What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow’ — the famous saying by social reformer and freedom fighter Gopal Krishna Gokhale is something that Bengalis swear by.
But Bengal, which was once the symbol of India’s intellectual modernity, is dying a slow death due to its crumbling social infrastructure, lack of jobs and economic stagnation. Over the past few decades, West Bengal has degenerated into ‘Waste Bengal’.
Trapped in time
Bengalis are, however, stuck in a time-warp, refusing to even talk about the state’s problems. Bengal’s intelligentsia or the ‘buddhijibi’ (as they are known in Bangla) hardly ever talks about the state’s economic decay, shut industries, the unimaginable political violence during elections or lack of jobs, as for them, their favourite pastime is reminiscing about the illustrious past.
They will never miss an opportunity to show off how much they prioritise books over everything else. I wonder if they ever read up on the state’s poor finances and creaking infrastructure.
Speak to a friend in Calcutta. He is distraught his book collection has been damaged. Later into the chat, I find out his house has also been damaged, but that’s almost an afterthought. The books are priority, as they must always be in Calcutta. God bless my once and forever city
— Ashok Malik (@MalikAshok) May 22, 2020
Bengalis love to take pride in their culture, language, and identity, and it is non-negotiable. They love to worship Rabindranath Tagore or Satyajit Ray.
No doubt, they were great personalities, but for Bengali intellectuals, you’re not ‘Bengali’ enough if you haven’t read Tagore’s poems or seen Ray’s films.
Although I’m a Bengali too, I find it hard to stomach such cultural arrogance, especially when the state is plagued by so many problems for years now, which remain far from being resolved.
Also read: Boroline — the cure-all that is stuck in time but still brings joy, especially to Bengalis
The politics of Bengali pride
Invoking Bengali pride and sub-nationalism has been one of the distinct traits of West Bengal’s politicians, who stir up such sentiments to cover up their administrative failures and to gain a political upper hand.
Be it the Left Front a decade ago or Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress now, invoking Bengali pride has been their go-to answer to the state’s colossal problems.
The Bengali pride has come to Mamata’s rescue in the coronavirus times too. The chief minister is playing up the ‘Bangla and Bangali’ refrain to counter criticism for Covid mismanagement.
On 12 May, during a press conference in Kolkata, Mamata had even said she would pray to god to forgive “Bengalis who are maligning the image of Bengal”.
She also wants to change the state’s name to Bangla, something the Left Front government also tried to do. She had once asserted that those living in West Bengal will have to learn to speak Bangla.
West Bengal’s former chief minister Jyoti Basu had invoked Bengali chauvinism by wanting to introduce Bangla as the official language in the Calcutta High Court. Furthermore, in the year 2000, the Left government under Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee issued an order to introduce Bangla in government offices.
Playing up this sub-nationalism card is perhaps an easy option for the politicians to fool people by touching the emotional chord, and garner votes.
In a way, Bengal’s cultural pride and arrogance have always come in the path of its social development, and done more harm than good to the state.
Also read: Mamata becomes mellow ‘Bengal’s daughter’ as she rebrands herself for 2021 assembly polls
Bengalis can do better
But all is not lost for Bengal yet. There are certain course-corrections that Bengal and Bengalis need to do for a better future.
First and foremost, the state needs to reverse its industrial decline. Bengal was once an industrial powerhouse. But years of trade unionism and government’s criminal apathy dealt a severe blow to industrialisation, leading to many big industries exiting Bengal.
Lack of industry and jobs have hurt educated Bengalis the most as they’ve been forced to migrate in search of jobs. Bengali intellectuals, especially the state’s young population, must support and encourage industries and businesses as much as they can. Reversing the industrial decline won’t be an easy task but is a must to get the state’s economy back on track.
Also read: Mamata is invoking Bengali pride again — her new ‘strategy’ to counter Covid flak
Looking beyond the ‘past’
Bengal also needs to invest massively in its health infrastructure. The state has failed miserably in tackling the current pandemic. According to reports, Bengal has one of the worst Covid testing records with the highest fatality rate among top ten states with most active cases. Bengal’s intelligentsia will do the state some good if it can build a narrative around Bengal’s failing health system and how it can be fixed. Also, moneyed Bengalis settled outside the state and the country, who keep feeling sorry about Bengal’s deprivation, can donate and invest in the health sector.
The Bengali intelligentsia can’t rest on the laurels of the past, and keep getting nostalgic about it. They must generate new ideas and vision with regard to the state’s social and economic growth. They should also consider entering public life to usher in positive changes — something which Bengal needs desperately.
