Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, May 5, 2025  :  Marking a significant milestone in the journey of compassion and empowerment, Behala Bodhayan—a residential school and care home for children with intellectual disabilities—celebrated its silver jubilee with a heartfelt and inclusive event held at Sujata Sadan in Kolkata. Founded 25 years ago in Sarshuna, the institution has been a quiet but powerful force in advocating for the dignity, education, and full participation of children with special needs.

Themed “Consciousness, Compassion, and Freedom from Disability,” the event radiated warmth and joy as children from Behala Bodhayan participated in cultural performances, sharing with the audience their talents, emotions, and resilience. Their confident presence on stage reminded everyone that with acceptance and opportunity, every child can thrive.

The celebration was inaugurated by Swami Dibyajñananda Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (Ballygunge branch), who urged all citizens to support children with special needs and participate in creating an inclusive society. Dignitaries present included Pandit Mallar Ghosh and noted audiologist and speech-language pathologist Md. Shahidul Arefin, who expressed his deep admiration for the children and the institution’s mission.

Speaking during the ceremony, Md. Shahidul Arefin shared, “Being on this stage made me realize that real therapy is not just about treatment or technique—it’s about love, dignity, and the right to live a life of respect. Behala Bodhayan’s work is not just an example of empathy, it stirs the very moral conscience of our society.”

The event also recognized former students Gaurab Ghosh and Robin Sau for their remarkable personal growth, symbolizing the long-term impact of inclusive care. Additionally, three individuals—Ahan Sengupta, Srijan Sengupta, and Soumya Upadhyay—were felicitated for their achievements as authors, having overcome language-related disabilities to contribute valuable literary works.

Founder-secretary Rikta Ghosh delivered an emotional address, reflecting on the institution’s journey. “Looking back on our 25-year journey brings tears to our eyes. The amount of neglect and adversity we’ve endured to create a safe and loving haven for people with special needs—who are often pushed to the margins of society—is indescribable. But standing in this joyful moment today, it feels like all our struggles have been worthwhile,” she said.

The programme concluded with a heartwarming cultural performance by the children of Behala Bodhayan. Their songs, rhythmic dances, and expressive dramas celebrated not only the joy of self-expression but also the beauty of life itself, offering a powerful message of inclusion and the boundless potential within every individual.

As Behala Bodhayan steps into its next chapter, its silver jubilee serves not just as a commemoration, but as a call to society—to listen, to include, and to uplift.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May  4,  2025, Kolkata :  Following the devastating fire at a hotel in Mechua Bazar, the West Bengal government has launched a city-wide crackdown on unauthorized rooftop businesses. In the wake of the tragedy, which exposed serious lapses in building safety and fire norms, the state administration is taking no chances. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has already made it clear: rooftop spaces are common areas and cannot be sold, blocked, or commercially exploited.

Now, the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to follow suit. Mayor Krishna Chakraborty has initiated strict measures aimed at shutting down rooftop restaurants, bars, and cafés operating within the corporation’s jurisdiction. In a recent directive, she instructed the councilors of all 41 wards to prepare a comprehensive list of rooftop commercial establishments. This list will then be forwarded to the local police stations for verification and legal action.

“The councilors have been asked to submit details of rooftop restaurants and bars in their respective wards. Once we receive the complete list, it will be handed over to the police for inspection and further steps,” said Mayor Krishna Chakraborty. She also confirmed that she had discussed the matter with the state’s Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister, Firhad Hakim.

This enforcement action comes directly in line with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s strong directive after the Barabazar hotel fire, where rooftop operations were blamed for exacerbating the disaster. The Chief Minister emphasized that no rooftop commercial activity would be tolerated across the city. Firhad Hakim reiterated the same in a press briefing last Friday, stating, “No rooftop business can be allowed under any circumstances.”

In a swift response, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Kolkata Police conducted joint inspections across the city. Within 24 hours, they identified 83 high-rise buildings operating unauthorized rooftop eateries, bars, and hookah lounges—many equipped with tin sheds, thermocol canopies, and air-conditioning units in clear violation of safety norms.

With Bidhannagar now moving in the same direction, a sweeping clean-up of rooftop businesses is expected in Salt Lake, Rajarhat, and adjacent areas. The state’s intensified action signals a broader shift towards enforcing fire safety and building compliance regulations more strictly than ever before.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, May 1, 2025 :  After a busy three-day schedule in Digha, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wasted no time in addressing issues close to her heart. Upon returning from the coastal town, she made an unscheduled visit to Mechua Bazar, a bustling area in Kolkata known for its old, cramped buildings and market hazards.

During her visit, the Chief Minister took the opportunity to raise concerns about the many dangerous, dilapidated buildings in the city, particularly in areas like Barabazar and Jorasanko. She pointed out that these buildings, some of which are centuries old, pose an imminent risk of collapse, endangering the lives of the residents and passersby. Mamata Banerjee also spoke about several irregularities at a hotel she referred to as the “cursed hotel,” which has been a subject of local controversy due to safety and structural issues.

While interacting with locals, the Chief Minister emphasized that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation had already issued notices regarding the dangerous state of some buildings in the city. However, despite these warnings, many residents continue to live in these precarious structures, reluctant to vacate their homes due to various reasons, including financial constraints and lack of alternative housing.

“These buildings are in such a state that they can collapse at any time. It’s a matter of life and death, and yet people are unwilling to leave. We have warned them repeatedly, but it seems no one is paying attention,” said Mamata Banerjee.

Mamata Banerjee also reiterated her concerns about fire safety in the Barabazar area, which has witnessed several devastating fires in the past. The Chief Minister pointed out that despite the serious risk, many businesses in the area continue to store flammable materials, such as plastic and chemicals, which could spark another disaster. She specifically mentioned the Nanda Market fire, which occurred when she was in opposition, and highlighted the lack of government action at the time.

“When I was in opposition, there was a major fire in Nanda Market. I sat on the streets for three days protesting because there was no government response. When we came to power, we built a fire station and a police station to prevent such incidents,” she added.

Despite her repeated warnings, the Chief Minister lamented that the Barabazar Business Association continues to ignore safety protocols. “They are still storing plastic inside their buildings and chemicals in hazardous conditions. When a fire breaks out, they run away, leaving others to die. How many more people need to die before they realize the danger?” she asked.

In a candid moment, Mamata Banerjee expressed her frustration with the public’s lack of action, but also made a personal plea. “If you don’t vote for me after I say all this, then don’t vote for me. But remember, I am saying this for your own good. I want you to be safe. Please save lives,” she said, urging the public to take her warnings seriously.

Her words were a pointed reminder of the deadly risks posed by overcrowded, unregulated areas in the city, where the combination of old, unstable buildings and poor fire safety practices create a ticking time bomb.

As she addressed the gathered crowd, Mamata Banerjee’s message also had a political undertone. She made it clear that her push for safety and reform should not be misunderstood as an electoral strategy. “I want your well-being, not your votes. If you don’t vote for me for saying these things, so be it. But please remember that I am only asking for your safety.”

The Chief Minister’s visit to Mechua Bazar and her impassioned speech highlight the ongoing challenges Kolkata faces in managing its old infrastructure and improving safety standards. While the government has taken steps to address these issues, including setting up new fire stations and enforcing safety regulations, it seems there is still significant resistance to change among both the public and local businesses.

The Chief Minister’s call for action serves as a reminder that the road to safer, more regulated urban environments is often met with resistance, but it is one that must be traveled to prevent future tragedies.