While inaugurating the museum, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee promised that the age-old library, a symbol of Bengali tradition and culture, would be expanded and that his government would ensure that the institute gets more land for it.

“Bangiya Sahitya Parishad symbolises the Bengali tradition and culture. When I was in school, I used to cross this place but never had the courage to enter it till I was in college. This decade-old institute embodies hard work, intellect, dedication and after coming to power the Left Front government has tried to understand its difficulties,” said Bhattacharjee.

“There are almost 2.5 lakh books, thousands of letters and manuscripts, but there is a dearth of space. I will take up the issue with our government,” he added. According to the chief minister, the museum is a new concept which covers a variety of exhibits ranging from displays of rural as well as urban art forms.

Stressing on awareness among the new generation about the past literature and culture of the society, Bhattacharjee said that the letter listing the problems of the parishad has been handed over to him and that the issue of financial problems will be discussed.

“There are 14 cottahs in the backyard of the institute. We have written a letter to the chief minister seeking his intervention to acquire the piece of land. We have also demanded “A” group status for the library like the National Library,” said Alok Das, assistant secretary, Bangiya Sahitya Parishad.