Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that the Red Road Carnival that has stepped into its fourth year this time has evolved with every passing year and is gradually becoming better and bigger. "Carnivals are held across the world. But in the last few years we have been able to make a mark with our Carnival and with each passing year it is emerging among the very best," Banerjee said at a programme where she handed over the Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman to Durga Puja committees at Nabanna Sabhaghar. "I am ready to accept criticism but it should be through constructive discussion. I do not believe in negative thinking and always try to think positive and act positive," she added. Her remarks assume significance as Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday had accused the state government of sidelining him and not showing him on television during the Durga Puja Carnival hosted by the state on October 11 at Red Road. "I felt insulted at the Carnival. I am deeply hurt and disturbed," Dhankhar had said. Banerjee reiterated that the Puja committees should remember that Durga Puja is Indias official nomination for the UNESCOs 2020 list of cultural institutions from around the world that require protection and preservation. "I will be most happy on the day when people from across the world acknowledge that Durga Puja, which is celebrated with so much pomp and grandeur in the state, as the greatest festival of the world," she asserted. She congratulated Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee and at the same time took a dig at a section of politicians who claimed that Bengal has failed to produce scientists. "There are many people who have mocked the merit of Bengalis and said that Bengal cannot produce scientists. But it is to be remembered that our talent works everywhere, from NASA to Bhasha. When people try to insult Bengalis, I am always vocal," she maintained. It may be mentioned that Banerjee has often accused the BJP for disrespecting the culture and merit of the people of Bengal. "Many small clubs with minimum resources have come up with exceptionally wonderful themes and Puja pandals. The Pujas help in generating employment, income as well as leads to beautification drives," she said. Apart from Kolkata, Puja committees in 22 districts were awarded the "Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman." Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma accepted the honour from the Chief Minister for the performance of Kolkata Polices Tornado — a motorcycle rally during which the police personnel performed stunts on bikes.

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