November 8, 2019
Bangla will hold its head high, will fight to live: Didi
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today inaugurated the 25th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF). The inauguration came alive with the presence of star actors and directors from India and other countries.
After welcoming the stars, she said that cinema has to be made more far-reaching in its influence. Mentioning the fact that this is Bengali cinema’s centenary year, she said that there is an innate connection between Tollywood, Bollywood and Hollywood.
She reminded the audience that all delegates who come to KIFF year after year go back enamoured, saying this is a unique experience. Our large-hearted acceptance of all is what everyone appreciates, and so come back time and again. We are thankful to them, she said.
She said that Bangla wants to be the best in the world – become ‘Biswa Bangla’, as she has very often said – by taking everyone along, not by pushing anyone out. The mentality of Bangla is about inclusion, not exclusion.
From cinema to sports to culture to education – Bangla is ahead in every field. Bangla is the only State in India to boast of so many Nobel Prize winners. Bangla is the cultural capital of the country. Bangla wants to take everyone along, to love everyone. Bangla will always hold its head high, will fight to survive, she said.
