As the clock struck midnight on August 14 in 1947, India became a free country. Jawaharlal Nehru famously called it a ‘tryst with destiny. Independence also marked the birth of the state of West Bengal. 

Therefore, the 75th anniversary of Independence also means the 75th year of West Bengal (Pochattor Swadhinata). 

To celebrate the momentous occasion, TV9 Bangla has created a string of programs – ‘Seemanta Swadhinata’, ‘Sate Panchey 75′,  ‘Anandamather Khoje’, ‘Swadhinotar Prothom Sakal – Jaijatra’. 

There will also be a discussion on ‘Bangali Aajo Udbastu’.

Through this string of programs, TV9 Bangla has chronicled the journey of West Bengal in the fields of politics, industry, economy, literature, culture, and society in general. The special programs/documentaries will be aired every day from 4:30 pm starting August 10.

Move back to 1872. The heat and dust of the country’s first Great Rebellion almost died down by then. The entire land reverberated with “the words Vande Mataram that rose from Bengal and moved like a storm throughout the country.

The words imparted a new meaning and soul to patriotism. The rebellion of the sanyasis from a land struck by famine came to symbolize the spirit of sacrifice. Vande Mataram turned into a clarion call, a slogan for struggle and patriotism. Bankim Chandra penned those immortal words in his novel Ananda Math. About a century and a half after that landmark creation, TV9 Bangla moved out in search of the novel and how it was written. It will be telecast on Monday, August 15, the company said in a statement.

The Bengali psyche still carries the wounds of Partition. Why have Bengalis failed to find new roots even after 75 years of Independence? 

This will be the subject of the discussion titled “Are Bengalis still refugees?” which will be aired at 6:30 pm on Monday, August 15.

Independence came along with the pain of Partition. A border ran across the soul of Bengal, but how independent are the residents of those living along the border? TV9 Bangla moved out in these areas to launch a search. 

‘Seemanta Swadhinata’ will be telecast at 10 pm on Sunday, August 14.

The historic first dawn of freedom on August 15 is as significant today as it was 75 years ago. ‘Swadhinotar Prothom Sakal – Jaijatra’ will premiere on Monday, August 15 intermittently throughout the day.