Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the birth anniversary of Roy Saheb Thakur Panchanan Barma, wrote in her X handle in Bengali that the government is responsible for the development of Rajbanshi culture and to make the memory of Thakur Panchanan Barma eternal. The government has taken many steps in his honour.
She wrote that the govt has established Panchanan Barma University in Cooch Behar and the second campus of this university has been opened in the holy land of Khalisamari, his birthplace. After renovating his residence, we have built a museum called ‘Panchanan Barma Museum and Research Center’ and a full-length statue of him has been installed there. We have declared his birth anniversary as a public holiday in the state.
“In this context, let me say that our government is working tirelessly for the overall development of Rajbanshi brothers and sisters. In memory of the traditional ‘Narayani Sena’ of Cooch Behar, a special ‘Narayani’ battalion has been formed in the state police.
“Rajbangshi language has been recognized as an official language. Along with this, we have also given official status to Kamtapuri, Santali, Kurukh, Kurmali, Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Telugu languages. We also have special initiatives to improve the quality of Sadri language. To protect the culture of Rajbangshi society, we have formed Rajbongshi Development Board, Rajbongshi Cultural Academy, Rajbangshi Language Academy and Kamtapuri Language Academy. Government approval has been given to about 200 Rajbangshi schools.”
She also wrote: “Considering the importance of the Koch-Kamtapur-Rajbangshi heritage, the entire city of Cooch Behar has been given the status of ‘Heritage City’.
Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee wrote in his X-handle: “On the birth anniversary of Roy Saheb Thakur Panchanan Barma, I bow in reverence to one of Bengal’s tallest social reformers and a relentless crusader for dignity and justice.
“He dedicated his life to uplifting the marginalised and instilling among them a sense of self-worth, unity and aspiration. In an era marked by rigid social barriers, he chose the harder path of reform, education and organised empowerment.
“He understood that education is the most powerful instrument of transformation and that true progress lies in enabling people to stand tall with confidence and opportunity.
“His legacy continues to inspire generations to challenge injustice through awareness, organisation, and collective resolve.”