Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja Pandal and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata. During his visit, Shah also offered prayers to Goddess Kali at the iconic Kalighat Temple.
Addressing the gathering at Santosh Mitra Square, Shah lauded the cultural grandeur of Bengal’s Durga Puja celebrations, describing them as a festival embraced by people across the globe. “For nine days, every person in Bengal – whether a child, youth, or elderly – devotes themselves to the worship of Shakti. This tradition has become a symbol of devotion and joy for the entire world,” he said.
Shah emphasized that the dream of a developed India envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be realized through the development of Bengal. Expressing confidence in the future, he said, “With the blessings of Mother Durga, a government will be formed in Bengal that will build a ‘Sonar Bangla’ – a Bengal that is safe, prosperous, and peaceful.”
He invoked the vision of poet Rabindranath Tagore, calling for a Bengal that is abundant in water, wealth, and opportunities, and one that once again becomes a beacon of cultural and economic strength.
The Union Home Minister also expressed condolences for the families of over 10 people who lost their lives due to recent heavy rainfall in Kolkata, assuring them of solidarity in their grief.
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Shah paid tribute to the great educationist and social reformer. He highlighted Vidyasagar’s unparalleled contributions to education, the Bengali language, grammar, and women’s empowerment, calling him a guiding light for generations.
Shah’s visit and participation in the festivities underscored the cultural and spiritual significance of Durga Puja while also reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to Bengal’s development.