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News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Rabindranath Tagore Has No Place In ‘New' Bangladesh
Last Updated: Rabindranath Tagore's association with East Bengal was a deeply intertwined one and it can hardly be eradicated The vandalisation of the historic Rabindra Kachharibari in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, last week proves that Mohammed Yunus's interim regime and its functioning has entrapped Bangladesh like a curse. Since August 2024, there has been a concerted attempt to erase and decimate cultural and intellectual symbols that had sustained the struggle for identity and cultural assertion in East Bengal during the dark days of West Pakistan's occupation. The symbols of Bangladesh's Liberation War and of its creation were attacked, leaving Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib's Dhanmondi House gutted and bulldozed and the memorials to the Liberation War vandalised. Similarly, the attack on the Rabindra Kachharibari Museum in Sirajganj is a clear assault on those cultural symbols and icons that have inspired, sustained and defined Bangladesh's aspiration to remain distinct from the sapping tentacles of Pakistan and its proxies who wish to erase, beyond redemption, Bangladesh's cultural and linguistic identity and core. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, till the other day, was the tallest cultural icon of Bangladesh. In a sense, he still continues to be an icon, for the beleaguered and imprisoned intelligentsia of that country. For generations his poems, songs, essays and thoughts have sustained the East Bengali intelligentsia. He stood as a perennial source of solace in the dark days of the struggle against a marauding West Pakistani dispensation which was determined to erase the Bengali identity and texture in East Pakistan. That unfinished agenda of Pakistan, stymied by the Liberation War and the formation of Bangladesh, has now been set rolling. Pakistan's proxies such as the Jamaat, Hefazat-e-Islam and other lesser-known radical outfits, propping up the Yunus regime, are in overdrive now to destroy Bangladesh's cultural symbols and icons. The Bangladesh that these forces envisage will be dark and monotonous. It will be shorn of colours, devoid of elevating thoughts and emotions, bereft of all music which has flowed out of the soil of Bengal, representing her soul and its deeper aspirations. They want a Bangladesh in which Tagore will be an outcast, fit to be dumped and relegated as haram. The students who organised and participated in the August protest and insisted that they represented a 'new" Bangladesh, have been complicit in this demolition of Bangladesh's cultural symbols. Realising that their path to survival is through the creation of a political identity and outfit, these youth leaders have joined hands with radicals in order to gain and maintain a political space. An assault on Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's persona and legacy is thus the surest way to gain political space and legitimacy in Bangladesh today. The attack on the Rabindra Kachharibari has been passed off as a spontaneous reaction to a local dispute and yet the manner in which an organised and armed mob invaded the sacred premises, hardly lends credence to that alibi. It was as if the vandals were lying ready, awaiting an opportunity to attack the Museum. Prof Yunus's Bengali Nobel Laureate friends and admirers, led by Prof Amartya Sen and Prof Abhijit Banerjee, or famous Bengali writers like Amitava Ghosh, ought to educate him on the imperative of protecting Tagore's legacy in Bangladesh. Some of them as self-styled 'global citizens", have been conspicuously silent on the happenings in Bangladesh. Their silence on attacks such as these, their passivity when Hindus were being bullied and assaulted under the Yunus's regime's watch, is especially astounding and stunning. Rabindranath Tagore's association with East Bengal was a deeply intertwined one and it can hardly be eradicated. Despite seeing it as a task that stood completely opposite to his nature, Tagore deftly managed their landed properties, primarily in East Bengal, that fell to his lot to handle. Some of his most enduring poems, stories and essays were composed and written while he was in East Bengal. But Tagore was no dreamy poet and rent-extracting landowner. The 'zamindar" Rabindranath Tagore was a unique personality. He stood completely apart from the genre of his time. Leading Bengali litterateur, poet and essayist of the Tagore era Pramatha Chaudhuri (1868-1946), observes that as a zamindar Tagore was as unique as he was as a poet. The welfare of the cultivators, village reform and development, improvement of local infrastructure, public health, roads, education constantly preoccupied Tagore on his sojourn in East Bengal in places like Silaidaha, Patisar, Sirajganj, places in which he had estates and houses. It was in Patisar that he put his entire Nobel Prize money of then Rs. 1 lakh to start a cooperative bank for the benefit of peasants and cultivators. His travels, stay and work as a zamindar and poet in East Bengal, span a period of nearly five decades. The vandals of Sirajganj or their ideological patrons would hardly know of this past or care for it. In their 'new Bangladesh" both Tagore and his anthem are to be exiled. In a captivating Bengali tract 'Zamindar Rabindranath," veteran journalist Amitabha Choudhuri tells us that Tagore did not go to rural Bengal with a zamindari mindset, he went there and took up the responsibility as a worker for his country's welfare, as a 'swadesh-hitaishi." The ryots were surprised to see a 'Babumoshai" who did not fit the usual image of an extractor and entertainer. Tagore came as their guardian and carer. He worked to make these ryots and those dependent on him self-reliant. He strove to awaken their inner strength – atmashakti and to make them stakeholders in the mission of enriching Bengal's unique soil. Tagore developed most of his ideas of rural development and empowerment during these years. In Shilaidaha, for instance, Choudhuri writes, he set up, in memory of his father Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, the Maharshi free dispensary which treated the rural poor through homeopathy, Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines. Quinine would be distributed for free and Tagore would himself treat patients at times. In Patisar, Tagore established a large hospital. The first ever health cooperative in India to be started was the one set up by Tagore in his estate in East Bengal. Writing to Pramatha Chaudhuri in 1917, Tagore observed how the hospital was catering to a large population beyond his estate and benefiting them. 