Kolkata, 13 June (H.S.) -West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly condemned the vandalism at Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral house in Sirajganj, Bangladesh, calling it a “barbaric act” and a direct assault on the region’s cultural heritage. She has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate and decisive diplomatic intervention.

In her letter to the Prime Minister, Banerjee described the incident as “not just an attack on a structure, but a strike against the cultural soul of the subcontinent and the immortal creativity of Tagore.” She pointed out that Tagore frequently visited the Sirajganj residence and composed several timeless works there, making the site a beacon of inspiration.

“This house is not merely a building—it is a sacred space that symbolizes our shared cultural consciousness,” Banerjee wrote. She termed the attack “a blow to the nation’s identity and cultural legacy” and added that any assault on Tagore’s legacy is an injury to the very soul of Bengal and India.

In her letter, she urged Prime Minister Modi to raise the issue with the Bangladesh government in the strongest possible terms and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. She also called for effective international measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Taking to social media, Banerjee stated, “Rabindranath Tagore is not just the pride of Bengal but a towering figure in global civilization. The vandalism at his ancestral home in Sirajganj is a barbaric act that has deeply hurt the sentiments of millions. This is not merely damage to a building—it is a direct assault on our shared cultural heritage and the ideals Tagore stood for. Such acts must not be ignored.”

She further added, “I have written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, urging strong and immediate diplomatic steps with the Government of Bangladesh. The culprits must be identified and punished at the earliest, and firm measures must be taken to safeguard all cultural and historical sites. Bengal will not tolerate disrespect to its great icons anywhere in the world.”

The incident has sparked outrage across West Bengal, with many cultural and political figures echoing the Chief Minister’s sentiments and demanding accountability.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh