Bengal showcases growth at IITF pavilion

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has been able to restore the faith of investors in the state which was missing under the earlier Left regime, a minister in the Mamata Banerjee government said on Saturday.

Bengal minister Partho Chatterjee made this claim while inaugurating the state’s pavilion at the India International Trade Fair.

Based on the theme, ‘Come to Bengal: Ride the Growth’, the state’s pavilion attempts to project its growth story at the annual trade fair.

The growth story of a buoyant Bengal, aided by the power of traditional knowledge, indigenous skills and creative genius wedded to a resurgent spirit of positivity and aspiration, will be the highlight of the West Bengal Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair-2015, which focuses on the theme of “Make in India” this year.

Based on the theme, ‘Come to Bengal: Ride the Growth’, the state’s pavilion attempts to project its growth story at the annual trade fair.

Investment in many sectors, including infrastructure, has increased in the last four-and-a-half-years under TMC government, said Chatterjee, who holds the school education, higher education and parliamentary affairs portfolios in the Bengal government.

He said that the stalls at the pavilion aim to highlight the work done under the chief ministership of Banerjee.

Progress has been made in the fields of education, industry and health in the state and more will follow in the future also, he said.

The artistic and cultural heritage of the state has also been highlighted at the pavilion. The State also exhibits Bengal’s great artistic and cultural heritage, its superb handicrafts and handloom products, its prowess in Information Technology, Power Generation, Industry, Agriculture, Education, Tourism and its present achievements and future opportunities. 

A pride of place has been reserved for the “Biswa Bangla” initiative, through which all aspects of Bengal’s crafts, culture and creativity will be projected under a single umbrella organization to build a “brand Bengal” in the international market. 

The West Bengal Pavilion fascia has also projected the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger in all its splendor. The vigorous leap of the Bengal tiger symbolizes the force which powers the wheels of progress and the State’s potential for future advancements.

The overwhelming presence of Goddess Durga – resplendent in full regalia in the magnificent Mahishasuramardini form as well as in a stunning representation of the “tri-nayana’ (three eyes) as a centerpiece epitomizes empowerment, knowledge and determination. 

A special attraction in the Pavilion will be a separate section dedicated to the great freedom leader Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Apart from panels showcasing some pages of the files on Netaji which were recently de-classified by the State Government, photographs, CDs and books on his life and times are to be displayed. DVDs of the de-classified files will also be available for sale. 

The façade has highlighted advancement of the State in various fields such as art, culture, science, education and industry through terracotta motifs.  

Life-like figurines of artisans and folk performers at the frontage of the Pavilion have depicted the traditional skill enhancement initiatives and promotion and preservation of heritage by the State Government. 

The Lok Prasar Prakalpa, under which financial assistance is being given to folk artistes, and the internationally acclaimed Kanyashree scheme for girl child empowerment have been projected.

The theme area has outlined the growth trajectory of Bengal with emphasis on “powering progress, empowering people”. 

It has been highlighted that the State gives emphasis on facilitating growth of industry and investment through creation of a conducive atmosphere and necessary infrastructure while it also boasts of a large pool of skilled manpower.