KOLKATA: Governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday proposed a once-a-year "unity yatra" in Bengal.
Bose went to Dakshineswar Kali Temple in the morning and Mother House, the Missionaries of Charity headquarters, later in the day.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the temple, the governor said, "Dakshineswar represents the best and the noblest that is there in the Indian tradition and culture. This is a symbol of unity and oneness of the people. Therefore, it is proposed that there will be a unity yatra with all sections of society, once a year, visiting these places of importance and holiness so that there is revival of the best that is there in the Indian tradition and culture will enlighten the path of the new generation."
Later, after offering floral tribute in Mother House, where Saint Teresa lived and worked, the governor said, "Saint Teresa had dedicated herself for the poor. She shunned all her comforts of life for her mission." According to Bose, the nuns and sisters are also dedicated and have sacrificed their lives to address sufferings of the people.
A year ago, the ministry of home affairs had stepped in to restore the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration of the Missionaries of Charity a few days after refusing its renewal plea. This ended a political row and allowed the organisation founded by Saint Teresa to access foreign funds for its philanthropic work.
During the governor's 25-minute visit to the temple on Sunday morning, the trustee and secretary of the temple committee Kushal Chowdhury, who received the governor and his wife, took them to several holy places on the temple premises, including the room where Ramakrishna Paramahamsa lived. Speaking on the occasion, the governor was all praises about the Dakshineswar Kali Temple as he said that this temple is a symbol of the classical culture of India. "Not only as a spiritual centre, this holy place is also a symbol of unity in India and the fountainhead of Indian nationalism and patriotism," he said.
Refusing to comment on his Delhi visit and controversy over his 'Haate Khori' programme, the governor said, "Bengal is my second home. I love Bengal and its great people. The culture and values of the people of the state are of very high stature. So, I want to learn more about Bengal to imbibe the language culture and will start making tours within the state to know it better."
Bose, when asked about his learning of Bengali, said he was learning on his own and was yet to appoint a teacher and welcomed if anybody was willing to volunteer.
He refused to comment on his "Jai Bangla" statement.
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