November 23, 2012
Chief Minister attends 80th anniversary of Jogamaya Devi College, assures all cooperation for development programmes
`I consider myself fortunate to be able to attend today`s function since it reminds me of so many big and small incidents during my college days. I would like to share on incident that immediately comes to my mind. It so happened that during a lecture session I was asked not give lecture and I was willing to give lecture. Incidents like this makes me nostalgic`, these were the opening words of the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee who was the Chief Guest at the reunion function organized to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Jogamaya Devi College in Kolkata. Incidentally, the Chief Minister herself happens to be an ex-student of this reputed college.
Speaking on this occasion, the Chief Minister recalled her days in college and the group of students participating in various cultural programmes, `I recall taking part in various cultural activities then, maybe we did not sing in proper rhythm or tune but we never abstained from participating`, smiled Ms. Mamata Banerjee.
`I have said before also and I reiterate that I would like to build a college exclusively for women and also an institution dedicated to Kazi Nazrul Islam at Churulia. I am surprised that nobody earlier thought of doing anything to honour personalities like Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul since we owe a lot to them`, said the Chief Minister who suggested that the college administration should prepare a data base of the ex-students which will enable them to keep in touch and interact with the students on special occasion such as this one or general.
The Chief Minister requested the students to shade off the negativity and always think positive since only then they will be able to think fresh and concentrate in whatever they do. She inspired the students to walk in the philosophy of great people like Rabindranath Tgaore and Kazi Nazrul Islam.
She said, `Please remember that development will come only when it is practiced at all spheres and not mere an outer development. There is a need to have mental development. I want you all to come forward and join hands in this endeavor to build New Bengal and return the lost glory that once Bengal was so proud off`.
Ms. Mamata Banerjee reiterated her commitment to in bring development in Bengal. She requests students to come forward in large numbers. She donated a token grant of rupees 10-lakhs and assured the college administration of all cooperation.
