File Photo: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was all praise for the rich cultural heritage, art and literature of West Bengal and Maharashtra which contributed a lot to the post and pre-Independence era.
"A marked influence of Western concepts over younger generation is posing a challenge to conserving our culture," said Mr Gadkari, while inaugurating the Vishwa Bangla Sammelan (World Benali Literary conference) in Nagpur yesterday evening.
The World Bangala Conference is an apt platform to promote rich and glorious heritage, he added.
This Bengali literary meet is the first step towards conservation and preservation of rich West Bengal culture, Mr Gadkari said lauding the efforts.
Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Bangaladesh High Commissioner in India, Sayed Muazzem Ali, former MPs Banwarilal Puroht Ulhas Patil, and Vice-Chancellor Visva Bharati University, Shanti Niketan, Dr Sushanta Dasgupta were present.
Renowned personalities from the fields of art, music, and literature are participating and sharing their knowledge and experience with the people of Nagpur.
On the occasion, eminent persons like English language novelist writer essayist and researcher Mani Shankar Mukherjee, noted mime actor Yogesh Dutta, international football player Chunni Goswami were felicitated for their contribution to the society.