Don't get swayed by rumour, instigation: Intellectuals

Kolkata: Intellectuals have urged people not to get swayed by rumour and instigation. They were talking to the media at Press Club on Wednesday afternoon. They had gathered under the banner of "Esho sampriti jao bibhajan."

Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri, noted scholar, said united fights should be put up immediately to stop misinterpretation of Ramayana. "The term Hindu has been grossly misinterpreted and wrong messages have been sent to the people," he said.

Hossenur Rahaman, noted historian, said Bengal has set an example of communal harmony in South East Asia, because of great people like Rabindranath and Nazrul, along with many more who have consolidated peace and harmony.

Poet Subodh Sarkar said it is most unfortunate that "they" (meaning BJP) have given arms in the hands of children. "The people should not get swayed by the rumours," he maintained.

Suvaprasanna said that for many generations, Ram Navami was observed in Bengal in some households. "But there were no weapons. I saw my mother offering Puja to Ram. It was observed peacefully," the eminent artist said.

Poet Joy Goswami said efforts should be made to establish "peace in society." "Peace can be established through music, poetry and exchange of views. Like-minded people should be united against evil," he said.

Litterateur Abul Basar said he had come to attend the meeting as he finds that "Mamata Banerjee is a symbol of communal harmony." He said the political and social scenario in India has drastically changed after the demolition of Babri Masjid. "There are some who try to let loose Hindus against the Muslims and vice-versa, to reap benefit out of the chaos," Basar added.

River expert Kalyan Rudra said the need of the hour is to restore peace in society. "There are some who are trying to destabilise society and we should fight against them wholeheartedly to restore normalcy," he said.