‘Renaissance Lady of India Rani Rashmoni’ remembered on her Death Anniversary in Kolkata

Partha Roy, Kolkata: Rich tributes were paid to Renaissance Lady of India Rani Rashmoni (28 September 1793 – 19 February 1861) on the eve of her Death Anniversary (19th February) at Dakshineshwar Kali Mandir complex in Kolkata on 18th February 2024.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS) under Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with Lokamata Rani Rashmoni Foundation organized a National Seminar on “Azadi Ka Amrit Kal : Women
Empowerment-The Life and Contribution of Lokamata Rani Rashmoni to the Society” on 18th February, 2024 at the temple precints.

Shri Kushal Choudhary Trustee of Dakshineshwar Kali Mandir while welcoming the august gathering highlighted multi-dimensional path breaking socio-cultural-economic reforms initiated by Rani Rashmoni during her time. Speakers and Researchers highlighted lesser known facts about Rani Rasmoni.

Rani Rashmoni played a major role with her husband Babu Rajachandra Das in abolition of “Sati”, across India by motivaing then British administration to formulate legal measures to stop ” sati “. She also supported fight against child marriage, as well supported widow remarriage.

Rani Rashmoni established Dakshineshwar Kali Mandir on the banks of river Hooghly which became center of Hindu religious reforms as well as socio- cultural reforms and promoted inclusiveness while asserting & preserving Hindu religio-cultural practices.

During her life time and subsequently, Dakshineshwar Kali Mandir became center of source of divine inspiration for patriotism and nationalism. It played major role in India’s freedom struggle.

Rani Rashmoni played major role in upliftment of farmers, members of fishing communities and their families in undivided Bengal including areas what is now in Bangladesh. Rani Rashmoni built road from Subornorekha river to Puri, the seat of Lord Jagannath.

Lokamata Rani Rashmoni Foundation is initiating several measures to spread awareness about various visionary initiatives, reforms, initiated by Rani Rashmoni during her life time and its wider positive contribution to the present time. Bangladesh’s iconic singer Padmashri Rejwana Choudhary Banaya enthralled the audience by singing varieties of Bengali songs.