Kolkata:
A group of industrialists in Kolkata are seeking divine help to pull West Bengal out of economic doldrums. They are conducting a nine-day 'mahayagna' dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, so that she comes to the aid of the state.
The temporal head of this event is a 'swami' from Haridwar who promises the 'yagna' will change Bengal's fortunes within one year. There are some skeptics but they are outnumbered.
Hundreds of holy fires will burn for nine days with 500 pundits reciting divine mantras without a break. For many Kolkata businessmen, this 'yagna' is sure to draw investments and industry in Bengal and lend chief minister Mamata Banerjee's efforts a hand in that direction.
"Things will change. Mamataji is doing her work, this yagya is our work. She is doing a lot," says Sarala Birla.
"With this kind of yagya, a positive spiritual energy will be generated and that will help all of us to get prosperity and the state would have tremendous economic development," believes businessman RK Pansari.
However, industry doyen BK Birla who inaugurated the 'yagna' was reserved about his expectations
"One should not expect anything. In case god helps us, it is good. But we should not expect anything," he said.
But the 'swami' overseeing the 'yagna' is so confident that he has even set a deadline. It would help, he says, if Mamata Banerjee dropped by.
"Industry will come. Within one year lots of industry will come. That's why this 'yagna 'is being held. That's why the Bengal government should come here, also Mamata Banerjee," said Swami Prakharji Maharaj.
There are doubting Thomases but for the believers, Mamata Banerjee is trying everything to put Bengal on the fast track to industrial growth, so why not a little divine assistance?