Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Mar 12: Ravindra Narayan Ravi is set to begin a new chapter in West Bengal as he arrives in the ‘City of Joy’ to assume office as the Governor of the state on Thursday.
Ravi, who recently completed a 54-month tenure as Governor of Tamil Nadu, will take oath as the constitutional head of West Bengal, bringing with him a reputation for transforming the Governor’s office into a more people-centric institution often referred to as “Lok Bhavan”.
During his tenure in Tamil Nadu, Ravi focused on making the Raj Bhavan more accessible to people from different sections of society. Moving away from the traditionally distant functioning of the office, he actively engaged with civil society and youth groups.
According to officials, Ravi personally addressed more than one lakh students across institutions, emphasising the role of young people in nation-building. In an unusual move, he also personally distributed over 50,000 certificates at various university convocations instead of limiting the role to symbolic participation.
He also initiated several interactive sessions at the Raj Bhavan, hosting around 24 meetings with diverse groups including start-up entrepreneurs, young achievers, transgender individuals, ex-servicemen, traditional artists and women’s organisations.
Through the “Meet and Greet” initiative, Ravi invited representatives from organisations and media houses to his office to discuss grassroots issues. He also promoted national integration by celebrating foundation days of other states — including West Bengal — at the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan.
In addition, Ravi introduced awards to recognise grassroots social workers and environmentalists and encouraged patriotism among youth through essay competitions focused on freedom fighters from the state.
Meanwhile, outgoing Governor C. V. Ananda Bose shared an emotional open letter to the people of West Bengal as he prepared to step down after nearly three years in office.
Reflecting on his tenure at Raj Bhavan, Bose described the state as his “second home” and thanked the people for their affection and support.
“As my innings in Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, draws to a close, may I once again express my heartfelt gratitude to you for the support and consideration extended to me,” he wrote.
Invoking the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, Bose said his departure from office would not mean a departure from the state. He recalled finding “God in the lanes and by-lanes of Kolkata” and in humble homes where he shared meals with ordinary citizens.
Concluding his message, Bose prayed for the continued progress and prosperity of the state, saying, “May Bengal reach glorious heights in the days to come. May Durga protect my people.”