Akhil Bharatiya Bang Parishad’s Swabhimaan Samaroh discusses Bengali cultural heritage and Bengal’s contribution to the freedom struggle
New Delhi, 17 August. Under the aegis of Akhil Bharatiya Bang Parishad, a ‘Swabhimaan Samaroh’ was organised on Sunday at the Constitution Club of India to honour the major Durga Puja organisers, committees and representatives of the Bengali community in Delhi. The programme featured discussions on the cultural traditions of the Bengali community, the significance of Durga Puja, Bengal’s contribution to the freedom movement, and the organised conduct of Durga Puja in the national capital.
Representatives of the Bengali community from Delhi-NCR, office-bearers of various Durga Puja committees, social and cultural workers, and dignitaries from political and literary fields participated in the event. The objective of the samaroh was not only to honour the committees and active representatives of the community but also to highlight the cultural identity of the Bengali community, social solidarity, and Bengal’s contribution to national life.
Among the distinguished guests present were BJP National Spokesperson Bharti Ghosh, BJP Mahila Morcha President and Kalkaji Municipal Councillor Yogita Singh, former Tripura State President Subol Bhaumik, BJP leader Ashok Thakur, international poet and BJP spokesperson Gajendra Solanki, and noted humour poet Shambhu Shikhar. Office-bearers of the Parishad, including National General Secretary Kishore Kumar Taraphdar, National Swayamsevak Arun Mukherjee, Vibhas Ranjan Mandal, Vice-President Shrikrishna Tenduhar, National Vice-President Ajay Bairagi, Subrata Mandal, Shikha Mathur and Treasurer Sushobhan Banerjee, were also present.
The programme was smoothly conducted by Dr. Rudresh Narayan Mishra of Delhi University and Vineet. They introduced the guests and systematically guided the proceedings. Speakers presented Durga Puja not merely as a religious ritual but in the broader context of Indian culture, social harmony and community participation. They emphasised that the preservation of cultural traditions of different communities in a metropolis like Delhi strengthens national unity and social goodwill.
Addressing the gathering, Vishva Hindu Parishad International President Alok Kumar highlighted the significance of Goddess Durga and Goddess Kali in the Indian religious and cultural tradition. He said that the worship of Shakti holds a special place in Indian tradition. Goddess Durga inspires the victory of good over evil and the struggle against injustice, while Goddess Kali symbolises power, courage and the destruction of adharma. He wished that Durga Puja would strengthen unity, service and cultural consciousness in society.
BJP Mahila Morcha President and Kalkaji Municipal Councillor Yogita Singh gave an important assurance regarding the organisation of Durga Puja in Delhi. She said efforts would be made to encourage the cultural traditions of the Bengali community and to provide better facilities for Puja celebrations. Stressing the need for large-scale and well-organised events, she emphasised the promotion of eco-friendly idols and the need for proper, systematic and environmentally sound arrangements for immersion. She clarified that religious faith and environmental protection are not opposed to each other.
A major attraction of the programme was the poetry recitation by Gajendra Solanki. Through powerful poems in the veer rasa, he created an atmosphere of patriotism and national consciousness. He underlined Bengal’s significant role in India’s freedom struggle through literature, journalism, social awakening and revolutionary activities. Noted humour poet Shambhu Shikhar entertained the audience with his witty compositions. Amidst laughter and applause, he described Durga Puja as a festival of social participation and cultural expression.
Speakers observed that Durga Puja is an integral part of the cultural identity of the Bengali community. It brings families, society and the community together. Puja pandals host not only religious rituals but also cultural programmes, literature, music and art. The Bengali community in Delhi has long kept its heritage alive through these celebrations. Emphasis was also laid on connecting the younger generation with language, literature, art and traditions.
On the issue of environmental protection, organisers and speakers stressed the use of idols made from natural materials and the adoption of scientific immersion arrangements. Yogita Singh’s assurance was welcomed by those present.
At the conclusion of the programme, the organisers expressed gratitude to all guests, speakers, Puja committees and members of the Bengali community. The views expressed and the assurances given generated an atmosphere of enthusiasm for the forthcoming Durga Puja celebrations. The Swabhimaan Samaroh not only highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Bengali community and the tradition of Durga Puja but also pointed towards the possibility of more extensive, organised, culturally rich and environmentally sensitive celebrations in Delhi in the coming years.