Bengal does have the intellect to again be the symbol of modernity and prosperity. But for that, it needs to shed its colonial baggage and move forward.
A state’s pride lies not just in the number of Nobel laureates it produces, but also in the way it takes care of its citizens. Misplaced pride cannot prosper a state, but jobs, industries, and a robust health system certainly can.
Views are personal.
You have said the unpleasent truth. It may be bitter firs;t but will benefit a critically thinking society. Being a Malayalee I am afraid that, once the Gulf money stopts, same fate is waiting for Kerala. Having said this many will attack me, beacause it is eassy to blame the intergerity of person than countering the argument with facts.
Completely the WORST ARTICLE ever…..whoever has written this completely useless piece of crap has no idea what she is talking about…..legends like Tagore and Ray can never be a PAST…….their visions have been so FUTURISTIC that their creativities inspire millions and will keep doing so for generations to come…..plus to make a stronger foothold of current economy or scientific progression why would one need to give up their Cultural and Literary inheritances and glory?? This is the most demeaning and disagreeable piece of writing any of us has ever come across and we strongly suggest the author to immediately put an end to her so called writing skills and get herself treated to restore her sanity
What the lady M/s Dey want to say, was ecconomically Bengal has become so weak ecconomically that the scociety has lost the power to think new ides. Because all cultural inovations and ides emanate from ecconomy. Ecconomyical strength is the mother of all thee ideas. No jobs, abject poverty. that is the innier meaning.
What is wrong with The Print? It’s NOT some ‘Insignificant’ past! How many ethnicity in the world can achieve what Bengalis have achieved as an ethnic group? So let us stop mentioning all the Heros from our past? Shame on The Print! If you are not getting any news to publish,then don’t publish at all stop hacking up conspiracies that will stir up the public just to get Traps. Fire the writer and publicly apologize to the whole Bengali community.
The same self aggrandizing and self destructive bengali. Never could take an honest argument.
So immature article.
I don’t think there has ever been a great scientist without having an interest in art and literature.
I am an MS scholar in Engineering and I love to spend time understanding art and also trying to be creative.
This article is a travesty in the name of journalism.
Such an irrevelant article.
The Print should not demean their reputation by such articles.
Worst article ever…..how could you just drop Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, our pride….a Nobel laureate of recent times … who has presently joined hands with Bengal to tackle this challenging situation? Also Bangalis won’t forget that he wore traditional Bangali attire while receiving the prize, expressing deep love for his own culture.
What is the point? Should a British forget the fact that once, more than half of the world was British colony? Should jews forget the nazi regime? Shouldn’t anybody be proud or ashamed of their own history? Should Bengalis forget their roots? What is the point? Just a cheap effort to get better TRP?
Understand the theme and avoid barking ……
This article was written probably keeping in mind the mind set of person like you…..
Well when a dog barks, only another dog barks back……oops
For British also colony is past glory where as Bard of Avon, Keats etc lives on forever.
I think she was referring to the fact that a huge percentage of people in Bengal live in the past. Bengali’s in the comment section are proving her right by attacking the artical for calling the past insignificant or what not, but all about the past. She talks about dilapidated health infra and economy and yet no one is acknowledging or even criticising that. As if that’s accepted and no cause for concern or shame.
A very well written article to waste data and time.. 🙂
Hello Everyone,
I will urge everyone to waste their time and energy on such poor article. There are many good things to read and debate on.
Let’s get back to work!
You don’t need to stop celebrating art and culture to move forward with industrialization and nation-building. The article says nothing new. We all know about the lack of employment and industries in West Bengal. What is well-documented yet the author chooses to ignore is that a large percentage of research scholars in scientific field in IITs and IIS are from West Bengal. This singular state constitute the largest proportion of science students from India who get scholarships in foreign universities. This is not past, this is the present. Ofcourse the political scenario is quite hopeless in West Bengal with leaders in both contending parties being corrupt and crass. Forgetting art and culture is not the solution to that problem. It’s ridiculous to think so. All those who think arts is not as important as science, have you even read about the European Renaissance? I dont know about the author’s achievements, but as a Bengali, I am doing pretty well in my field and I am happy to see so many Benglais in the middle and top level positions in so many industries. Maybe what you say is a reflection of your own experiences, rather than that of a collective.
Emotions will keep u blind , keep it up . Nxt time don’t send ur wards to different states for studies and job , and also don’t expect them to come back. Migrants coming back will show the true color . You can’t feed people by literature and Art.