'This joy rises above all my wants," Tagore wrote to Pramatha Chaudhuri. Gurudev's letters during this period describing the work in his estate, indicate, writes Amitabha Choudhuri, that Tagore worked with the aim of establishing a 'dharma-rajya" among the peasants and never calculated his losses and gains. He was pledged to their welfare alone. In every village in his estate Tagore founded a free school and in Patisar came up a minor school which later became high school. Village roads were improved, drinking water arrangements were made and the villagers were imparted training in weaving. Tagore's varied initiatives saw a visible improvement in the condition of the people. In later years Gurudev would recall the deep satisfaction that this work gave him. He kept an open house for the cultivators and peasants. His doors were never closed for them. They in turn adored and admired him. 'For one who grew up cloistered in the corners of a room, to me the experience of a village was new. But this work has given me great satisfaction; it enthused me, I acquired the joys of carving out a new path…" Gurudev wrote years later. Reams can be written on his work among the people of East Bengal. top videos View all Who knows, perhaps the Rabindra Kachharibari vandals are descendants of those same families who must have once benefited from Gurudev's benign presence and work? Who knows, perhaps Mohammed Yunus's ancestors were cultivators and ryots in Tagore's estate. Who knows, perhaps they were the recipient of his elevating vision and of his sublime action. But that memory is being forcibly erased, the possibility of it being resisted. In the 'new Bangladesh" that the self-styled August 'revolutionaries" wish to create, Rabindranath Tagore has no place. He is being driven out. The author is chairman, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, and a member of the National Executive Committee, BJP. The views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 20, 2025, 18:01 IST News opinion Opinion | Rabindranath Tagore Has No Place In 'New' Bangladesh Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Eviction drive against illegal encroachments will continue: Assam BJP
Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 9 (ANI): The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday reiterated its support for the state government's ongoing eviction drive to remove what it termed as illegal encroachments on government and forest land, asserting that the campaign will continue in the coming days. In a statement issued by BJP Assam spokesperson Pankaj Borbora, the party alleged that a large portion of protected land and forest areas had been occupied by 'illegal infiltrators of East Bengal origin,' posing a threat to the rights and future of the indigenous Assamese population. Borbora said, 'Encroachment by illegal infiltrators on government-protected lands and forest areas in Assam has become a grave threat to the indigenous people of the state. These lands, particularly in sensitive regions, have been overtaken largely by infiltrators of East Bengal origin. However, under the leadership of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam Government has launched a robust eviction drive rooted in legal processes, an initiative fully supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party.' Borbora stated that the previous Congress governments, for the sake of vote-bank politics, settled East Bengali-origin infiltrators on protected lands and indulged in appeasement. 'In contrast, the BJP is committed to safeguarding the rights and future of the indigenous Assamese people. Just yesterday, during a massive eviction drive over 3,500 bighas of land in Dhubri's Chapar, Akhil Gogoi was seen provoking evicted individuals and confronting the administration. His actions once again exposed his bias toward Bangladeshi infiltrators. Gogoi and the Congress party, in their attempt to woo the Muslim vote bank, have stood against legal eviction drives, revealing their anti-indigenous sentiments,' said the press statement. The statement further added that threats to Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma's life and violent outbursts during the eviction are the result of incitement by Akhil Gogoi and the Congress's appeasement policies. 'The attacks on the police and administration by illegal settlers pose a future security threat to the indigenous population. But such threats will not deter the government. The eviction drive will not only continue but also intensify in the coming days. On 10th July, another eviction drive is scheduled in the Paikan forest area of Goalpara,' said the press statement. The press statement also pointed out that most of these lands were encroached upon during the Congress regime by people of East Bengali origin. It is the BJP's unwavering goal to make Assam encroachment-free and to reclaim the land from Bangladeshi infiltration. He said, 'This government action is being conducted fully in accordance with the directives of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and follows all legal and constitutional procedures. While the Congress now sheds crocodile tears in the name of indigenous people, they were the very ones who never recognised the pain of the khilonjiya (indigenous) communities and instead settled infiltrators on protected government land. The aggression of East Bengali-origin infiltrators has endangered Assam's language, culture, and demographic structure.' Referring to a recent eviction operation in Chapar area of Dhubri, the statement accused Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi of attempting to provoke those being evicted and of confronting administrative officials during the drive. 