Addressing the inauguration programme of the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) here, Banerjee was responding to charges made by Mukul Roy without naming him and said one should not harbour narrow-mindedness to suit one's political designs.
"One cannot dream about spending his entire life by shouting 'Zindabad' and raise party flag for 24 hours in a day. Life means living with your culture, people of your country and their traditions," Banerjee said.
"Why we should not celebrate Durga puja, Kali puja. Why we can't celebrate art and culture festivals like 'Jatra Utsab' and 'Natok Utsav.' We will observe each and every festival as there are 13 festivals in a span of 12 months in Bengal which is known in Bengali as 'Baro Mase Tero Parbon.'
Speaking about Biswa Bangla initiative by the West Bengal government, Banerjee said, "If Bengal reaches out to the world and if the world comes to Bengal, why should it be objected by anyone. One should broaden his vision and not be bogged down by narrow thoughts," she said.
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Referring to her upcoming visit to London to attend a programme at sister Nivedita's birthplace in that country, Banerjee said, "while usually I go abroad once a year, this is a special invite which will make Bengal proud."
Turning to her recent visit to the Hague for receiving an award for Kanyashree project at the World Public Service Forum by UN, she said, "We had gone as it was a special honour from the UN and had I not gone it would have amounted to showing disrespect to my own Bengal."