This is rather a strange thing to ask honestly, and living in Kolkata, I find a ton of biharis, odiyas and people from other states. If you want to talk about ‘not sending people to other states’ and ‘not expect them back’, I think it will be already strange and unfair. Also, if you are talking about people in IITs and other institutions, please note that they intake students on the basis of merit, not what state are they from, same goes for different companies that hire them. What makes migrants from different from this? I found a huge population of non Bengalis working in jobs that allows them to transfer to other states, which they suspiciously don’t do as well. I have nothing against these migrants, but if you are willing to say something that is this rude, you may as well see what’s actually there.
”This singular state constitute the largest proportion of science students from India who get scholarships in foreign universities. ” Do you have any data to support this?
She is Mad.
Debolina have no idea about Bengali culture.
Shame on her.
Bengalis should boycott her.
Nicely composed. It seems we are standing in front of a mirror, image laughing at us. These so called intellectuals are the riding factors of converting the state to Waste Bengal, be it naxal movements, industrial destructions or depleting moral of politics. Tussel with Centre whoever be the ruling party at centre or state got embedded in DNA of Bengalis.
I wonder how Print could allow such a novice on Bengali art, culture and sentiment to publish an article when we Bengali as a community is facing challenges from all fronts!
Her thoughts are shallow and are void of in-depth analysis of what all went wrong over last 5 decades or so!
I lost the respect on Print is all that I can sum up to publish such an article!
Mr. Mukherjee do not keep your eyes closed. Bengsal’s Ecconomy has nosed dived to such extent that Calcutta does not come into top 15 cities in India. You do not have to belive me. Check Googles. By size as a city Calcutta is not even in top 15. in India. By population calcutta is 7th in India. what is ecconomy ?It is the size of the total walth creatd by the local population. I stay in Ahmedanbad. Due to my work I have to travel between Pune-Mumbai -Ahmedbaad. I know How people perceive bengalis there. Accept the fact make self and critical ssssment and where bengalis have gone wrong. Imagine a lunatic like Mamta banerjee who could not bring a single inustry to Bengal and who drove out tata from Singur got second chance. here nobody talks about Bengal, people perceive it as a lost state. See what happened after math the Amphen. even after five dayss, electricity could not be restored through out .south Bengal. Such situation cannot be dreamt off here.
Perfect ….
What exactly are you suggesting Miss Dey? That Bengalis are emotional fools who do not think about the present? Well, then I suggest that you talk to the Bengali intelligentsia a little more than you have, because you evidently have not. And how exactly can you call the promotion of Bengali linguistic chauvinism? Puttin guns to people’s heads and making them read Bengali is a crime but proposing to make it an official language is the right of the star where most people speak Bengali. And about Ray and Tagore— why will we not feel proud? It isn’t as if we are only studying there work and reveling in the suspension of the present. We are not doing that. If you want to criticize a State’s political streetscape, you should do so without involving the native community of that State. And talking about the Bengal and Bengali trope—we are not that dimwitted that such statements will sway our ideologies. We are a proud community and we like to talk about books. Yes, I myself am a bibliophile and I do believe that the elementary test of being deemed as a Bengali is the ability to appreciate Ray and Tagore. But that certainly is not related to the economic instability of Bengal. I, as a reader of this article, am appalled at the travesty that this article has proven to be. Please employ better journalists who can indulge in novel articles beyond these Gen Z cliches.
Dear Writer,
With all due respect to your questions and suggestions which are being put up in this article, allow me to criticize some of your thoughts.
Firstly, the title itself is being named after the famous personalities so that your article gets a good amount of read. So for the exact same point you criticized other Bengalis, you just did that too, inorder to seek for attention. If you were so sure of your content and writeup, you could have chosen a different article name, as you as an individual don’t want to be shackled in the past by Tagore or Ray. You used the same past which you have criticized in the article.
Secondly, will write more when u will make more sense, as I didn’t find it worthy enough to write more on your content where the article’s name itself is contradictory with the content, you are just another example of big mouth pseudo liberals, may be.
Thanks for the unsolicited advice to বাঙালি s . Political dirt & corruption are eternal truths in this country. But when you say , giving priority to বাংলা language in official proceedings or asks everyone to learn বাংলা in this state as’Sub Nationalism ‘, I doubt your intention. Look I have seen both the regime (left&tmc) , both were tyrant. But if they tried/ are trying something for our language, why are so bothered? This is our land, our language. আমাদের মাটি !আমাদের ভাষা ! Everyone is entitled to their opinions, So are you. Bangla does not give a damn!
In fact CBSE, ICSE will see to it that we forget our language and heritage and join the lowest common denominator. It is the legacy of Tagore, Ray and others, that’s producing Amartya Sen, Abhijit Banerjee etc. Bengali’s never aspire to become an Ambani.
