Mamata Banerjee Launches Tributes to Rajbanshi Legend Panchanan Barma

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid heartfelt tributes to Thakur Panchanan Barma, a revered social reformer and leader of the Rajbanshi community, on his death anniversary. Describing him as “the soul of the Rajbanshi society” and a timeless source of inspiration, Banerjee emphasized his contributions to education, social justice, and the upliftment of marginalized communities.

Barma (1866–1935), a lawyer by profession, remains a towering figure in north Bengal for his advocacy of social reform and community empowerment. Banerjee highlighted her administration’s initiatives to honor Barma’s legacy, including the establishment of Panchanan Barma University in Cooch Behar, a second campus at his birthplace in Khalisamari, and the transformation of his ancestral home into a museum and research center.

Additionally, a statue of the reformer has been installed to commemorate his contributions. The state has also recognized Rajbanshi as an official language, alongside Kamtapuri, Santali, Kurukh, Kurmali, Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, Odia, Punjabi, and Telugu, with efforts underway to promote the Sadri language.

To further promote Rajbanshi culture, the government has established the Rajbanshi Development Board, Rajbanshi Cultural Academy, Rajbanshi Language Academy, and Kamtapuri Language Academy. Nearly 200 Rajbanshi schools have received official approval, and the ‘Narayani’ Battalion of the state police, headquartered in Mekhliganj, has been formed.

Banerjee also noted the installation of a 15-foot bronze statue of folk hero Mahabir Chila Ray at Baburhat and the designation of Cooch Behar as a heritage city to honor the Koch-Kamtapuri-Rajbanshi community’s rich cultural legacy.

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