West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appeals President Droupadi Murmu to protect the Constitution

Kolkata: Lauding the rich art and culture, history of freedom movement, scientific achievements to excellence in drama, music and film of Bengal, President Droupadi Murmu said in Kolkata on Monday at a time when the country is celebrating is "Azadi ki Amrit Mahostave, it is Bengal which has given us "Vande Mataram" and national anthem. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to the President to protect the Constitution and Constitutional rights of all sections of the people, including the poor, and save the country from disaster.

Calling the President, "Golden Lady", Banerjee said, "The Constitutional Head of the country is here. I urge you to protect the Constitutional and the Constitutional rights of the poor, and save the country from disaster." While speaking at the civic reception of the President, Banerjee also stressed on the need to preserve the unity and diversity of the country.

"The son of soil Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has given us our national anthem and Bengal was the "Karmabhumi" of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose who gave the mantra of freedom struggle' 'Jai Hind'," the President said, adding that she felt fortunate to visit the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore and workplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose today.


The President visited Netaji Bhawan today afternoon. She was shown Netaji's car, which was used in his "Great Escape", at the entrance of Netaji's residence. She also visited Netaji's study room and had a look at the exhibits and photos exhibited at his residence. Netaji Bhawan currently functions as the headquarters of Netaji Research Bureau.

In 2017, former President late Pranab Mukherjee had unveiled the iconic German Wanderer sedan, which Netaji had used during the famous 'Great Escape' from his Elgin Road residence. The car, owned by Subhas Chandra Bose, was restored to its 1941 look by automobile giant Audi with the initiative of Netaji Research Bureau.
The President also went to Thakurbari, Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home at Jorasanko in the city.

"I am overwhelmed by the civic reception. Bengali language is a sweet language and it reminds me of my village," the President said. The President was gifted with a Dokra idol of Goddess Durga, shawl, sari and Biswa Bangla plaque by West Bengal Chief Minister.

The President praised Mamata Banerjee for dancing in the tune of Adivasi tune and playing the traditional tribal instrument. Murmu gave a standing ovation to the Bengal Chief Minister and said that she was moved by the civic reception, where all sections of the society joined hands to pay respect to her.

"The Chief Minister danced to the tunes of Adivasi music. The way she danced with Adivasi music and played the Adivasi instrument- adopting all cultures equally and paying respect to all equally and making all cultures close to one's heart could be witnessed," Murmu said. She had given a standing ovation to the Chief Minister while she was dancing.

Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Speaker Biman Banerjee and Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court Justice Prakash Srivastava were present at the civic reception hosted by the West Bengal government in her honour at the Netaji Indoor Stadium today. All the ministers, industrialists, sports personalities and dignitaries from various fields were present at the programme. A cultural programme will also be organized, including tribal dance.

President Murmu arrived in Kolkata on Monday on her maiden visit to West Bengal on Monday. The President was offered Guard of Honour at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. .
A dinner has been hosted by the Governor at Raj Bhawan today.