'The Congress and left-liberal groups, in their dangerous political game, are attempting to shield Bangladeshi elements. Wherever the government conducts eviction drives--be it Lakhimpur, Nalbari, Dhubri, or Goalpara--Akhil Gogoi, Congress, and opposition forces try to instigate violence by provoking the evicted settlers. When a Satra (Vaishnavite monastery) land was encroached upon and a Satradhikar (head priest) was murdered, Akhil Gogoi and the Congress remained shamefully silent. Now, by opposing eviction, they expose their contempt for indigenous rights,' said the press statement. Spokesperson Pankaj Borbora reiterated the BJP's full support for the government's eviction drive, stating that Congress and its allies' vote-bank politics with Bangladeshi infiltrators will be fiercely opposed. The BJP is firmly committed to protecting the land, identity, and future of the indigenous people of Assam and will continue to work with dedication for their development and justice. (ANI)
Indian Express
30-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
How Bengal perfected the art of eating fish, head to tail
That fish is a staple in Bengal is stating the obvious. Across both West and East Bengal, we eat all kinds. Whether it be the tiny mourola or whitebait, sometimes fried crisp, sometimes in a spicy curry with brinjal and potato; the oily-skinned catfish or magur, often shunned in West Bengal, my grandfather included, because they burrow into muddy riverbeds and are considered unclean, and, of course, the king of them all – ilish or hilsa, packed with bones and even more flavour. Small fish, or chhoto maach, are prized delicacies in Baangal (East Bengali) households, but often frowned upon in Ghoti (West Bengali) homes. Still, even in the poorest households, it's tradition to serve at least a small piece of fish to any guest. Simply put, Bengal loves fish, in every size, form, and flavour. What few outside the region realise is that Bengal (and to be fair, much of the South too) has long practised what high-end, Michelin-starred restaurants now call 'nose-to-tail' cooking. In Bengal, no part of the fish goes to waste. In fact, being able to eat a bony fish without flinching is considered a mark of refinement in children. Which brings us to one of the cuisine's underrated superstars: the fish head. Not to be exclusionary, coastal states in the South also make delicious fish head curry, but the repertoire of fish head recipes in Bengal is unmatched. Now, this isn't everyone's cup of tea. I recall my mother's Punjabi friend ordering fish curry in a Bengali restaurant in Calcutta and looking aghast when an entire fish, head and tail included, was served in a gravy at the table. She claimed that the fish eye was looking at her. It's not that every Bengali loves eating fish head. My brother will not eat bony fish or touch a fish head, while I will relish both with equal gusto. Fish head being a key component of many dishes is part of the waste-not-want-not culture in Bengal. After all, we also eat every part of the banana tree, and eat at least seven to eight types of spinach, and consider pumpkin flowers a delicacy. There are countless ways to cook maacher matha or fish head. Unlike southern states, we mainly use the heads of freshwater fish, except for hilsa, which swims in salt and freshwater. Fish heads from larger fish, over a kilogram in weight, are often sold separately at markets. One of my favourite dishes is maacher matha diye bandhakopi – fish head marinated in turmeric and salt, deep-fried, then broken up and cooked with cabbage and sometimes a little potato. You can add small chunks of fish as well. It's a dry, humble dish eaten with rice. Muri ghonto is a delicacy served at feasts and weddings. Fish head is sprinkled with turmeric and salt, fried well, and then cooked along with short-grained rice, garam masala, dried fruits, and the final preparation has the consistency of a very rich pulao. In Bangladesh, though, muri ghonto is also made with moong dal. This brings me to my personal favourite, and a weekly staple – maacher matha diye bhaja moong dal. The moong dal is roasted first, then cooked with spiced and fried fish head, making a dish that is hearty, comforting, and, for those willing to embrace it, truly exquisite. I remember my first trip to Singapore as a pre-teen. Our host took us to Mutthu's Curry Shop in Little India. It served just one thing: fish head curry. The head must have weighed at least two to three kilograms, cooked whole in a thin, spicy tamarind and coconut gravy. And yes, my favourite parts of the head – if you are easily traumatised, I would not read the rest of this paragraph – are the eyes and the brain. If you're squeamish, skip ahead. You have to suck both out and bite into them, and I promise you the taste is as good as eating osso buco or caviar. Long live Mutthu and his legendary fish head. At the age of 12, I remember thinking that the peanut sauce served with Chicken Satay was an acquired taste, but not balking at digging into the fish head. Unlike Bengalis, who eat it purely for flavour, let me quickly list the health perks. Fish heads are packed with Vitamin A, which improves eyesight, boosts immunity, and supports cellular health. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, which is great for brain function and heart health. And they're loaded with collagen, the miracle nutrient for skin, joints, and bones. In other words, all those collagen shots people are buying? You could just eat fish head. I know some people might have choked while reading that I love fish brain and fish eyes, but I'll ask you to move past the exoticness of what I've described and give at least fish head, with dal, at least, a try. You might just be won over to the dark, but delicious nutrient-rich and tasty side. Author of The Sweet Kitchen, and chef-owner of Food For Thought Catering ... Read More