”Bengali’s never aspire to become an Ambani.” I sit something you want to be proud of? No wonder your state is a mess. With no jobs and no food, just sing Tagore and you will be OK. Nonsense.
Crony capitalism of collaboration between businessmen,politicians and bureaucrats makes a big industrialist in India. Even a kid knows this. Bengalees simply don’t have access to that.
Very telescopic view filled with clichés. Yes there is a lot of things wrong in bengal, just like it is about so many other states eg maharashtra bihar rajasthan. However, things are slowly changing. and there is nothing wrong about being proud of your past. You don’t fault the proud marathi or target the proud gujjus or the marwaris. So why bengal.
What is wrong if the governments try to promote Bengali as official language? If India can promote Hindi as official and other non-hindi speaking states can promote their regional language, why not West Bengal. The author seems dillusional and hardly any proper idea about Bengal and Bengalis though by name, she is Bengali. She seemed out of subject to write an article. I regret to see that there are such Bengalis in our community! When every other country and race are promoting their languages, some of the Bengalis take us down for doing that! Shame on you.
Name a state in INDIA where for majority there is NORTH KOREA type policies and for minority pakistan type policies
Sorry to differ on most of the points with the writer.
A very simplified view on a (some sort of ) complex subject with one sided notion.
On the other hand – I feel disgusting when I see people in bengal specially new generation in kolkata feel proud to talk in hindi or hinglish in their native state , which I have never seen in any other states in india! This is the only state in india where some mothers feel proud when theirs children not talking in bengali.
What the writer say is nothing new- we have seen this type of stereotype writing before.
I also think that the writer has not enough credibility to write on this subject apart from being bengali. Through i am not absolutely against criticism- in fact one of my favorite book is AATMAGHAI BANGALI by Nirod C. Chowdhury.
It’s ok the writer express her own notion in media. There is nothing wrong in it. Just gone through it and close the chapter!
The above article reflects very poor and unmatured thoughts of the writer. Requesting The Print to review such write-ups before they are published.Ms Dey is no judge to advocate and decide that Tagore and Ray are past. Actually she has become a past after such an article.Never going to read her articles again.
Sir, do not close your eye to the reality. it is the accepted norm for Bengal now.
Dear Arun, can you please tell me one state where everything is perfect in every aspect? Yes after Congress under cpim era industrialization didn’t enter in our state and in current situation it’s not entering because of political(tmc) problems. But that doesn’t mean in future we’ll not let industrialization or entrepreneurship to happen in WB. But this just article shows hatred for our community. Whoever Deblina is, but she is definitely not a bengali or might be a highly depressed person. Just remember, history knows that bengalis have suffered a lot, but they never give up and will never. And we will always read books of Tagore, B.C. Chatterjee, Jibanananda Das(list goes on..) for some positivity and creative ideas.
I will try not to open your website henceforth… who is this lady who has got no basic idea about history, culture, struggle of state for years… does she know how Bengal industries had to pay extra tax to buy coal or other minerals from the State like Bihar for years. Does she know how entire jute industry has suffered due to the introduction of plastic worldwide. I am really ashamed to know someone from Bengal can write this article without knowing anything about her own state. I m just surprised to see her audacity to humiliate a state and want to ask a simple question, Tui ke re Haridas Paul!! I think she will understand this language
You are showing your poor intellect by saying Rabindra Nath Thakur and Satyajit Ray as past. Their work will remain and be adored forever. You could do something for the society instead of writing this type of useless article which is not worth reading to the end. Actually people like you are not worth to do anything meaningful, so you have enough time to find fault in others. When people are worthless, they criticise. Wise people contribute whatever small or big way they can, to bring positive changes to the society.
The author is right , after seeing the comment section from Bengalies nothing much can be expected, I have seen many bhodroloks who will never say their wards to come back to Kolkata but still basking in the past nostalgia. Kolkata now is not even counted as an A1 city , the city infrastructure crumbling , per capita income almost close to Bihar MP , GDP and annual budget figures are fudged to such an extent that govt only giving handouts and taking huge loans . Not a single big ticket investment . The migrants labour’s will show the true color of rural economy which is next to nothing . WB economy now heavily service oriented , with 18% pie of manufacturing decades back to less than 5% now . From trade union to syndicate Raj nothing have changed , who in their right mind will invest in such a soup . People are too polarized even if they are not part of any political parties they are blind supporters . In WB for decades opposition parties are way too negligible to even counter the narrative of the ruling govts . It takes decades for Bengalies to bring in a new party to power. People are too much politically polarized .
