November 14, 2013
WB CM lays the foundation of Kolkata Museum of Modern Art
West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee today laid the foundation stone of the Kolkata Museum of Modern Arts (KMOMA) at New Town. The new museum, which will help to create, curate modern art is a step towards restoring Kolkata as the cultural capital of India.
Transcript of CM’s speech on the occasion:
Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. I welcome all the distinguished guests, dignitaries present here. Today is Children’s Day. I salute all the children; they are the future of the country and the future of the world. I congratulate them all. KMOMA is a baby now. Today is its first step towards a future of success and glory.
I believe that Kolkata is the cultural capital of the world. We boast of an array of artists from different spheres. Our golden era is returning, golden age is coming back. From film to music to even television, the golden era of Bengal is returning. Hence it is important to give our artists a platform like KMOMA.
We are planning a lot to develop Rajarhat. The Eco-Tourism Park will be completed by December. We are planning to build a seminar centre around the water-bodies here. I named this place as Shilpa Tirtha long ago.
It takes time to do a good thing. The project has been conceived by the world’s best in architecture. A lot of ancillaries are to be set up around this structure. The main works are on the verge of completion. The foundation should be done at a fast pace. This project will inspire industrialists from all over the world to come forward and cooperate in development. We acknowledge the fact that there have been slips in the past; we promise to rectify them, and tide over any crisis. The Government is always with artists; if you need any help, never shy away from approaching us. The Government will give full cooperation, it will extend full support to KMOMA .
Even in my personal capacity, I am an art lover. I want my city to be green and clean. Often I suggest several beautification ideas while travelling on the roads. The more beautiful this city becomes, the gladder I will be. We have instituted Rabi Tirtha and Nazrul Tirtha; there will be an international convention centre in Rajarhat. We have created a financial hub too. KMOMA is coming up at a great place; the region will be well connected and people will throng to this museum. I hope KMOMA will become one of the best modern art museums in the world. We will be proud of it.
I always say that we must do something constructive. People should take lessons from KMOMA and come forward to contribute something positive to the state. Wish you all the best. I will personally keep track of the progress of the work. Let KMOMA be set up fast and make the city proud of its beautiful and world-class architecture.
