kolkata

IIE DIGITAL: A proposal to honour legendary broadcaster Birendra Krishna Bhadra with a lasting public tribute has been put forward by West Bengal's Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

During a visit to Bhadra's ancestral residence in Shyambazar on Tuesday, the minister paid floral tributes and met members of the late broadcaster's family. She proposed that the historic residence be granted heritage status and suggested renaming the nearby Shyambazar Metro station after the iconic voice synonymous with Mahalaya.

Birendra Krishna Bhadra's rendition of Mahishasuramardini continues to mark the spiritual beginning of Durga Puja for millions of Bengalis, making him one of the state's most enduring cultural figures.

The proposal follows the state government's broader initiative to recognise eminent personalities by naming public infrastructure after them. Several Kolkata Metro stations already commemorate distinguished figures, including Uttam Kumar, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Sukanta Bhattacharya.

The government is also working towards preserving the homes of renowned personalities as heritage landmarks. Similar conservation efforts have previously been proposed for the ancestral residence of Syama Prasad Mookerjee in Hooghly.

If approved, the move would add another cultural landmark to Kolkata's transport network while celebrating the legacy of one of Bengal's most cherished voices.