Nirbhik Bangla, Asansol: On the occasion of the holy festival of Raksha Bandhan, a unique picture of harmony, social responsibility, and goodwill was witnessed across the industrial belt of Asansol and Raniganj. Moving beyond traditional family customs, this time the threads of Rakhi became tied to social awareness, gender equality, and a pledge for road safety.
A special Raksha Bandhan festival was organized at the Asansol Rabindra Bhavan through the initiative of the district administration and with the participation of members of the transgender community. Maintaining the region's tradition of harmony, District Magistrate of Paschim Bardhaman S. Ponnambalam, Asansol North MLA Moloy Ghatak (Note: Krishnaendu Mukherjee as per text), and Barabani MLA Arijit Roy were present at the event. One of the main attractions of the program was the presence of members of the transgender community. They inaugurated the festival by tying Rakhis on the wrists of the District Magistrate and the MLAs. This administrative effort to bring together people from all walks of society, irrespective of caste, religion, creed, and gender, was appreciated at all levels.
On the other hand, marking the Raksha Bandhan festival, the Raniganj Traffic Guard of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate organized an exceptional road safety awareness program. Under the initiative of the Raniganj traffic police, members of the transgender community tied Rakhis on the wrists of passing bike riders and four-wheeler drivers. Amidst the festive atmosphere, drivers were given special advice to obey traffic rules. The messages of wearing helmets, not driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving vehicles at a controlled speed were conveyed to them. The police stated that this Rakhi on the day of the festival will remind drivers that along with self-protection on the road, ensuring the safety of others' lives is also their responsibility.
In addition to this, the Raksha Bandhan festival was celebrated by local BJP workers and supporters in Mahishila Colony under Ward No. 85 of Asansol. Rakhis were tied on the wrists of ordinary pedestrians and businessmen in the market areas of Mahishila Colony and Khudiram Sarani. Local organizers stated that the main objective of this program was to forget political differences and further strengthen the bonds of mutual goodwill and fraternity.
Overall, crossing the traditional family boundaries, Raksha Bandhan in the Asansol industrial belt this time transformed into a unique celebration of social solidarity, public awareness, and harmony.
