West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee concluded the weeklong 'Student's Week' celebrations on Wednesday with a government event held at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata.
During the event, she felicitated students from various parts of the state, as well as the 2024-25 Santosh Trophy-winning team of West Bengal. Student's Week was observed across West Bengal from January 1 to 7 with a series of events hosted at schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions.
Among the programmes were awareness campaigns that highlighted state government initiatives for students, such as multiple scholarships and credit card facilities. Seminars and symposiums were organised for students and their guardians to engage with teachers and professors.
On Wednesday, CM Banerjee felicitated beneficiaries of the state’s student-focused schemes, including Kanyashree, Sikshashree, and Aikyashree. Bicycles were also distributed to students eligible under the Sabooj Sathi scheme.
Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students who excelled in the All India Trade Test (AITT) were awarded cheques worth Rs 50,000 each. Additionally, members of the Santosh Trophy-winning team were honoured with Rs 2 lakh each and offered jobs as assistant sub-inspectors in the police force.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee encouraged students with messages of hope, unity, and positivity during her address. Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as poets Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, and reformers Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, she urged students to overcome discrimination and oppression while staying united.
“Remember, Bengal is the land of cultural renaissance. Bengal is the cultural capital and our merit is spread across the globe,” she said.
In addition to referencing historical figures, she motivated students to explore modern fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, highlighting the importance of embracing the future with optimism.
CM Banerjee also gave students tips to maintain good mental health. “If something bothers you, write it down. But don’t be depressed. There is no room for depression,” she added. “Always remember that money and materials are not you biggest assets. Your humanity and health are.”