West Bengal Assembly Passes Proposal to Celebrate State Foundation Day on 'Poila Baisakh'

Learn about the historic decision made by the West Bengal Assembly to celebrate 'Poila Baisakh' as 'Bangla Day' or West Bengal Foundation Day on 7 September 2023, and the significance behind this move. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks and the controversy surrounding the State Foundation Day are also discussed.

Introduction

In a historic move, the West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution on 7th September 2023, declaring 'Poila Baisakh,' the first day of the Bengali calendar, as 'Bangla Day' or West Bengal Foundation Day. This decision was reached after a rigorous debate in the Assembly, with a significant majority of 167 MLAs supporting the motion, while 62 MLAs opposed it. This article explores the details and implications of this decision and its significance to the people of West Bengal.

West Bengal Assembly passes proposal to celebrate State Foundation Day on 'Poila Baisakh'

The Significance of 'Poila Baisakh' as West Bengal Foundation Day

'Poila Baisakh,' which falls on the 7th of September, holds great cultural and historical significance for the people of West Bengal. It marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar and is celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor throughout the state. This day is associated with new beginnings, cultural festivities, and a sense of unity among Bengalis.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Perspective

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the state Assembly, shedding light on the rationale behind this decision. She emphasized that since India's independence, West Bengal lacked a specific day to celebrate as its State Foundation Day. June 20th, previously celebrated as the State Foundation Day, brought back memories of the Partition and did not truly represent the establishment of the state. Therefore, the decision to align 'Poila Baisakh' with West Bengal's Foundation Day was met with broad support.

Controversy Surrounding West Bengal Foundation Day

Prior to this significant decision, a controversy had arisen earlier in the year when the Raj Bhavan celebrated June 20th as the State Foundation Day. This choice had sparked debates and discussions across the state. The resolution to officially recognize 'Poila Baisakh' as West Bengal Foundation Day aimed to put an end to this controversy by providing a culturally and historically relevant date for celebration.

Honoring Rabindranath Tagore

In addition to the decision to celebrate 'Poila Baisakh' as 'Bangla Day,' the state assembly proposed making Rabindranath Tagore's 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jol' (Soil of Bengal and Water of Bengal) the official song of West Bengal. This move is seen as a tribute to the literary and cultural legacy of the state's most celebrated poet and philosopher.

All-Party Meeting

To ensure that the decision aligns with the sentiments of all political parties and the people of West Bengal, Ms. Banerjee called an all-party meeting on August 29th. The aim was to discuss and reach a consensus on which day should be celebrated as the state's foundation day. The unanimous support for 'Poila Baisakh' as the chosen date is indicative of the cultural and historical significance it holds for the Bengali community.

The Future Prospect of Changing the State's Name

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee went a step further, describing 'Poila Baisakh' as an auspicious day for Bengalis. She asserted that the name of West Bengal would be changed to 'Bangla' as soon as there is a change in the government at the Centre. This statement indicates the government's commitment to preserving and promoting Bengali culture and identity.

The Pending Name Change Resolution

It's worth noting that the West Bengal Assembly had passed a resolution in 2018 to change the name of the state to 'Bangla' in three languages - Bengali, English, and Hindi. However, this proposal has been pending with the Center since then, awaiting approval and implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was 'Poila Baisakh' chosen as West Bengal Foundation Day?

 'Poila Baisakh' was chosen due to its cultural and historical significance as the first day of the Bengali calendar and its association with new beginnings.

Q: What was the controversy surrounding the previous State Foundation Day?

 The controversy arose when June 20th was celebrated as the State Foundation Day, a date associated with the Partition and not the establishment of West Bengal.

Q: Why was Rabindranath Tagore's song chosen as the official song of West Bengal?

 The decision to honor Rabindranath Tagore's song 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jol' was made to pay tribute to the cultural and literary heritage of the state.

Q: What is the significance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's statement about changing the state's name to 'Bangla'?

 It signifies the government's commitment to preserving Bengali culture and identity by aligning the state's name with its cultural heritage.

Q: Has the name change resolution passed by the West Bengal Assembly been implemented?

 No, the resolution to change the state's name to 'Bangla' in three languages is still pending approval and implementation by the Center.

Conclusion

The decision of the West Bengal Assembly to celebrate 'Poila Baisakh' as 'Bangla Day' or West Bengal Foundation Day is a significant step towards honoring the cultural and historical heritage of the state. It reflects the collective sentiment of the people and their desire to celebrate a day that truly represents West Bengal's identity and history. As this resolution moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will impact the state's cultural landscape and identity.

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