REQUEST TO THE HONORABLE CHIEF MINISTER ON DARJEELING by a teacher

Shrimati Mamata Banerjee

Dear Madame,

Namaste!

My humble request – I am a teacher and I plead for the future of my students in the hills.

When YOU came to power in 2011 I was very happy. Here was a lady like Joan of Arc who had vanquished the Left rule after 33 years. I am not going into the merits and demerits of the Left dispensation but would like to highlight the fact that here was a new face and new found freedom in West Bengal with the background of Nandigram, of Maa Mati and Manush (Mother, Motherland and People).

When the freedom of humanity blossoms anywhere in the world my heart soars and I feel dejected when it is oppressed, as it is in so many parts of the world today. I was in Kolkata several times this winter and was happy to see a different Kolkata with a new look for Christmas and New Year.

I was happy when YOU were elected again in 2016 because I felt you had the credentials to understand the people’s movement and freedom. In my opinion YOU would be a champion to protect the preamble of the Constitution of India as envisioned by the founding fathers where there is room for all, especially for the least and the last, the voiceless.

I was happy when YOU ushered in the GTA that gave a semblance of hope for the future of Gorkhaland. Finally we were having peace and tranquility returned to the hills. Once again the tourists began to visit the hills and this year was a record of sorts when there was absolutely no place in the inn.\

Darjeeling, known for its historical good schools who were getting back its old and new clientele. Tea gardens were looking fresh for the first flush. People were also happy because a nuanced democracy was returning to the hills, one of so many players where before the writs of individuals ruled. As a non- political person I cannot understand this sudden madness that has gripped the hills. I understand that much politics, that political parties are only interested in their own parties and they will do anything to make their parties win an election even before the interests of the nation sometimes.

I had great hopes that Didi as you are lovingly called in Bengal would understand the aspirations of the people of Darjeeling since you yourself struggled so much in your political career. Amidst such odds you have risen to be the Honorable Chief Minister.

Time is still on your side; the History of Darjeeling will remember you as the gracious lady who restored Darjeeling to what it should be – Gorkhaland. It is not a matter of loss of pride for Bengal to accede Gorkhaland but rather the Truth of the matter, the virtue by which Mahatma Gandhi without violence achieved the Independence of this great nation. I urge you to see this Truth and beg you to have deep Comprehension and Compassion in understanding the Queen of the hills. Bengal would be looked upon as the true Ma having happily given birth to a legitimate child.

As I said at the beginning, I am a teacher and I have seen this fire burning in the hearts of my students. One generation was lost in the 80s and another generation is being lost now… lost without dignity, without identity, without community, without jobs and most of all without a future. If a student has nothing to look forward to in the prime of life when hope looms large he or she dies a thousand deaths –

My prayers for You, the state of Bengal and the future state of Gorkhaland !

Yours sincerely,
Fr Kinley Tshering, SJ
(A teacher)R