Kolkata, 26th February 2023: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organized an exclusive session with Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, Former Director of LBSNAA, Ex-IAS Officer on Saturday, 25^th February 2023. The session witnessed valuable insights into the post-independence era and the consolidation of princely states. There were other esteemed members in the panel including Mr. Soumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Dept. of transport, Govt. of West Bengal, Dr. Sandeep Chatterjee, F.R.C.S Ed, DNB (Surg.), M.N.A.M.S, (Neurosurgery), F.R.C.S (Neurosurgery), M.S.M.B.B.S Academic Coordinator of Neurosurgery, Mr. Sanjay Budhia, Past President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, Past President, ICC and Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC.

While delivering the welcome address, Mr. Sanjay Budhia, Past President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, said, “Our author has great passion for literature, which is very much reflected in his book, focusing down on the cherished career of the country. The book takes us back in time to discuss the history of Bharat. The book clearly mentions the national ability to distinct through socio-economic boundaries. The discussion will enlighten with readers with enriching ideas given in the book.”

Commenting about the book, Mr. Soumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Dept. of transport, Govt. of West Bengal, said, “The book speaks broadly about the Indian Independence Act. It covers the state of three provinces following the Britisher’s exit from our country. It further sheds light on chief commissioner areas, governor provinces and thirdly the princely states. Almost 552 princely states, were later organized by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The way that he along with VP Menon worked tirelessly to annex the princely states has been mentioned in the book. A lot of autonomy was given to the princely states. Henceforth, two agreements were signed to serve as the instrument of accession, while autonomy was restricted to the government to ensure this practice was implemented. Interestingly there were 20 names again suggested for Uttar Pradesh such as Aryabhatta, Aryabhatta Pradesh, Brahma Pradesh etc. So, these are very interesting issues highlighted in the book projecting the division of states and its development which has been discussed further in the book.”

Commenting on the event, Dr. Sandeep Chatterjee, F.R.C.S Ed, DNB (Surg.), M.N.A.M.S, (Neurosurgery), F.R.C.S (Neurosurgery), M.S.M.B.B.S Academic Coordinator of Neurosurgery, said, “The book is intriguing when you read it showcasing the ultimate paradox. Having said that, the book reveals the history of geography at the beginning and the geography of history during its end.”

Commenting at the event, Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, Past President, ICC, said, “The book interestingly narrates not only the history or geography but an overall summary of our country. The Bangladesh partition in 1971 was one of those periods whose impact was felt at our borders. The partitions of 1905 and 1947 have also been explored in the book.”

Commenting on the theme of the book, Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, Former Director of LBSNAA, Ex-IAS Officer, said, “Today, we see West Bengal seeking changes. There is a very interesting story about when Karnataka was previously called Mysore. There were sections from the local community that did not want to change the name, keeping in mind people’s emotions. India after partition had several names, Hindustan, Bharat, India but Britishers mentioned that they never wanted to call themselves dominant of Pakistan. Further V.P. Menon and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked tirelessly to make our country the centralized factor. Demographic changes have been affecting politics, and most of them did not face the same wrath after the partition which Bengal and Punjab had gone through. Having said that Bengal was not treated well after the partition whereas the Punjabi refugees were accepted with open arms by the other princely states. Precisely the book mentions Identity is fluid and not cast in stone.”

While delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC, said, “Everyone in this room has got the flavor of history and seen a multifaceted personality. This book is what people of India need to know, especially the young generation.”