Serious research is required to know and understand why Bangladesh with common cultural icons are progressing and West Bengal is regressing. For that matter why Bangladesh which swears by yesteryear cultural icons like Tagore, Nazrul is doing well economically as well and Pakistan with Allama is going downhill.
Brilliant. Thank you. So truthful.
So long Bengalis retains their pride and consciousness of Tagore, Ray and other renaissance men of Bengal, Bengal will remain Bengal. Cultural icons are very important for a progressive society. Bangladesh is progressing because of their pride in Tagore, Nazrul and others. Religious bigotry won’t take us anywhere.
Retvik Ghatak any day over Satyajit Rai, for me.
We will continue to live in a so-called time- trap… Rabindranath is God of Bengalis, sorry we cannot leave our God !
Dear JERK,
Lol, let me tell you something, this is one of the worse article, ever read. Well, let me ask you a simple question. What do you know about the Bengalis and the culture?
1. You are free to write/discuss coz you are free. Who brought the freedom? Netaji Suhas Chandra Bose, Khudiram etc – Bangali.
2. Indian National anthem written by whom? Rabindra Nath Tagor- Bangali.
3. Scientists- Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose & so many.
4. First great film producer & director who won the Oscar- Satyajit Roy
The list is huge.
Let me tell you something, today if you are alive also, there must be atleast one Bengali’s contribution. So don’t prove yourself a JERK.
Though you’ve already proved that. But still.
I would definitely suggest you to read about Bengali’s contribution to the Indian History, Freedom, Politics, Science, Sociology, Research and development, Progress, Culture, Finance, Infrastructure etc before criticizing.
I’m sure you’ve written this article under influence of your insecurities & jealous attitude, but I would definitely suggest you to gather some knowledge before posting such cheap down market articles.
You ate spreading tribalism and separates one against other. Still Bengalis can get Nobel prizes, no other person from other states can get it. West Bengal GSDP like GDP is $170 billions and #6 in the nation just after Gujrat whose GSDP 205 billions. West Bengal mostly serve in service sector (70%) such bank, state and central government, huge teaching community and handicraft and small scale industries. Please do not spread bad publicity about WB.
Very well written. A self introspective Bengali a very rare being especially during the last few decades. The truth is that this love for books had turned Bengalis into excellent theoreticians. Look at those doing PhDs in esoteric fields of study with very little practical relevance. Most will be Bengalis. No wonder putting theory into practice is not the Bengali’s forte. That’s why Waste Bengal. But it was not always so and the best of Bengali talent no longer lives in Bengal. Bengal and Bengalis have been ruined by political religion and blind following of extreme left wing policies. Once both cease being relevant and Bengalis rediscover their own culture and philosophy there will be regeneration. Time to convert this veneration of Tagore and Ray into reclaiming Bengal.
A nice effort to sum up, u r right sir
Netaji and Khudiram bose
Did they got the same status in Bengali mindset as Tagore and Ray?
Ask Bengali New generarions if their role model is Khudiram bose?
It is natural Dance, music, bollywood gets preferred over Khudiram style sacrifice.
National anthem, yes controversies are also there it was written as a praise for British kingdom.
Literature and art are crucial but it should be limited to its place. Every region/ country has its own literature
Nobel and Oscar, all r foreign awards, do u think these have helped the downtrodden people in our state any way,
They may be the tool for getting some talented person to have fame but on ground level their wishdom ever helped society as a whole?
Like Nobel laureate sitting in America handled the COVID respone team management. Ha ha
We should be tolerant enough for all ideas.
Madam has shown the mirror atleast.
National Anthem was never written to praise the British. This hoax has been debunked many times. Try to get some basic education and not be brainwashed by everything you read on social media.
Finally someone who speaks truth about West Bengal. West Bengal has become shame of India, instead of leaving India, Bengal is one of the Bimaru States, the poverty in Bengal puts it in the same league of Bihar and Jharkhand. East Indian states are just burden to India.
Don’t say like this. Almost every state is moth riddled in india. Apart from punjab who has taken the responsibility to feed us and uttarakhand that sends majority of its menfolk to the army, the rest of the country is struggling.
We have to rise above others as one force
Bengali bashing sells and improves the TRP these days.
No need to poke into east India, very well is known about your north India be it Delhi, rajasthan or Maharashtra
Ami ei lekha tar Bangla te reply dichhi, English / Hindi janleo echha kore debona. Janina apni Indiar kotota dekhechen. Tobe ekta kotha bolte pari, ei je Bangla ke official language kora niye apnar ato problem, konodin South Imdia te giye dekhe asben tara nijeder language ke kotota somman kore.
