Laureates like Mother Terasa, Amartya Sen and so on.

 Then you have in your fraternity Dr. Amit Bhattacharjee, two times UT Commendation holder in the field of sports, who is the Mentor of the First individual Olympic Gold medalist, Padma Bhushan Shri Abhinav Bindra, who has made India proud.

Friends,

 There is a similarity between Punjab and West Bengal, that is, both the states are the birthplace of heroes.

 When I think of Young Khudiram Bose of Bengal (martyred at the age of 18), the pictures of Punjab's brave martyrs Bhagat Singh (martyred at the age of 23) and Madanlal Dhingra (martyred at the age of 26) come alive in my mind.

 Similarly, we think of Bipin Chandra Pal, then the trio of Lal-Bal-Pal, which Punjab-Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai was also present along with Bipin Chandra Pal, comes before us.

 Our national song ‘Vande Mataram’ originated from the land of Bengal.

 My own association with Bengali culture is very old as I was the number two in the Biswa Bangla organization in Nagpur, my home city.

 Hence, it was just irresistible when the office- bearers of your organization approached me once again to be amongst you.

 I have noted with great pleasure your journey of last 5 decades and your efforts in the field of culture, sports, charity etc.

 The Banga Bhawan here stands as a testimonial to your effort in building a close-knit society.

 I am sure that in future also you will continue to contribute and your organsiaiton will reach to the pinnacle of success.

 The administration will always try to help you, my doors are always open for the cause of unity and brotherhood.

 Let me conclude by wishing you once again the Happy POILA BAISHAK (पोइला बैसाख) and all the best for your all future events.

 My best wishes and blessing “आमार शुभेच्छा” !

Thank you,     Jai Hindi.