CM Adhikari Announces Vande Mataram Museum On Bankim Chandra's 189th Birth Anniversary
Museum announced to honour Bankim Chandra's literary legacy.
On the occasion of the 189th birth anniversary of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, author of India’s national song Vande Mataram, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced that the state government will establish a Vande Mataram Museum. The announcement was made during a commemorative programme held at the renowned writer’s ancestral residence on College Street in North Kolkata, where the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the literary icon.
Addressing the gathering, Adhikari said the celebration marked the first time that the state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department had officially organised an event to honour Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s birth anniversary. He contrasted the current administration’s approach with that of the previous government, stating that his government intends to promote nationalist values and regularly commemorate personalities who have made significant contributions to the nation’s cultural and literary heritage.
The Chief Minister said the proposed Vande Mataram Museum would be developed as a national-standard institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the legacy of Bankim Chandra and the historical significance of Vande Mataram. He added that funds for the project have already been allocated in the West Bengal Budget for the financial year 2026–27, presented in the State Assembly by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta on June 22.
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Speaking to the media after the event, Adhikari reiterated that the museum would serve as an important cultural landmark and strengthen public awareness about the life and contributions of the celebrated novelist and poet. He said the project reflects the government's commitment to preserving Bengal’s rich literary heritage while highlighting the role of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom movement and national identity.
The Chief Minister also recalled an incident from the previous year, when he was the Leader of the Opposition and had visited Bankim Chandra’s residence to pay homage. He alleged that the approach road to the house had been deliberately dug up to prevent his visit, accusing the then Trinamool Congress government of creating obstacles. Adhikari claimed that the people of West Bengal had responded to such actions through the outcome of the recently concluded Assembly elections, while reaffirming his government's commitment to honouring the state's historical and cultural icons.
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