Apni Bangali bole ei kotha ta likhte sahosh peyechen karon amra bangali ra sobar boktobbo ke soman morjada di, sobar kotha suni alochona kori. R Time Trap e mone hoy apni nije pore achen amra noi. Asha kori valo thakben, suvo biddhi hok apnar. R kharap somoy jodi sahajjo korte egiye na aste paren, dur theke bose boktrita marbenna.
m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/19-of-india-s-25-dirtiest-cities-are-in-west-bengal/story-PjCvlm6BI1JFlwrhiwSkAO_amp.html
Ideally WB should have topped cleanest cities.
Great Bangali has rich culture but no taka in pocket.
The malaise is bigger than just Bengal. The Bengali love for the past only stretches 200 years. As a nation (and more specifically the right wing) Indians live and revel in the Vedic/ Puranic times.
The author has only one intention- to see companies like Honda, Samsung, Pidilite,
Nestle, Infosyss, Mahindra, Bajaj, Maruti set up base in Kolkata. To see a Bengal which attracts Marathis, Gujaratis, Tamilians and people from all across.
The author wants to see more cities and not just Kolkata alone. The author wants Bengal to provide as many opportunities to its citizens and students. Today most of them go out after passing from our prestigious Jadavpur or any University.
Let the Calcutta Stock Exchange be revived, let Bengal become the center of trade and commerce. Let global companies like Adidas, Reebok set up factories in Bengal.
That is the only intention. Many people have not liked the way she has written. But none of those are businessmen, most of them are salaried workers.
What will convince people to invest in Bengal. For that Bengalis must move away from greatness of past to making Bengal relevant in global supply chains
Well said.
If I really have to give a piece of my mind over the article then , it’s not certainly poorly written but the writer needs to have more facts at her/his hand while writting such an article . I do understand, the conservative bengali chauvinism”, which the writer brings forth and was present since the early 1900s .And ,was heavily criticised by bengali writters .Pointing out this chauvinistic mentality , Tagore himself wrote in his essay on “Nationalism” that these sentiments of pride are just for political and moral unification , as seen throughout history . The Bengali hubris is hurt if an article like this is published when Bengal itself is in such a dire state .
I believe when the writer is understanding enough to comprehend the Bengali chauvinistic mentality , he surely is capable enough to understand the deprivation of assistance and solidarity by the Centre . And , that it is not the right time to bank on the tidal sentiments of Bengalis .
God! I am really saddened how low “the print” has stooped to . I mean, this is the outlet that covered the story of “Harsh Mander” didn’t it? And promoted NC Saxena’s book? Aren’t you at all reading what you are preaching , are you?
You are a lady, and my Bengali culture has taught me to celebrate womanhood and respect women. I thus refrain myself from giving a point by point reply to all the nonsense that you have written- cause I would be using some harsh words for that, and I want to avoid insulting a woman. However, your words does prove your stupidness, lack of knowledge, and why proper education is very much the essential of this country. Just knowing how to write stories, doesn’t make you a literate. Stay safe.
If most Bengalis have to go outside the state to earn a living that gives them income just enough for two meals then what is the pride for.
Travel across India and you will find that most labour is from UP, Bihar and WB and also Orissa.
Lakhs of Bengalis just want to get out of Bengal at any cost.
Barring Kolkata there is no other city. Kolkata was created by the British. Industrial decline was manmade. They say every state cannot be industrially competent, then why WB does not lead in IT, BPO or why no great food companies are in WB.
Bengalis are in some imagined world especially the bhadralok elite.
No one can win a debate or an argument with a Bengali. They win debate always. But can never can convince a Tata or a Mahindra or a Bajaj to set up factories in WB.
Hope Bengalis realise that their state is now seen on the lines of Bihar and UP. The imagined greatness of the past has never let them face reality.
Crappy article. People like you are more responsible for the degradation of bengal and bangalees. It’s better that people like you have been migrated from this state. Our state doesn’t want burden of having treacherous like you.
I don’t intend to dissect too much into Bengal and the so called Bengalee chauvinism. Bengal’s predicament started with the division of Bengal. The cartographic redrawing, beside throwing a logistical nightmare for time to come, created a high compression of demographic density jn the western territory. The then Indian leadership are squarely responsible for failing to bargain for West Bengal’s interests. On top of it was the failure to transfer the minorities en block to the eastern territwhereas near total purging of the Hindu minority there continues even now. Transfer of capital city to Delhi too had its toll on Bengal’s momentum. All these are historical, though unmitigably persisting.
