Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 14, 2024, Kolkata: The 39th edition of the Sharadiya Tant Vastra Mela, a much-anticipated annual fair organized by the state government, officially opened in Chunchura field yesterday. The event was inaugurated by MP Rachna Banerjee, who was seen actively participating in the festivities by purchasing sarees, salwar kameez, bags, and towels.
The fair comes at a time when political tensions are high following the RG Kar incident, which has recently gripped the state. The Chief Minister, reflecting on the situation, urged a return to normalcy and celebration, emphasizing the importance of festivals in restoring a sense of community and joy. The Chief Minister’s call for ‘Utsbe Phera’ — a return to festive spirits — resonates with the timing of the Tant Vastra Mela, highlighting its role in uplifting the local morale and economy.
In her address at the fair, MP Rachna Banerjee echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiment about the necessity of celebrating and maintaining traditional practices. She stressed the significance of the fair not just as a cultural event but as a vital source of livelihood for many artisans and vendors.
Addressing the ongoing strike by junior doctors, which has now stretched over a month, Rachna Banerjee voiced her support for their cause. The junior doctors have been protesting, demanding justice related to the RG Kar incident, and their strike has led to significant disruptions in healthcare services. Rachna Banerjee acknowledged the hardship faced by both the doctors and the general public due to this strike.
Rachna Banerjee underscored her empathy towards the junior doctors, affirming her support for their quest for justice. She stated that the Chief Minister is also aligned with their cause. However, she emphasized the pressing need for a resolution to the ongoing strike, citing the severe impact on public health and the suffering of many individuals as a consequence.
She urged the junior doctors to consider the plight of ordinary people and resume their duties, asserting that the strike has led to many avoidable hardships and deaths. Her appeal was a call for balancing the pursuit of justice with the immediate needs of the public, stressing that while the quest for justice is crucial, the well-being of common citizens should not be compromised.
As the fair continues, the focus remains on its role in reviving the local economy and providing a much-needed boost to the community amid the prevailing challenges.
