West Bengal Chief Minister Honored by Japanese University
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to receive a prestigious Doctor of Letters (D'Lit) honorary degree from Japan's Okayama University on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The university has recognized her exceptional contributions to social development, women's empowerment, cultural preservation, and humanitarian initiatives.
A high-level delegation from the Japanese institution has already arrived in Kolkata and plans to meet with the chief minister to explore opportunities for enhanced cultural exchanges, collaborative educational research, and strengthened commercial relationships between Bengal and Japan.
Ceremony Details and Attendees
The conferment ceremony promises to be a significant event, with attendance confirmed by vice-chancellors from various institutions, senior academicians, prominent artists, and other distinguished guests. Officials have reported considerable excitement within administrative and cultural circles, noting that this event will showcase the growing cooperation between Bengal's academic institutions and their Japanese counterparts.
Matua Community Leader Launches Hunger Strike
In a separate development creating political waves, TMC MP and Matua leader Mamata Bala Thakur will begin a fast-unto-death protest at Thakur Bari starting Wednesday. This dramatic action comes in response to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that has sparked controversy within the Matua community.
The protest movement began earlier when a group of Matua, Gosain, and Dalapati leaders initiated the fast, demanding unconditional citizenship for community members. The situation has already seen health complications among participants, with three protesters requiring admission to Thakur Nagar Primary Health Centre on Tuesday.
Political Clash Over Citizenship Demands
The hunger strike has ignited sharp political exchanges with the central government. Union Minister of State Santanu Thakur, the BJP MP representing Bangaon, has accused the TMC of orchestrating what he called a "political drama." The minister stated that the central government would not grant citizenship to "extremists" and called for legal action against the protest organizers.
TMC leaders have strongly condemned these remarks, escalating the political tension surrounding the citizenship issue that affects the substantial Matua community in Bengal.
Multiple Protests Scheduled Across Kolkata
Wednesday will witness several other demonstrations across Kolkata. A mass deputation is planned to march from Salt Lake's Karunamayee Metro ground to Bikash Bhavan at 1 PM, where participants will submit a memorandum to the Women & Child Development and Social Welfare department.
The memorandum outlines several key demands: increasing the Manabik Bhata (disability pension) from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 monthly, implementing stronger verification measures to prevent fraudulent disability certificates, and improving specialized educational facilities for students with disabilities.
Healthcare Workers Join Protest Movement
Adding to the day's activities, Nurses Unity, an organization representing healthcare workers, has called for a sit-in demonstration at Swasthya Bhavan from 11 AM to 3 PM on November 12. The health workers aim to pressure authorities regarding their unresolved demands.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) central committee member Minakshi Mukherjee is scheduled to address a Mass Rally in front of Bhowanipore Pathagar at 7 PM, completing a day marked by significant political and social movements across West Bengal's capital.
