Naxalbari, 07th August: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee virtually inaugurated the World Adivasi Day celebrations from Jhargram, marking the beginning of a four-day-long observance.
On Thursday, the main programme in Darjeeling district was held at the Naxalbari Community Hall. The event was attended by Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb, Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad Sabhadhipati Arun Ghosh, Sahakari Sabhadhipati Roma Reshmi Ekka, Darjeeling SP Praween Prakash, Sub-Divisional Officer Avadh Singhal, and other dignitaries.
Following the virtual inauguration, the guests paid floral tribute to the portrait of Bir Birsa Munda. Additionally, six cultural groups associated with Adivasi traditions were presented with traditional instruments, ‘Dhamsa’ and ‘Madal’.
Mayor Gautam Deb stated that World Adivasi Day falls on 9th August and will be celebrated for four consecutive days. He further emphasized that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, efforts are ongoing to preserve the languages and cultures of the Rajbanshi, Adivasi, and Kamatapuri communities.
He also criticised the Central Government and its allies, alleging attempts to undermine the Bengali language, and reiterated their continued struggle to safeguard the identity of Bengal and its language.