15 Aug
INDEPENDENCE DAY - 15 AUGUST 2023
India celebrated its 77th Independence Day on 15 August 2023 alike each year across India to honor
the bravery and spirit of the freedom fighters who fought to secure the country's independence.
Midnapore is notable for its contribution in the history of Indian freedom movement since it has
produced many martyrs. During the British Raj, the city became a centre of revolutionary activities,
such as the Santal Revolt (1766–1767) and the Chuar rebellion (1799). The Zilla School, now
known as Midnapore Collegiate School was the birthplace of many extremist activities. Teachers like
Hemchandra Kanungo inspired and guided the pupils to participate in the Indian Freedom
Movement. Three British District Magistrates were assassinated in succession by the
revolutionaries Bimal Dasgupta, Jyothi Jibon Ghosh, Pradyot Kumar Bhattacharya, Prabhakangsu
Pal, Mrigan Dutta, Anath Bandhu Panja, Ramkrishna Roy, Braja Kishor Chakraborty, Nirmal
Jibon Ghosh. Khudiram Bose and Satyendranath Basu were some of the young men that laid down
their lives for the freedom of India. Kazi Nazrul Islam attended political meetings in Midnapore in
the 1920s. Raja Narendra Lal Khan, ruler of Narajole, who donated his palace for Midnapore's first
college for women, had been implicated, (although it turned out to be false) for planting a bomb.
Taking forward this legacy of Midnapore, today in Chandrakona Town in Paschim Midnapore
District of West Bengal Independence day was also celebrated very enthusiastically by the Gopsai
Avinandan Sangha family encouraged by our Secretary Mr. Pravas Ghosh a true nationalist from
heart. Our President Smt. Anindita Ghosh and Vice president Smt. Sukrita Ghosh hoisted the flag,
handed over flags to students; then flag hoisting ceremony was followed by cultural program. The
executive body members of Organization were also present there in the celebration. All faculties, staff
and students joined the cultural program and all enjoyed the day very much. Mr. Pradip Ghosh,
followed by Mr. Arijit Ghosh, Miss Pranali Ghosh, Smt. Ketaki Paul and Mr. Karunamoy
Bhattacharya Principal of IST gave speech on the eve of the celebration.
It is very important that we remember the contribution of our brave people who gave blood and sweat to
attain this independence and for creation of today’s India as a nation. The institute moto behind
grand celebration of this day each year is to seed this sense of nationalism in upcoming generation
who are not only taught various subjects of various disciplines here but also nurtured to become a good
citizenship of this country.
Few pictures of the celebration are given below, we try to engage all stake holders associated with
Gopsai Avinandan Family and nearby villagers of Gopsai each year this day because this day is for
every Indian be it poor or rich, of any gender, caste, religion or community and we believe in
celebrating this unity, carrying forward Midnapore’s legacy in freedom movement and pride of
being an Indian.
Thank you Vande Mataram !
From Gopsai Avinandan Sangha Family
Edited by: Anand Prasad Chattopadhyay
GOPSAI AVINANDAN SANGHA
Editor
PAHAR PUJO A UNIQUE EXPRESSION OF NATURE WORSHIP AND INDIGENIOUS ...
জঙ্গলমহল - বাঁকুড়া, পুরুলিয়া, ঝাড়গ্রাম ও পশ্চিম মেদিনীপুরের বিস্তীর্ণ অঞ্চল - প্রাচীনকাল থেকেই এক অনন্য সংস্কৃতি, লোকবিশ্বাস ও প্রকৃতি -পূজার পীঠস্থান। এখানকার অজস্র পাহাড়, জঙ্গল, নদী আর লাল মাটির বুক জুড়ে গড়ে উঠেছে হাজারো বছরের আদিবাসী আচার-অনুষ্ঠান। তারই একটি গভীর অথচ আজ প্রায় বিস্মৃত প্রথা হলো পাহাড় পূজা। পাহাড় পূজা এক আচার, যা কোনও ধর্মগ্রন্থে লেখা নেই, তবু শতাব্দীর পর শতাব্দী ধরে এখানকার মানুষ মন প্রাণ ঢেলে পালন করে আসছে।
World Music Day Celebrating Indias Enduring Sonic Heritage and Its ...
World Music Day, celebrated annually on June 21st, isn't just about listening to tunes, it's a magnificent opportunity to immerse ourselves in the soul-stirring depths of India's profound sonic heritage. This isn't just a day for melodies, it's a global stage to truly appreciate a legacy that has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. From the ancient, resonant echoes of Vedic chants that predate recorded history, to the intricate, emotive landscapes of classical ragas like Hindustani and Carnatic, India's musical journey is a testament to its rich cultural revolution. Imagine the centuries of devotion and discipline poured into perfecting each note, each nuanced phrase, designed not just to entertain but to evoke specific emotions and connect with the divine. The very fabric of Indian classical music has been woven by titans whose names resonate through time. Think of the sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, who brought Indian classical music to the global stage through his iconic collaborations with Western artists like George Harrison. Or the captivating voice of Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi, whose devotion to Carnatic music touched millions. In Hindustani classical, the powerful and soulful renditions of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (Khayal) and the unparalleled mastery of the shehnai by Ustad Bismillah Khan continue to inspire awe. And who can forget the rhythmic genius of tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, who has pushed the boundaries of percussion across genres. Beyond the classical and folk traditions, towering figures have shaped the modern musical landscape. Rabindranath Tagore, India's first Nobel laureate and a true polymath, made an unparalleled contribution through Rabindra Sangeet. He composed over 2,000 songs, blending elements of Hindustani classical, folk melodies, and Western influences, often setting them to his own poetry. Rabindranath Tagore's music is not merely an accompaniment to his words, it's an integral part of his philosophy, expressing a vast range of human emotions, spiritual insights, and love for nature and country. His compositions are a distinct and beloved genre, deeply ingrained in the cultural psyche of Bengal and beyond. But India's musical story isn't confined to grand concert halls. It thrives in the vibrant rhythms of its diverse folk music, echoing across sun-drenched fields, bustling village squares, and festive celebrations. Each region, each community, boasts its own unique musical dialect – from the spirited bhangra of Punjab to the soulful baul songs of Bengal, and the captivating Lavani of Maharashtra. These are the sounds of daily life, of stories passed down through generations, of shared joy and collective spirit. Legendary folk artists like Bhupen Hazarika from Assam, whose poignant songs spoke of humanity and social justice, or the mesmerizing voices of the Nooran Sisters in Sufi music, have ensured these traditions continue to flourish. India's sonic landscape is constantly evolving, embracing innovative fusions of contemporary genres. Modern Indian artists, championed by trailblazers like the Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, are fearlessly blending traditional instruments and melodies with Western influences, creating sounds that are both rooted in heritage and refreshingly new. The golden voices of playback singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi have defined generations of Bollywood music. In current scenario Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Arijit Singh and so many singers showcasing the versatility and emotional depth of Indian vocal artistry. On this World Music Day, let's not just passively listen, but actively recognize and appreciate the intricate melodies, complex rhythmic structures, and the undeniable spiritual depth embedded within Indian music. It's a reminder of its enduring influence, not just on India's own vibrant culture, but on the wider world, inspiring musicians and enchanting audiences across continents.
Tonumoy Bhattacharya