Why else my displaced father had to struggle unto death. Why did I have to live hand to mouth in building a modest shelter in this new settlement. Why have the Bengalees had to scatter, settle and rescue themselves all over the country and abroad by dint of their mettle, adaptibility and struggle. And, over the time they have raised themselves into valued citizens wherever they settled in the length and breadth of the country and abroad. Can anybody quote any other states, barring Punjab, which had so much to go through that has not ended even now
The balance sheet could have been much stronger in favour of Bengal but for the elitist Congress, myopic Left Front primarily in areas of language policy, industrial relations and soft pedalling as well as dilution of state authority; Trinamool on the other hand captured and holding power rudderlessly with empowerment of goons, autocracy and tacit patronage of powers that be at the Centre to dethrone Left Front. People’s ambivalence aided the perpetuation of the blue and white party. The Center-State mock concert is still on with high and low noises, throwing the state into back gear.
What Bengal holds to her breast is its cultural assets, as she drifts on a sinking boat. OH BENGAL!
If this is journalism……I think many people who once aspired to be one would be happy to not to take up this profession.
Yes ….Bengal has many issues but which state of our country does not have.
The glorious (also an ashame Bong) criticised the imposition of Bengali language on the people but it is a fact which we can’t deny that most of the Indian states are doing it.
And yes all the great personalities who are mentioned by the sad Bong author…. represent our region and they are our pride !!
So much of negativity amidst a crisis broke my heart and just wanted to say we all can join hands to rebuild our state from every possible dimension.
Firstly,Looks like u didn’t find anything to write about Bengal even when districts have been wiped out by Amphan.
Secondly, I don’t think u have ever imbibed anything about Rabindranath Tagore or Satyajit Ray or any other great thinkers of Bengal because they’re views and ideas have proven to be timeless. Respecting and celebrating culture isn’t backwardness.
Third, the economic situation has many contributing factors and it is complex. Culture has nothing to do with it, rather it has taught us that there are much more things to appreciate and find happiness in life and it’s not only money. But that doesn’t mean we forget our paycheck.
Lastly, please check the latest health bulletin, we have crossed 9k tests per day. Your entire article sounded like a propaganda WhatsApp forward, which aims at our rich cultural heritage, ofcourse which prevents many of us from being blind and indifferent to society.
Emotive, rather than analytic.
And emotive too, fuelled by ignorance and fed by populist rhetoric.
Have you checked any facts?
WB fumbled with the initial testing, and tried to cover up the consequence (high CFR due to low case detection), agreed. But this tactic was later used by Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra and other states too – to try and delineate ‘direct deaths’ and ‘indirect deaths’. The role of the centrally funded ICMR in sending faulty kits to WB cannot be overlooked.
The improvement has been dramatic. Despite constant Central interference (missing in the BJP ruled states, predictably) WB today has a testing rate of over 1400 per million. From the lowest in the country, it is not even in the bottom 10, and is set to cross the average soon. The recovery rate is better than the national average. Verify your facts and then spew your balderdash.
Coming to misplaced Bengali pride, WB has consolidated its position in the upper 1/3rd of all states, on crucial indicators such as under 5 mortality rate, infant mortality rate, life expectancy, literacy rate, maternal mortality ratio, gender equality index. To compare, the Gujarat model lies exposed today as a non-inclusive, lopsided development model.
Responsible journalism has anyway been thrown to the wind today. And if there has been one consistent decline in quality, and a rottening stagnation in mediocrity, among a domain of the Bengalis, it has been in journalism. The state had once produced or hosted some of India’s best journalists. Sadly, today, such articles serve only to insult that legacy.
Comorbidity case has been stagnant to 72 for last 5-6 weeks. Why???
The author should be congratulated on his true representation of his thoroughly ignorant yet proud group. Let the author be offered, as a reward, a free course on Better Buffonery. What Tagore advised and actually did for the economic upliftment of his countrymen are generally beyond the syllabus of these buffoons. ThePrint is equally to be held responsible for this trash. Well, popular theories on increasing circulation can only support such activities.
There is nothing wrong if we criticise ourselves to get rid of our bad traits or demerits. Only by self analysis a nation can become progressive. I had been in Calcutta for a long period, I had received my basic academic education including engineering in institutions under great CU and JU. What is the present educational status prevailing now in Calcutta/west Bengal , I do not know but certainly I am proud of the best educational wisdom, sound knowledge in basic sciences and technical disciplines I have acquired in the institutions I have studied in, without which it would not have been possible to set up several high tech production centres manufacturing biochemicals of the best quality possible developed by me through r& d for export to developed countries earning thousands of dollare. Definitely we could do better in future,as necessary elements are present in the Bengali intellects, all are not lost. Rgds Dr k k bhattacharya Coimbatore TN , a scientist of india Remarks I am a great admirer and worshipper of phenomenally gifted Tagore and Ray of the highest international standard possible .
