Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 14, 2025, Kolkata :  Over 85 years old now, Panchkari Banerjee defies age with the vigor and passion of a much younger man. His youthful energy and unwavering patriotism are evident to anyone who meets him, though his memories stretch back more than six decades to a time when he stood on the front lines of India’s wars against Pakistan.

Born and raised in Chayanpur village in Purulia Block No. 2, Panchkari’s journey into the Indian Army began when he was just 22 years old. Without informing his family, he traveled to Purulia city, determined to join the armed forces. His resolve led him to the army examination, which he passed with flying colors, ultimately enlisting on January 21, 1963.

After completing rigorous training at the Roorkee Training Center in Uttar Pradesh, his service took him to Jammu and Kashmir, and later to Srinagar and Ladakh. It was during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War that Panchkari Banerjee found himself posted at Kaluch in the Sialkot sector, right on the border with Pakistan, where he bravely fought. His second engagement in the Indo-Pakistani conflict came in 1971, when he played a pivotal role in overseeing 1,600 prisoners of war at the Roorkee camp.

Now in his twilight years, Panchkari’s love for his country remains as strong as ever. Despite his age, the memories of those formative days on the battlefield continue to resonate in his mind. He remains deeply invested in the current geopolitical situation, frequently voicing his opinions on national defense and watching news reports closely. “India is giving Pakistan the response it deserves,” he says, a sentiment shaped by his firsthand experiences and the sacrifices of his youth.

In addition to his passion for national defense, Panchkari spends his days reading newspapers and writing poetry. His reflections often circle back to the ideals of patriotism and the spirit of sacrifice that continue to shape India’s resilience.

Panchkari Banerjee’s dedication to his country is a testament to the unwavering patriotism that has always fueled India’s defense. He may be far from the battlefield now, but his spirit remains undiminished. A salute to him is a salute to the countless heroes who have kept India’s flag flying high against all odds.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 12, 2025, Kolkata : Concerns have deepened over the fate of Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Purnam Kumar Sahu, who has remained in Pakistani custody since April 23 after inadvertently crossing the international border in Punjab. A resident of Rishra in West Bengal, Sahu was detained by Pakistan Rangers after allegedly straying across the border and has been held without release, despite diplomatic overtures and appeals.

Multiple efforts by Indian authorities to secure his release have so far failed, and the matter has drawn public and political attention. Trinamool Congress MP from Serampore, Kalyan Banerjee, expressed serious concern over the situation through his official social media handle, urging immediate action from both nations in light of the existing ceasefire. He called on authorities to prioritize the safe return of the jawan, stressing the emotional distress faced by the family.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the situation as deeply distressing and stated that the state government is actively monitoring developments. She confirmed that MP Kalyan Banerjee has been maintaining regular contact with the jawan’s family and reassured that every possible step is being taken to facilitate his return. The jawan’s wife has formally requested a meeting with the Chief Minister, seeking her direct intervention in the matter.

The situation has become more sensitive following a recent incident along the international border in Rajasthan. A Pakistani Ranger was apprehended by the BSF in the Sri Ganganagar sector for allegedly attempting to infiltrate into Indian territory. Security sources reported that the individual was observed crossing into Indian soil under suspicious circumstances. BSF personnel responded swiftly, detaining the man before he could proceed further. Initial assessments indicate that he was unarmed and did not resist arrest.

The detained Pakistani national is currently under interrogation, with intelligence agencies working to verify his identity and possible intent. While officials have refrained from releasing further details due to the ongoing investigation, internal sources suggest the possibility of reconnaissance activity or other hostile motives is being explored seriously.

The arrest has triggered increased security measures along the border, with patrolling and surveillance operations significantly ramped up, particularly during nighttime. Security forces have been placed on high alert, with senior commanders instructed to remain vigilant amid heightened tensions.

This latest incident follows closely on the heels of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, further straining relations between the two countries. Although a formal ceasefire is in place, recent developments have cast uncertainty over its stability, especially as nightfall reportedly saw renewed movements from the Pakistani side.

As the diplomatic silence continues, the family of Purnam Kumar Sahu waits in anxiety, clinging to hope that efforts at the national and state levels will ensure his safe and timely return. The situation remains tense but under close watch.

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.