Sunday, 25 December 2011

How Bengal Invented Modern India

Most people think modern India was born in Delhi or Mumbai. They’re wrong.

It was born in the drawing rooms, colleges, and streets of Bengal.

The idea of India as a nation – not just a collection of kingdoms – was first articulated by Bengali thinkers. The national anthem was written by a Bengali. The national song came from Bengal. The first major freedom movements started here.

Even the concept of “unity in diversity” was lived in Bengal long before it became a slogan.

We gave India its voice, its conscience, and much of its intellectual foundation. Then we quietly stepped back and let others take the credit.

It’s time we remember: Bengal didn’t just participate in India’s making. In many ways, we started it.

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