Soul under attack: Why bookstall vandalism during Puja struck a nerve in Bengal

Soul under attack: Why bookstall vandalism...

AI summary

During Durga Puja, left‑wing bookstalls in Bengal were vandalised by right‑wing groups, sparking a cross‑party backlash and a large “march to save books” in Kolkata. The incidents resonated deeply because books hold historic cultural and intellectual significance in Bengal.

Key takeaways

  • Vandalism included tearing books and assaulting stall operators.
  • Politicians from both the Mamata and BJP camps publicly condemned the attacks.
  • Bengali reverence for books stems from long‑standing intellectual traditions and cultural customs.
  • The College Square rally drew participants of all ages, notably Gen Z, to defend reading.

Read the original at India Today

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