Kolkata, 04 August (H.S.) : On the 121st birth anniversary of legendary broadcaster and recitation artist Birendra Krishna Bhadra, West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Pal on Tuesday proposed that Shyambazar Metro Station be renamed in his honour. She also called for Bhadra's ancestral home in North Kolkata to be declared a heritage building and suggested installing his bust at the Akashvani Bhavan premises.

Pal visited Bhadra's historic residence on Ram Ramdhan Mitra Lane in North Kolkata, where she paid floral tributes to the cultural icon. She later interacted with members of his family, including his daughter-in-law and grandchildren, and learned about his personal life, career, and legacy.

After touring the house, the minister said standing inside the residence was an emotional experience. She described Birendra Krishna Bhadra as not merely an artist but an integral part of Bengal's cultural identity.

She urged the state government to preserve the house as a heritage property, saying it would help protect the legacy of one of Bengal's greatest cultural figures. Pal also proposed renaming Shyambazar Metro Station after Bhadra, arguing that such a move would introduce future generations to his immense contribution to Bengali culture.

Highlighting Bhadra's long association with Akashvani (All India Radio), the minister said she would place a proposal before the Chief Minister to install a bust of Birendra Krishna Bhadra within the Akashvani Bhavan campus.

Pal noted that several Kolkata Metro stations have already been named after eminent personalities associated with Bengal's history and culture, including Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Khudiram Bose, and Masterda Surya Sen. She also referred to the addition of the name Sutanuti to Shobhabazar Metro Station, saying that honouring Birendra Krishna Bhadra in a similar manner would be a fitting tribute to one of Bengal's most celebrated cultural icons.

Responding to questions from reporters, the minister said Birendra Krishna Bhadra belongs to the people of Bengal rather than to any political party. She remarked that for generations of Bengalis, Mahalaya remains inseparable from his iconic rendition of Mahishasuramardini, which continues to herald the arrival of Durga Puja despite changing technologies and broadcasting platforms.

Several prominent personalities and local residents present at the event welcomed the minister's proposals, saying that naming a Metro station after Birendra Krishna Bhadra or granting heritage status to his ancestral home would not only honour the legendary artist but also help preserve Bengal's rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh