The Kalinagar Children’s Park, located in Sandeshkhali, had long been in need of renovation, with its previously dilapidated condition discouraging visitors. However, after a prolonged period of planning and development, the park has been transformed into a lively, well-maintained recreational space. The renovation has turned the park into a popular spot for both locals and tourists, particularly those en route to the Sundarbans.

Each morning and afternoon, the park becomes a hub of activity, with local residents gathering to walk, chat, and unwind. The addition of the toy train is expected to further increase footfall, especially among children who are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to ride the train and explore the park’s surroundings.

Beyond the toy train, the park’s renovation includes several key upgrades that have enhanced its overall appeal. New benches have been installed for visitors to relax, the lighting system has been improved to create a welcoming atmosphere after dusk, and the lawns have been meticulously maintained, turning previously neglected areas into clean, green spaces.

Local residents have expressed their excitement about the park’s transformation. One local resident remarked, “This is the pride of our area. It feels like the park has come back to life. The toy train is especially exciting for the children; it’s something we’ve all been looking forward to.” The improved lighting ensures that the park remains attractive even after dark, further elevating its status as a community hub.

Sumit Das Diko, the chief executive of the local public works and transport agency, acknowledged the long wait that local residents had endured for a well-maintained park. “The people of this area have been waiting for a long time to visit a well-groomed park, and we are happy to have finally brought that vision to life,” he said.

With these significant improvements, the Sandeshkhali Children’s Park is now poised to become a major point of interest for both local families and tourists visiting the region. The toy train, in particular, is set to be a crowd-puller, offering children a unique and enjoyable way to explore the park. As the park continues to attract more visitors, it is expected to become a central recreational spot in the district, fostering community interaction and offering a much-needed green space for relaxation and play.

The court, referring to petitioners who challenged the 2016 state primary education board recruitments, also said that a group of unsuccessful candidates should not be allowed to damage the entire system and that the possibility of innocent teachers suffering great ignominy and stigma cannot be ruled out.

“A job taken away after about nine years of service would indisputably cause insurmountable inconvenience to the appellants and their survival along with their family members would be at stake,” a division bench presided by Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty observed.

“In such circumstances and considering the enormity of the impact, we are not inclined to uphold the cancellation of appointment of the 32,000 teachers, who have worked in the post for a long period,” the division bench held.

The services of appointees cannot also be terminated only on the basis of an ongoing criminal proceeding, the bench said with regard to the ongoing investigations into the alleged recruitment irregularities in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) conducted in 2014.

“Findings arrived at by the investigating authorities would not reveal that the appointed candidates were involved in any corrupt practices,” the bench, also comprising Justice Reetobroto Kumar Mitra, said.

The court said that upon investigation, it was ascertained by CBI that irregularities exist in respect of 264 candidates who were given grace marks and identified.

It said that the agency additionally identified 96 candidates who failed to secure qualifying marks but were nonetheless appointed.

The appointments of these candidates were subsequently terminated but they continue to remain in service on the strength of an order passed by the Supreme Court.

“In view of such identification, the allegation of fraud and corruption pertaining to the entire recruitment process is not sustainable and the appointment of the 32,000 teachers cannot be interfered with,” the division bench said.

The court held that a direction for job termination and re-examination at this stage would have dissimilar impact upon the appointees, observing that any such order would fail to secure fair play for the deserving teachers.

Referring to the investigation progress so far, the bench stated that unless “widespread or systematic irregularities” are established, a case for cancellation of all appointments cannot be made.

“Assessment of data does not reveal systemic cheating,” the bench said, while observing that during the period of service rendered by the appellants, there were no allegations regarding the integrity or efficiency of those teachers.

The division bench said that the single bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay had in the judgment of May 12, 2023, gone beyond the pleadings, and cancelled the appointments made upon a purported finding that no aptitude test was held.

“In the dispensation of justice, courts are prevented from innovating at pleasure,” the division bench stated in its 141-page judgment.

“Neither can they don the helmet of a knight errant roaming at will in pursuit of their own ideal of beauty or of goodness,” it added in reference to the single bench order.

The division bench maintained that that courts should emphasise fairness, transparency and accountability in public service and will support wholesale cancellation of examinations if systemic irregularities undermine the process.

“However, a court is not expected to indulge in roving enquiry to rule out all possible explanations and alternative scenarios justifying such irregularities,” the bench said.

Insisting that there is a “difference between a proven case of mass cheating” in a board examination and “unproven imputed charge of corruption”, the court observed, “When services are terminated on the ground that the incumbent aided and abetted corruption, the court must satisfy itself that condition for this exists.”

Prayers for a stay of operation of the judgment were rejected by the division bench.

Some lawyers representing the petitioners said they were of the opinion that the judgment should be challenged before the Supreme Court.

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s house, located a mere ten-minute walk from Uttar Barasat Station, was once the place where the great writer lived and worked as Deputy Collector from 1874 to 1882. A man whose words were instrumental in awakening the spirit of nationalism and who penned the verses of Vande Mataram in 1875, the house he called home has now become a neglected ruin, consumed by neglect and apathy. Once a symbol of intellectual and cultural significance, the house has transformed into an unsafe and unsightly location, abandoned to the ravages of time and human disregard.

The once-respected residence now stands in disrepair, overrun with weeds, and infested with insects. The deteriorating structure is a stark contrast to its former glory, with crumbling walls and scattered debris surrounding it. Disturbingly, locals report that the area has become a hotspot for antisocial activities, with people using the vicinity as a place for open defecation, drinking alcohol, and disposing of waste. The very space that once housed a figure of such monumental cultural importance has descended into a state of lawlessness and decay.

For those familiar with Bankim Chandra’s legacy, this transformation of his home into an area rife with neglect is heartbreaking. The house, once a beacon of cultural history, now serves as a ghostly reminder of the failure to preserve the legacies of national heroes. The eerie silence surrounding the house today seems to cast a shadow over its storied past, with locals lamenting the lack of government intervention at both the state and central levels to restore the heritage site.

For a country that reveres its history and the contributions of figures like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the neglect of his residence is a glaring oversight. Local residents have voiced their concerns anonymously, urging both state and central governments to step in and preserve this historical landmark. Without such intervention, they fear the area could become a breeding ground for further anti-social activities and a blight on the community.

As we reflect on the importance of Vande Mataram, the song that transcends religious and political boundaries, it is essential to remember the man behind it. Vande Mataram, which was first published in Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875, has long been regarded as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle. The song’s importance cannot be overstated; it became an anthem of national pride and a rallying cry for the independence movement. Despite some controversies regarding the religious symbolism and the presentation of the goddess, Vande Mataram remains a cultural and historical asset, a memory of India’s freedom struggle.

After India’s independence, Vande Mataram was officially recognised as the national song in 1950, complementing Jana Gana Mana as an anthem of unity. It is enshrined in the national consciousness, and its status as a national symbol is unwavering. The song’s journey, from the undercurrents of the Bengali Renaissance to its place in the national struggle, remains a significant cultural memory—far beyond any political or religious connotations.

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s literary journey also took him through several other towns, such as Baruipur, Baharampur, and Chunchura in Hooghly district. Ultimately, he retired in Uttar Barasat, where he served as Deputy Collector until 1882. His time here was marked by intellectual growth and his immersion in the literary and political currents of the time. Sadly, the house that once echoed with the ideas of a great mind now serves as a decaying relic, marred by years of neglect.

While Vande Mataram continues to evoke pride and unity across India, the state of Bankim Chandra’s residence calls into question the nation’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage. It is a sad irony that the birthplace of a national symbol is allowed to fall into ruin while the significance of his work endures.

Today, the house stands as a tragic symbol of neglect. Its walls, once steeped in intellectual history, are now covered with grass and towering banyan trees. The bricks of the house crumble under the weight of time, with little effort from local, state, or central authorities to preserve it. This brings into focus the question of why a place of such historical and cultural importance has been allowed to deteriorate to this point. Shouldn’t it be the responsibility of the government and heritage bodies to safeguard such valuable landmarks?

The fate of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s residence in Uttar Barasat serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s broader challenge: the preservation of its cultural heritage. As the birthplace of Vande Mataram, a song that ignited the flames of freedom, this house deserves better. The question remains: will it be allowed to fade away in the shadows, or will the legacy of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay be revived, as it should be, with the respect and reverence it so rightfully deserves?

‘Umeed Ke Rang’ initiative restores mobility and dignity to hundreds of beneficiaries in Bidhannagar

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 1, 2025, Kolkata : A Kolkata couple has set a remarkable humanitarian example by commemorating their 50th wedding anniversary not with a personal celebration, but by donating artificial limbs to hundreds of people living with physical disabilities. The special event, held in Bidhannagar on Sunday under the title ‘Umeed Ke Rang’, drew physically disabled individuals from across West Bengal.

The initiative, supported by the paint manufacturing company JK Protomax, combined the distribution of artificial limbs with essential medical assistance for recipients. Speaking at the event, the company’s director, Manish Goyal, explained that while JK Protomax is known for producing high-quality decorative paints, this project was conceived to “bring colour not only to homes, but also to people’s lives by helping to ease their hardships.”

The couple behind the gesture, Kishore Goyal and Sushma Goyal, both approaching 75, said their Golden Jubilee was the perfect moment to give back to society. They emphasised that acts of compassion such as this should inspire others to embrace greater social responsibility.

For many beneficiaries, the occasion brought newfound hope and independence. Several individuals expressed joy at being able to walk again—albeit with artificial support—describing their new mobility as a significant restoration of dignity and confidence.

The ‘Umeed Ke Rang’ event thus stood as a heartening celebration of humanity, turning a personal milestone into a wider community blessing and setting a powerful example of empathy and public service.

A two-day celebration of poetry, prose and inclusivity brings together writers from India and Bangladesh

The origin of the puja dates back to nearly 400 years ago when Pritichand, a zamindar from Purnia district in Bihar, initiated the worship of Kali Maa to ensure the happiness and well-being of his people. The zamindar’s efforts to establish the worship led to the establishment of a strong religious following in the region, which persists to this day. Over time, the tradition passed down through the family, even after the decline of the zamindari system, with Lalkeshwar Singh, a respected local judge, taking charge of the puja following Pritichand’s death.

Lalkeshwar’s leadership ensured the continuation of the worship practices, which were later handed down to his son-in-law, Kathulal Singh. After Kathulal’s passing, Sushil Singh, his son, took over the puja and continued the family tradition for 51 years until his death three years ago. Today, the responsibility of conducting the puja rests on the shoulders of Sushil’s three sons—Devashish Singh, Palash Singh, and Ashutosh Singh—who continue to carry forward the ritual with great devotion.

The annual celebration begins the day after Diwali and continues through the night with a cultural program and Sandhya Puja, which culminates with the immersion of the idol on the following evening. According to Ashutosh Singh, the construction of the idol begins the day after Mahalaya, and it is completed by Diwali. On the night of Diwali, a grand cultural program is held at Dumradangi village to honor Kali Maa, and devotees flock from early morning to Jujharpur, where the puja is conducted with utmost reverence.

The event sees an overwhelming turnout of people, with over a lakh of devotees arriving from various districts in Bengal and Bihar, including Uttar Dinajpur, Siliguri, Balurghat, Cooch Behar, Malda, Kolkata, and Bihar. The worship is not only a religious occasion but also a deeply spiritual experience for the people, as it is believed that the Goddess fulfills the wishes of the devotees who earnestly pray for her blessings.

The puja’s significance is heightened by the fact that it is a family tradition that has been maintained and nurtured across multiple generations, further solidifying the deep-rooted cultural importance of this sacred event in the lives of the people. The Singh family’s unwavering commitment to keeping the rituals alive, despite the passing of generations, ensures that this ancient tradition continues to flourish, allowing future generations to experience the same devotion that has been passed down through centuries.

As the puja draws to a close, the culmination of the worship is marked by the immersion of the Goddess in the evening, in accordance with the traditional route, signaling the end of the grand festival for another year.

Experts Cite Food Shortage, Habitat Loss, and Human Activity as Primary Causes, South 24 Parganas

Experts attribute the tigers’ unusual behavior to several environmental factors, with food scarcity being the most pressing. During the winter months, the primary prey of the tigers—such as deer and wild boars—migrate deeper into the forest in search of food. As a result, the tigers, driven by hunger, are forced to venture into the nearby villages where domesticated animals like cows, goats, and dogs present easy targets. The phenomenon of tigers entering localities in search of food has been noted particularly in areas like Gaur’s Chowk in Kultali and Ganga’s Ghat in Mohanpur.

In addition to food shortages, another factor contributing to these movements is the lack of shelter. As temperatures drop, tigers often seek refuge in dense foliage or abandoned structures to escape the cold. These shelters, often found near human settlements, also provide them with the solitude they need during the breeding season. Experts emphasize that tigers, in their natural habitat, have fewer places to hide as deforestation and uncontrolled human activities have reduced the forest’s dense cover.

The situation is further exacerbated by the widespread destruction of their natural environment. Human encroachment, including deforestation, the setting of fish traps, and the disturbance caused by tourists, forces tigers to abandon their traditional habitats and move closer to human settlements. Statistics reveal a troubling trend: from November to September, more than 38 tigers have entered human-populated areas in search of food, shelter, and safety.

Older or sick tigers, unable to hunt effectively, are particularly vulnerable. These tigers often turn to livestock for easy prey, putting both their lives and the livelihoods of local villagers in jeopardy. Many villagers, fearing for their safety and the welfare of their animals, resort to killing tigers, leading to a reduction in the tiger population. This human-tiger conflict is not only detrimental to wildlife but also threatens the balance of the ecosystem.

Experts warn that the increase in human-tiger conflict is a direct result of food scarcity, habitat destruction, and the growing human population in the area. If the situation continues unchecked, the repercussions will be far-reaching. Local villagers are suffering from the loss of their livestock and lives, while the tigers, driven to desperation, are becoming more vulnerable. The destruction of the ecosystem could ultimately result in the decline of both wildlife and the local human population.

To prevent further loss of life and protect the environment, experts stress the importance of conserving forests, maintaining wildlife habitats, and increasing awareness among local communities. Efforts to mitigate human-tiger conflict through education and effective wildlife conservation strategies are crucial in ensuring a sustainable coexistence between humans and tigers in the region.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 14, 2025, Kolkata : In a significant development, over 13,500 candidates from various states across India have traveled to West Bengal to appear for the state-level recruitment exams for Assistant Teachers in Classes 11 and 12, scheduled to take place on September 14, 2025. This influx of candidates follows a similar pattern from the previous day, with a significant number of job seekers coming from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. The number of candidates traveling to Bengal underscores the severe shortage of government job opportunities in their home states, leading many to look towards West Bengal as a viable option for securing employment.

A large portion of these candidates has come to Bengal for the Hindi-medium vacancies, which had 370 vacancies for today’s exam. Of the total 13,517 candidates, the majority are from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, with significant participation due to the shortage of such vacancies in their home states.

The exam is part of the West Bengal School Service Commission’s (WBSSC) new recruitment drive for Assistant Teacher posts. This particular examination follows the Supreme Court’s annulment of 26,000 teacher appointments from the 2016 WBSSC recruitment process, which was deemed flawed due to large-scale corruption. As a result, there has been a renewed push for transparent and fair recruitment, and West Bengal has become a beacon for job seekers in other states.

According to sources, 5,65,000 candidates from across the country are competing for a total of 12,514 vacancies in this exam, which will be held across 36 subjects. The primary objective of the drive is to fill 35,726 assistant teacher posts in state-aided and sponsored schools. Many candidates, especially from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have expressed frustration at the slow pace of government recruitment in their respective states, further motivating their decision to travel to Bengal for this opportunity.

The reason for the large out-of-state participation is not just about the availability of vacancies but also the recruitment process in Bengal, which has garnered attention for its commitment to fairness and transparency, particularly after the scandal that led to the cancellation of the 2016 appointments. Several candidates from states like Uttar Pradesh have spoken about the dearth of job opportunities and the lengthy waiting periods for government posts in their states. “It’s very difficult to find a job in Uttar Pradesh. The process takes years, and there is no transparency. So, when I heard about this opportunity in Bengal, I decided to come,” said Ravi Kumar, a candidate from Kanpur.

State Education Minister Bratya Basu weighed in on the situation, attributing the influx of candidates to the “lack of employment opportunities” in BJP-ruled states and the “double-engine government” effect, where political parties in power in multiple regions fail to provide adequate employment opportunities. He further pointed out that Bengal’s large number of vacancies, particularly in the education sector, has attracted candidates from neighboring states, making it a key destination for job seekers looking to secure government jobs.

The political significance of this recruitment drive is also notable. As West Bengal continues to face the aftermath of the 2016 recruitment scandal, the state is determined to restore its image as a region committed to transparency and accountability in its recruitment processes. The participation of such a large number of candidates from other states not only highlights the chronic unemployment problem across the country but also puts Bengal’s recruitment system under a microscope. Many of these candidates expressed their frustrations at the poor state of recruitment in their home states and highlighted how Bengal’s system offers a more streamlined process for securing public sector jobs.

In a further boost to the credibility of the process, the WBSSC has assured the candidates that the exams will be fair and transparent, a statement that has been welcomed by many job seekers who had previously faced disappointment and frustration in their respective states due to corruption and inefficiency in the recruitment processes. The 2016 scam, which saw the cancellation of 26,000 teacher appointments, remains fresh in the minds of many, making this new recruitment drive all the more significant for the state.

The recruitment process is also part of the larger effort to address the state’s educational infrastructure needs, with many of the newly recruited teachers expected to fill vacancies in state-aided and sponsored schools. This is a crucial step towards improving the quality of education in the state and addressing the shortage of qualified teachers.

However, the participation of such a significant number of candidates from other states also highlights a larger trend of migration for jobs across the country, with candidates from regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand seeking opportunities in states where job creation is more robust. This job migration could be seen as an indication of the deepening unemployment crisis across many parts of India, especially in states where government recruitment is not as competitive or efficient.

As the exam unfolds today, nearly 2.5 lakh candidates are expected to appear for various posts. The fact that candidates are willing to travel from across the country for a recruitment drive in Bengal emphasizes both the severity of the employment crisis in many states and the attractiveness of the opportunities presented by West Bengal’s public sector.

In conclusion, the large participation of out-of-state candidates in this exam reflects widespread unemployment issues in many parts of India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the government recruitment process remains stagnant. The recruitment drive in West Bengal, bolstered by its transparent and fair process, has provided hope to thousands of job seekers, reaffirming the state’s role in addressing the unemployment crisis and fulfilling its commitment to providing employment opportunities for all. As the state continues to recover from the effects of the 2016 recruitment scandal, this recruitment process may very well define West Bengal’s future in terms of educational employment and government transparency.