Kolkata, 14 August (H.S.) — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asserted that India would not have attained Independence without Bengal’s contribution. Speaking at the 12th anniversary celebration of the state’s flagship Kanyashree scheme, she highlighted Bengal’s historic legacy and its decisive role in shaping the nation’s destiny.

Banerjee recalled that luminaries such as Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose were born in Bengal, adding that the national anthem, the national song, and the slogan “Jai Hind” also originated from this land. “If Bengal had not been there, India would never have won its freedom. This soil has always symbolised unity in diversity and hope,” she said.

The Chief Minister claimed that Bengal bore the highest sacrifice during the freedom struggle, noting that nearly 70 percent of prisoners in the Andaman Cellular Jail were from Bengal, followed by Punjab.

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Kanyashree scheme benefits 9.3 million girls

Addressing school students present at the event, Banerjee said over 9.3 million girls have benefited from the Kanyashree scheme so far, and the number is expected to cross 10 million next year. Under the scheme, girls aged 13 to 18 from economically weaker families receive an annual grant, while those completing 18 years and continuing education or vocational training receive a one-time grant of ₹25,000, provided they remain unmarried.

The Chief Minister noted that the government has spent ₹17,000 crore on the scheme to date, significantly reducing school dropout rates, which she said are now “zero at the primary level.” The initiative has also earned recognition from the United Nations.

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Sharp attack on Centre over language and funding

Banerjee criticised the alleged denial of a hotel room in Noida to a father and son for speaking Bengali. “If we can respect your languages, why can’t you respect ours?” she asked.

She further accused the Centre of withholding funds meant for Bengal and blocking scholarships in higher education. She said the University Grants Commission (UGC) had virtually stopped funding research activities, forcing the state government to step in with its own support.

Banerjee urged people to learn multiple languages, including English, but cautioned against neglecting one’s mother tongue, describing Bengali as “a language full of universal sweetness.”

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Call for unity on the eve of Independence Day

Reiterating that those who came to India after Partition are citizens of the country, Banerjee appealed to people to reject narrow and divisive ideas on the eve of Independence Day. “We want our youth to study, grow and stand on their own feet without having to beg before anyone,” she said, underlining her government’s goal of empowering young people to be self-reliant.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh