On 15th August 2025, as India celebrated its 79th Independence Day, Bamanagar Subala High School in South 24 Parganas witnessed a momentous occasion. Advocate Mita Banerjee. Advocate Mita Banerjee, a respected lawyer of the Kolkata High Court and a committed social voice, inaugurated a newly donated library dedicated to the loving memory of her late father, Shree Ashoke Banerjee.
This was not just the opening of a facility; it was a heartfelt donation of knowledge and opportunity, reflecting the values of a father, the devotion of a daughter, and the timeless importance of education.
A Daughter’s Gift in Memory of Her Father
The library was donated entirely by Advocate Mita Banerjee, as a tribute to her late father Shree Ashoke Banerjee (01.01.1946 – 20.01.2016). Through this gesture, she ensured that his legacy lives on in the service of future generations.
The plaque outside the library stands as a permanent reminder of this bond, proudly declaring the gift made in his name. For Advocate Mita Banerjee, this donation was more than a formality—it was an act of love and responsibility.
She expressed, “This library is not only a gift to the students but also a way of keeping my father’s dreams alive. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that his values of learning, justice, and compassion will continue to inspire through this space.”
Donating Knowledge: The True Empowerment
By donating the library, Advocate Mita Banerjee reinforced her belief that education is the true wealth of society. In an age of fleeting luxuries, she chose to contribute something that will grow in value over generations.
The library is stocked with resources across arts, science, commerce, computer education, and literature. It is designed to be a temple of knowledge for students, encouraging both academic excellence and a love for reading.
Her donation ensures that the children of Bamanagar Subala High School will not be deprived of learning opportunities due to lack of resources. It is a sustainable gift that continues to serve year after year.
Advocate for the Voiceless: Extending Her Mission
The act of donating a library also ties deeply with Advocate Mita Banerjee’s broader mission as an “Advocate for the Voiceless.”
Throughout her legal career, she has represented those who could not fight for themselves—women, children, and marginalized communities. Similarly, through this library, she has given a voice to the voiceless by empowering students with books.
Books, she believes, are the most democratic of all tools. They do not discriminate; they offer wisdom equally to all who seek it. This library, therefore, is not only a donation but also an extension of her lifelong advocacy for justice and equality.
The Inauguration: A Community Celebration
The inauguration was held at 11 AM on 15th August 2025, with Advocate Advocate Mita Banerjee herself as the Chief Guest. She was welcomed warmly by the school’s President, Bikash Das, and Teacher-in-Charge Tapan Kumar Mandal, along with the faculty and enthusiastic students.
The atmosphere was both festive and reverent. Balloons, ribbons, and traditional decorations adorned the venue, while the unveiling of the plaque in honor of Shree Ashoke Banerjee marked a deeply emotional moment.
For the students, it was more than a school event; it was an inspiring example of how personal love and social responsibility can create community-wide impact.
Why Libraries Matter
In her address, Advocate Mita Banerjee emphasized why she chose to donate a library rather than any other facility. She said:
“Libraries are gateways to freedom. Every book you open gives you independence of thought, the courage to question, and the wisdom to build. In donating this library, I hope to see students not just studying for exams, but also dreaming, debating, and discovering themselves.”
Her words highlighted that while buildings and infrastructure may age, knowledge only grows richer when shared.
A Timely Gift on Independence Day
The date of the donation was not accidental. Inaugurating the library on Independence Day carried symbolic depth. Just as India’s independence gave its citizens the right to determine their future, this library gives students the intellectual independence to shape their own destinies.
This parallel between the freedom of a nation and the freedom of thought made the ceremony profoundly meaningful.
A Vision Beyond a Donation
While the donation itself is a monumental gesture, Advocate Mita Banerjee expressed her long-term vision for the library. She hopes it will not remain a silent room of books but become a hub of activity—with reading programs, debates, workshops, and community gatherings.
She called upon the school authorities to encourage students not just to read but also to share their learnings, write their own stories, and grow into confident, socially responsible citizens.
A Legacy of Knowledge
The donation of the library transforms personal memory into public good. Every student who walks into the space, borrows a book, or finds inspiration in its pages, becomes part of the legacy of Late Shree Ashoke Banerjee.
Unlike statues or stone memorials, this legacy is alive, dynamic, and growing—living in the minds and dreams of young learners.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the library at Bamanagar Subala High School on 15th August 2025 is a historic milestone for the institution and the community.
Through this donation, Advocate Mita Banerjee. Advocate Mita Banerjee has honored her father’s memory, empowered countless students, and shown how individual responsibility can make a lasting difference in society.
In donating a library, she has not only gifted books but also gifted freedom, opportunity, and hope. It is a gesture that proves once again that the greatest wealth lies not in what we keep, but in what we share.
Personal Note and Social Contributions
I, Advocate Mita Banerjee, practice at the High Court Calcutta. Along with my professional journey, I also run a charitable foundation named *Ashoke Banerjee Foundation*, which is entirely managed with my self-earned money. I never take any financial help from any organizations, individuals, or the government. My husband, Advocate Barun Kumar Ray, has always stood by me and financially supported me whenever I needed.
Our foundation strongly believes in encouraging ethical, emotional, and social contributions. Every year, during Durga Puja, we distribute sarees especially to women who work as domestic help. We also distribute blankets and food during the winter months and extend support to local children by providing them with study materials, motivating them to pursue their education with confidence and dedication. My foundation is devoted to practicing, professing, and spreading the principles and values of Adhi Sanatan Dharma Hinduism.
