Thousands of Bengalis are moving out of the state every day in search of better prospects – education, jobs, health care and most importantly a safe and secure lifestyle. Bengalis are leaving behind families of old parents, ancestral properties vowing never to return to these shores if possible.
It is such a sorry state of affairs. With shrinking economy and diminishing job opportunities, the retention of the upwardly mobile Bengalis is stark indeed. And for those who had come back to Bengal in hope of working towards the development of the state, it is a nightmare unparalleled. They came back, even accepting pay cuts, to make a new home in the state. They uprooted their families, left promising careers behind.
For higher education, especially, the prospect of free and fair admission in Bengal is a mirage. Ruling party affiliation is a must for entrance into top universities. Moreover, the standard of discourse and research in these universities is a matter of discussion in itself. The flight of students to West and South India is all too apparent.
The promise of improved healthcare is still a dream, yet to come true. The quest towards South India for better care, especially post-operative care is too old a tale.
Yet every Bengali in distant shores yearns for a return to West Bengal - a yearning for a return to the Promised Land. A land full of opportunities, culture and history. It is also the nerve centre of the Eastern region. All other states including the NE states look to Bengal as a major economic and educational hub.
There is a constant babble around development in Bengal but how will Bengal develop if the best talents leave the state? As Bengalis it is high time that we fight for our own state. The upcoming 2016 elections cannot come too soon for change to begin. We need to repose our faith in the possible glory of West Bengal. We need to create a new chapter for West Bengal instead of living off past memories. The glorious Bengal is the past not the present and future. It is our responsibility, our duty to build a future for the next generation. It is not about what we get but what we can do for others. Mahatma Gandhi said,”…be the change you want to see…”. Do we really want change? Can we be the agents of change?
Bjp or no bjp - it's true. But is it only the political leadership at fault? Or is it just as true that a generally lazy and intellectually arrogant Bengali middle class reveled in its self proclaimed superiority and simply avoided efforts to catch up in skills with the rest of the world?
ReplyDelete"The glorious Bengal is the past not the present and future" - you have accepted that in your write up itself. Unless we do sustained hard work and selfless service for the needy, state can't grow.Those who got the opportunity have also jumped in the same "BLACK SEA", very sad situation.Can't say who will be the agent of change.
ReplyDeleteIt tells all. The plight of every Bengali who have moved out of Bengal ( or should I call it Poshchim Pakistan now).
ReplyDeleteThe thinktank has moved out. What left behind is a old generation and a new bunch of goondas