Jadavpur University is set to host a special programme to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, with Governor R.N. Ravi scheduled to attend the event and deliver a lecture at the Triguna Sen Auditorium on Friday.
The event marks a significant addition to the university’s cultural calendar, as officials say this is the first time Jadavpur University is formally organising a programme dedicated to the renowned novelist, poet, essayist and journalist. The development also comes amid a renewed emphasis on Vande Mataram, the national song penned by Chattopadhyay, at both educational and governmental levels.
Governor Ravi to address the gathering at Jadavpur University
According to The Telegraph, Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee confirmed that the governor, who serves as the ex officio chancellor of all state universities in West Bengal, will participate in the programme.
“The university is organising a programme on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The governor, who is our chancellor, will attend the programme and deliver a lecture,” Bhattacharjee said.
The lecture will be held at the Triguna Sen Auditorium, one of the university’s prominent venues for academic and cultural events.
The governor's visit follows an interaction with vice-chancellors at Raj Bhavan earlier this week, during which Ravi highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Vande Mataram.
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A new chapter in Jadavpur University's cultural calendar
According to The Telegraph, university officials noted that while Jadavpur University has traditionally celebrated Rabindra Jayanti, commemorating Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary, the observance of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's birth anniversary is a new initiative.
An official associated with the university said that there has been a growing emphasis on revisiting Bankim Chandra’s contributions in recent years.
The official added that interest in the celebrated writer has increased in public discourse following political developments in the state over the past decade.
The event also coincides with the 150th year of Vande Mataram, a composition that has remained central to India’s nationalist movement and cultural identity.
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Focus on Vande Mataram gains prominence
According to The Telegraph, the Vice-Chancellor said Governor Ravi had specifically encouraged universities to observe Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s birth anniversary during Monday’s meeting at Raj Bhavan.
The renewed attention on Vande Mataram is also visible beyond higher educational institutions. The BJP-led government at the Centre has previously advocated greater recognition of the song, while schools and aided institutions in several regions have been encouraged to incorporate it into assemblies and commemorative programmes.
Although Jadavpur University will officially remain closed on June 26 due to Muharram, authorities have decided to proceed with the birth anniversary celebration, underlining the importance attached to the occasion.
The event is expected to bring together members of the academic community, students and university officials to reflect on the legacy of one of Bengal’s most influential literary figures.