There is nothing wrong if we criticise ourselves to get rid of our bad traits or demerits. Only by self analysis a nation can become progressive. I had been in Calcutta for a long period, I had received my basic academic education including engineering in institutions under great CU and JU. What is the present educational status prevailing now in Calcutta/west Bengal , I do not know but certainly I am proud of the best educational wisdom, sound knowledge in basic sciences and technical disciplines I have acquired in the institutions I have studied in, without which it would not have been possible to set up several high tech production centres manufacturing biochemicals of the best quality possible developed by me through r& d for export to developed countries earning thousands of dollare. Definitely we could do better in future,as necessary elements are present in the Bengali intellects, all are not lost. Rgds Dr k k bhattacharya Coimbatore TN , a scientist of india Remarks I am a great admirer and worshipper of phenomenally gifted Tagore and Ray of the highest international standard possible .
Shame on Dey who has tried to show her intelect. Does she know what the sentiments are of average Bengali (baring people like her) with #RabindranathTagore and #SatyajitRay? Is she even proud to be a #Bengali or curse herself for being one. What is she trying to prove? Who ghe hell is she to sermon Bengalies to forget Tagore and Ray. Shame on The Print for carrying such a story. What an audecity… Condemn!
Can you convince any Indian industrialst to set up a base in WB? Our boys and girls are running to Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Delhi, Surat, Hyderabad for jobs. Why are we not able to give them jobs here.
I was shocked to see the number of young Bengalis in Bangalore. I thought only a few would be there. We are in Lakhs even in Pune.
How many lakh Marathi and Kannada or Punjabis come to our state for any kind of work? We have nothing to offer. No economic opportunities. We are a state living on repatriation alone.
Try starting a small business in Bengal. I am sure you would have cursed if not killed the people we encounter. How difficult it is to run even a small business here.
And we are 12 crore people. Can we not provide some opportunities for our own people here.
Not sure why you are offended, I really enjoyed this article as the author has been bold enough to call out the current state of Bengal, which is quite shameful. West Bengal is living in illusions of past while the per capita income of west bengal is one of the lowest in India, less then half of per capita income of my state. West Bengal who was industrial power house of India once is nothing more than a member of Bimaru state.
Live in deception and you will only go down.
Which state are you from? Just wanted to verify your claim of double per capita income.
Sir Rajput what is your state and where is the data ?
pallab Ghosh do not leve in a fools paradise. Those days are gone about 50 years back. Now the scociety in Bengal is decaying. Abject poverty, No jobs. Miniscule Middleclass. Thriving Middleclass is the engine of growth, which Bengal sadly lack. That is why this situation. I stay in Ahmedabad. recently I know a person staying in my complex who was born in Calcuuta, grown up in Calcutta, Then joined as Clark in BOI in Calcutta. Now being an officer who recently promoted to Scale IV and got transfer order for Calcutta. That person refused to go to Calcutta inspite being his ancestral home is in calcutta. His relatives are there. BOKA BANGALI OPTED FOR REGIONAL PARTIES TO GOVERN THE STATE IN THE LAST 43 YEARS AND PAID THE PRICE FOR THIS DECAY. ALWAYS FIGHTING WITH THE CENTRE. NET RESULT ABJECT POVERTY TO THE CITIZENERY. DECAYING SCOCEITY CRETED MORE CRIME, DEPRESSION AND IDEOSYNCRACY. HOW MANY EMINENT BENGALIS ARE THERE IN THE INDUSTRIAL HORIZON. wORLD.S TOP 15 CEO’S ARE INDIAN BUT NONE ARE BENGALIS. NO EMINENT POLITICIANS. NO EMINENT LITTERATE PERSON. NO EMINENT CRIKETOR, NO EMINENT CINEMA PERSONALITIES, NO EMINENT INDUSTRIQALIST , NO EMINENT HISTORIANS, ETC ETC. ONLY EXHORTIONIST. STILL PROUD BENGALIS VOTED FOR 34 YEARS TO COMUNIST AND THEN TWO TERMS TO A LUNATIC WOMEN CALLED MAMATA BANERJEE WHO DRIVEN AWAYA THE TATA NANO FACTORY. SINCE THEN NO INDUSTRIAL GROWTH. TMC GOVERNMENT PROVIDING FUDGED DATA TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENRT FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSE. LIKE GDP CALCULLATION, ETC. PRACTICALLY THERE IS NO EMPLOYMENT SCOPE IN CALCUTTA. EDUCATION SYSTEM IS VERY POOR.
semi-literate rant!