Mamata writes to PM Modi, seeks classical language status for Bangla

In the letter, the CM has cited the evidence collected by her government which shows that Bangla dates back to prehistoric times. In her letter to PM Modi, Banerjee wrote: “I take this opportunity to present before you a summary of a scholarly work undertaken by us in four volumes, which dates the origin of ‘Bangla/Bengali language to the 3rd-4th BCE. In sum, the research shows that our language is a classical language with roots in antiquity, and we seek its recognition as such.”

“Bengali, apart from being the national language of a country, an official language of our State and the second most spoken language in India, is also the seventh most spoken language in the world. The Bengali people have a rich heritage and culture dating back to prehistoric times. There had always been claims to the antiquity of the Bengali language, but concrete research was not present to scientifically substantiate the claim. Now, I am happy to present concrete evidence-based research to prove that Bengali as a language existed, even in writing, as early as 3rd-4th BCE. I am sure that you would appreciate this scholarly work and ensure that our language gets its due recognition accordingly,” the letter read.

Banerjee also urged the Prime Minister to recognise Gangasagar Mela as a National Fair and invited him to visit this year. “The Gangasagar Mela is celebrated every year on Makar Sankranti while a Mela of this magnitude such as Kumbh Mela is held at one location every 12 years and otherwise every four years… The Gangsagar Mela has served as à milestone of faith to followers of Hinduism. The event has deep mythological and astrological significances, with the Mela itself together with Kapil Muni and the Sagar Island having been mentioned in the ancient Indian epics such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsham,” Banerjee wrote in her letter to PM Modi.

“Hence, considering the uniqueness, significance, magnitude and spiritual depth associated with the Gangasagar Mela, I would earnestly appeal to you to kindly consider to declare Gangasagar Mela a National Fair and to kindly take some time out of your busy schedule to make a visit to Gangasagar Mela.”

She also claimed that her government spent more than Rs 700 crore for the development of religious places in the state.