West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari on Wednesday announced a series of development initiatives for Birshingha in West Midnapore, the birthplace of social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, while calling for greater emphasis on education, culture and social reform.
During his visit to Vidyasagar’s ancestral home, Adhikari said the government wanted to develop Birshingha as a major cultural and tourist destination. “I have come to this sacred land of Vidyasagar for the first time as chief minister. It is a matter of immense joy and pride for me,” he said.
The proposed development works include widening roads, improving lighting, setting up a museum and library, and creating facilities for visitors to stay overnight. The government also plans to establish a Vidyasagar Shishu Udyan and a community hall.
Adhikari said arrangements would also be made for researchers visiting Birshingha. “Many people want to conduct research here. I have asked the district magistrate to provide land for special cottages where they can stay,” he said.
The chief minister also urged people, particularly students, to read Vidyasagar’s writings and strengthen school libraries. Taking a dig at books he described as lacking educational value, he said, “There are countless books available. Don’t buy ‘Epang Opang Jhapang’; buy Vidyasagar’s books and fill the school libraries.”
Adhikari also highlighted the role of young girls in preventing child marriage. During the programme, he felicitated three students — Nupur Chongre, Shreya Adhikari and Tanushree Samanta — for resisting attempts to marry them before they reached adulthood.
“I spoke to the three students. By preventing attempts to marry them while they were minors, they have set an example by following the path shown by Vidyasagar,” Adhikari said.
The chief minister also distributed food supplies among tuberculosis patients during his visit.
Referring to the recent floods in the Ghatal region, Adhikari said he had reviewed the situation from the air before reaching Birshingha. “I came here by helicopter from Mohanpur and saw the situation from the air. I thank Ghatal MLA Sheetal Kapat. We have planned what can be done in the flood-affected areas,” he said.
Adhikari announced an allocation of Rs 1,200 crore for the Ghatal Master Plan and said work would have to progress before the next monsoon. “The work has to be taken forward up to June. There should be no monsoon-related disruption after the Puja period,” he said.
