Visva Bharati to dissociate from Poush Mela, Partha offers help

Kolkata: State Education minister Partha Chatterjee on Saturday assured assistance from the state government to Visva Bharati authorities for hosting "Poush Mela" in Santiniketan. Visva Bharati has decided to dissociate themselves from holding the Mela putting a doubt over the mega fair that draws people not only from the state and the country but from abroad as well. Chatterjee will also take up the matter with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"In the last few days, I have received several calls from students and people from the state who want that the annual event should continue. I have spoken to Vice-Chancellor of the university Bidyut Chakraborty and have asked him to inform the state government about the measures that need to be taken for continuation of the event. I have urged him to talk to the locals, educationists, students, alumni and the local administration and take their feedback on the matter," Chatterjee said. According to him, Bengal's sentiments are associated with this historical event and everybody wants that the Mela should be held.

The Visva Bharati authorities have pointed out that catering to the pollution norms and taking up the entire responsibility of organising the fair has become difficult on their part. "There are now several modern machines for addressing the issue of pollution which can be utilised. But if the "Poush Mela" stops, it will be distressing," the minister added.

He further added that a new statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar will be unveiled at the playground of Hare School on June 11. A walk will be held from the campus to Vidyasagar College and the entire programme will be presided over by the Chief Minister. A half bust of Vidyasagar will be installed at Vidyasagar College and another statue will also be unveiled in the college campus.

A bust of Vidyasagar was vandalised allegedly by BJP supporters during an election rally in the city that was led by Amit Shah last month. Leading educationists have been invited to be present at the programme.