1 hr ago

Bengal Schools Asked to Light Lamps for Modi’s Birthday

Schools in Bengal have been asked to give students lamps to light with their families at home.

The lamps will be lit at 7 pm on September 17, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.

The event is called “Ashirbader Diya,” meaning a blessing lamp.

Organisers say it will show gratitude for Modi’s work and support the goal of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

They expect millions of lamps to be lit across the state.

Kolkata will have a large celebration near the Ganga.

Government and heritage buildings will also be lit up.

Other activities will include clean-up drives, blood donation camps, competitions, and cultural programmes.

The celebrations are scheduled to continue until October 10.

Key facts

Lamp-lighting programme: “Ashirbader Diya” will have students light lamps at home with their families at 7 pm on September 17.
Expected scale: About 25,000 lamps are expected in each assembly constituency, totaling more than 70 lakh across 294 constituencies.
Lamp allocation: Sources said Rs 2 has been allocated for each lamp.
Programme period: The state’s series of programmes is scheduled from September 17 to October 10.
Main venue: Kolkata will host the main event, including lamp-lighting along the Ganga.
Additional activities: The campaign will include cleanliness drives, blood donation camps, a Seva Yatra, student competitions, cultural events, sports, and innovation programmes.
Public participation: Government and private schools are being asked to participate, and parents benefiting from government schemes are also being included.

thestatesman.com · 2 hrs ago