CM tweets on English Language Day

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has tweeted on English Language Day and World Book and Copyright Day.

On English language Day, she tweeted: "Today is English Language Day. We must respect and promote all languages. My best wishes to all." Again on World Bok and Copyright Day, she tweeted, "Today is World Book and Copyright Day. Books are a person's best friend. They open up our minds. We must work together to preserve the reading habit."

It may be mentioned that after coming to power in 2011, Banerjee has taken several steps, including sending the civil servants abroad to develop their administrative abilities and English language.

Several batches of civil servants of the state cadre were sent to Oxford to improve their language skills. It may be maintained that the Left Front government had abolished English in the primary level in the state-run, aided and sponsored schools. The result was disastrous. Two generations of students from Bengal had suffered badly due to this decision.

Books play a major role in Bengal's culture. Kolkata International Book fair, which is held in January every year, records an impressive turnout of book lovers. Books are still considered to be the best gift in Bengal.

To woo readers, a nine day fair is organised from Poila Baisakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year. The Chief Minister is an avid reader herself and has authored more than 50 books, including books on poetry and children's books.