Kolkata: Unity within the nation, especially among border states, is a significant factor in preserving shared heritage and fraternity. India is popularly known for its Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam identity, which promotes the idea of the world as one family. India shares borders with multiple nations, but Bangladesh holds special significance due to their longest shared boundary, around 4096 kilometers, spanning five Indian states.
Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 after the Liberation War, forging a deep-rooted relationship with India. At that time, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi deeply supported Bangladesh and its leader, Mr. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to liberate his nation from the constraints of Pakistan with the help of the Russian artillery. This enduring friendship is still alive, shown by two statues.
India and Bangladesh have had close relations. Many projects have been completed through collaboration, but this is uncommon now. Recently, people of Bangladesh overcrowded the Prime Minister’s house, stole her clothes, and destroyed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statues. While India is still showing respect to Rahman. At the Sealdah Railway station, two statues have been installed side by side, each a tribute to monumental figures in South Asian history from India and Bangladesh. Mahatma Gandhi and Rahman were positioned as an equality & fraternity of these two countries.
Gandhi and Mujib are affectionately known as the Fathers of their Nations. Each of them ignited the flame of freedom in their respective countries, though in different contexts. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience made India’s presence necessary to get independence from British rule in 1947. His beliefs advocate harmony, truth, and peaceful resistance. Later on, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman championed Bangladesh’s fight for autonomy, leading his people to independence in 1971 with a call for resilience and justice.
Post 50 to 70 years of independence, these statues remind us of the struggles for self-determination and humanity. For travelers and people, it offers a silent lesson in history, embodying the ideals of unity and equality that both nations strive to uphold. For example, I was traveling from Sealdah to Bongaon (near Bangladesh border) and saw these statues on the west side of the station’s food court that made me think to ask questions about why Rahman is necessary here. Why not others? But I literate myself to reckon initial and intrinsic issues. I received an overview that these statues can show a peaceful harmony as well as fraternity between two nations’ values.
Hopefully, these statues were installed two years ago, which shows testament to the deep-rooted ties between India and Bangladesh, reflecting shared values, cultural bonds, and mutual respect. Beyond the active politics and party culture, these statues are alive as a symbol of hope for a peaceful and collaborative future. Gandhi and Mujib inspire a new generation that the true strength of a nation lies not just in its borders but in the enduring values of fraternity and equality.
