West Bengal Day

The following address was delivered by me at the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, on 20 June 2026, on the occasion of West Bengal Day, reflecting on the state’s historical journey, enduring legacy, and aspirations for the future.

History

Today, on the occasion of West Bengal Day, I feel honored and privileged to be present at this gathering. We have not assembled merely to commemorate a historical date; we are remembering the struggle and the dream through which West Bengal was born.

Seventy-nine years ago today, on 20 June 1947, a historic chapter was written in Bengal's history. India stood on the threshold of independence, but Bengal's future was still uncertain. As political transformations were taking place across the country, intense discussions and concerns surrounded the future of Bengal.

The creation of West Bengal was not automatic. Before independence, several possibilities regarding Bengal's future existed. One option was the formation of an independent and undivided Bengal separate from India; another was the inclusion of western Bengal within India. Choosing between these alternatives was of immense importance because the future of millions of people depended on that decision.

In this complex situation, many leaders believed that the future of the people of western Bengal would be best protected within the democratic and constitutional framework of independent India. Rule of law, democratic rights, constitutional safeguards, and civil liberties could be better secured within independent India.

One of the principal advocates of this view was Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. He was a distinguished scholar, the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, an eminent thinker, and a visionary statesman. He firmly believed that integration with independent India was essential for the security of the people of western Bengal. Dr. Mukherjee and his associates worked tirelessly to build public opinion in favor of the creation of West Bengal.

As a result of those historic efforts, the decision adopted during the historic session of the Bengal Legislative Assembly on 20 June 1947 enabled West Bengal to emerge as a part of India. Therefore, 20 June is not merely the date of an administrative or political decision; it is the day on which the future of West Bengal was determined.

Significance of the Day

As we celebrate West Bengal Day today, we must recognize that this day carries a dual significance. On one hand, it is associated with the birth of West Bengal; on the other, it symbolizes the state's future progress as an inseparable part of India.

The vision of a developed West Bengal cherished by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and his colleagues has been realized. Nearly eight decades after independence, we can see that West Bengal has become an important component of India's democratic framework and continues to make remarkable contributions to the nation's overall development.

Partition

While celebrating West Bengal Day, we must also remember the painful chapter of Partition. Alongside the joy of independence came immense human suffering. Millions of people were forced to leave their ancestral homes and became refugees.

West Bengal became a refuge for them during that difficult time. Despite numerous challenges, people rebuilt their lives, reconstructed communities, and strengthened the foundations of West Bengal.

Thus, the history of West Bengal is not merely the history of a geographical region—it is a history of struggle, reconstruction, and hope.

Great Personalities

Not only after independence but even before it, from the nineteenth century onward, West Bengal made extraordinary contributions to India and the world. The legacy of the Bengal Renaissance continues to inspire us. The contributions of Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Raja Rammohan Roy, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, and many other luminaries have enriched not only Bengal and India but the entire world.

School of Tropical Medicine

Today's program is being held at one of India's most prestigious medical and research institutions, the School of Tropical Medicine, and being associated with this institution is a matter of pride for all of us.

For more than a century, this institution has played a significant role in advancing medical science and public health. The achievements of world-renowned scientist Dr. Upendranath Brahmachari, along with the contributions of countless doctors, researchers, teachers, and healthcare workers, are a source of pride for us.

Pledge for the Future

West Bengal Day is not only a day to remember the past; it is also a day to commit ourselves to the future.

The West Bengal of tomorrow must be built upon values, education, science, research, innovation, harmony, and development. As doctors, researchers, teachers, and students, we have a special role in this journey. We must strengthen our public healthcare system, encourage scientific thinking, and ensure that the benefits of medical progress reach every section of society.

Tribute

On this sacred occasion of West Bengal Day, we respectfully remember all those whose vision, sacrifice, and struggle made the creation of West Bengal possible. We remember the hardships and self-sacrifice of our predecessors and draw inspiration from their determination.

May the ideals of knowledge, service, and patriotism guide our path.

Vande Mataram. Jai Hind.