Referring to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa as swami reflects insensitivity, Mamata reacts to PMs social media post

Referring to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa as swami reflects insensitivity, Mamata reacts to PMs social media post

## Bengal CM Cautions PM on Rebranding Historical Figures

**Kolkata, [Date]** – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a pointed appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to refrain from introducing new appellations for revered historical figures of Bengal, particularly those who played a pivotal role in shaping modern India. The Chief Minister’s remarks were reportedly a reaction to a social media post by the Prime Minister that referred to the 19th-century mystic and philosopher Ramakrishna Paramahamsa as “Swami.”

Banerjee, a prominent voice in West Bengal politics, emphasized the historical and cultural significance of figures like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, stating that their established identities are deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of the region and the nation. She expressed concern that attempts to alter or add to these established titles could be perceived as a lack of sensitivity towards their legacy and the profound impact they have had on intellectual and spiritual discourse in India.

The Chief Minister’s statement, delivered through official channels, highlighted the importance of respecting the historical context and the universally recognized nomenclature associated with these influential personalities. According to sources close to the Chief Minister’s office, the underlying sentiment is that such actions, even if well-intentioned, risk undermining the established reverence and the carefully preserved narrative surrounding these luminaries of the Bengal Renaissance.

The Bengal Renaissance, a vibrant period of cultural and intellectual awakening in the 19th and early 20th centuries, produced a galaxy of thinkers, reformers, and artists who significantly contributed to India’s modernization and its struggle for independence. Figures like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar are central to this transformative era, and their contributions are widely acknowledged and celebrated across India.

Banerjee’s appeal underscores a broader political and cultural debate that often arises when national leaders engage with historical narratives. While Prime Minister Modi’s social media posts are often seen as an effort to connect with a wider audience and highlight revered figures, the Chief Minister’s response suggests a differing perspective on how these figures should be represented and acknowledged. The emphasis on “prefixes and suffixes” implies a concern that such modifications could inadvertently dilute or alter the established understanding of these individuals and their contributions.

The Chief Minister’s office has indicated that the intent behind the appeal is to foster a spirit of respectful engagement with India’s rich historical and cultural heritage. It is a call for a nuanced approach that recognizes the established identities and the profound respect accorded to these figures by generations of scholars, devotees, and the general public. The objective, as articulated by Banerjee, is to ensure that the legacy of Bengal’s great minds is preserved and communicated with the dignity and accuracy it deserves, avoiding any potential for misinterpretation or disrespect. This exchange highlights the ongoing dialogue surrounding historical representation and the sensitivity required when engaging with figures of national significance.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.