Home / Arts and Entertainment / 19 Years Later, Taslima Nasrin Finds 'Home' in Kolkata
19 Years Later, Taslima Nasrin Finds 'Home' in Kolkata
31 Jul
Summary
- Taslima Nasrin felt a sense of belonging returning to Kolkata after 19 years.
- She was forced to leave Kolkata in November 2007 due to protests.
- Nasrin hopes for permanent residency if security concerns are addressed.
Taslima Nasrin, the Bangladesh-born author, has returned to Kolkata after a 19-year absence, expressing thrill and a profound sense of belonging. She was compelled to leave the city in November 2007 due to violent protests against her presence.
Nasrin's return was met with an overwhelming reception, contrasting with the events of 2007. She stated that if security is guaranteed, she could frequent and potentially reside permanently in Kolkata, leaving the decision to the state government. She noted that while she has had places to stay for over three decades, she lacks the unquestioned right to belong, even in her birth country.
The author recalled her positive rapport with the former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee but detailed how a senior police officer forced her departure. She continued paying rent for her Rawdon Street flat until 2009, hoping for a return. Nasrin also criticized the erstwhile Trinamool Congress government for blocking a TV series based on her script in December 2013, fearing fundamentalist protests.
She acknowledged Osman Gani Mallik of Secular Mission for initiating her return and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for his positive response. Nasrin is scheduled to be felicitated by CM Adhikari at Rabindra Sadan, where she plans to recite three of her poems: 'Boimela', 'Prasno', and 'Amar Kolkatar Bari'. Despite tight security, she enjoyed a rosogolla, a local delicacy she couldn't resist.
