Happening today in Bengal: KMC launches special drive for issuing birth-death certificates, raises BJP’s eyebrows

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will launch special camps for issuing birth and death certificates from today. The TMC-ruled civic body’s move comes amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, which has now been extended to December 11. The BJP has alleged that the TMC will be using the camp to issue fake birth certificates to “Bangladeshi infiltrators”. With the ongoing SIR, and BJP leaders pressing for the implementation of CAA-NRC (Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens), the demand for birth certificates and death certificates has increased.

First ceremony of mega Gita chant event

The Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad is organising a ceremony at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata today as part of its preparations for the upcoming mega event – Five Lakh Voices Chanting the Gita’ (Paanch Lakh Kanthe Gita Path). Monday’s event will begin with a Kalash Yatra from Doi Ghat in Khidirpore and will culminate with a Dhwaja Yatra at the Brigade Parade Ground. The main rituals will be the Bhumi Pujan for the event site and the Shree Shree Jagannath Dev’s Dhwaja Pujan, the installation of Lord Jagannath’s flag. This ceremony will serve as a foundational step for the much larger mass Gita chanting program slated for December 7.

Bidhannagar Mela Utsav begins today

This popular fair at Salt Lake’s Central Park in Kolkata will begin today and continue for several weeks. It will feature numerous stalls, pavilions, and likely international participation.

World AIDS Day today

With December 1 being globally recognized as World AIDS Day, various educational institutions and health organisations across the state will organize awareness campaigns and workshops to educate the public and combat stigma. The Indian Institute of Legal Studies in Siliguri and local NSS units will also host events.