Kolkata

Former C. V. Ananda Bose on Wednesday described West Bengal as his “second home” and said his association with the state would continue even after the end of his tenure as governor.

In an open letter addressed to the people of the state, Bose thanked them for the warmth and support extended to him during his time in office.

“Though my term has come to a close, my journey in West Bengal is far from over. I shall continue to be associated with West Bengal—my second home—as its integral part,” he said.

Bose said that over the past three years he had travelled extensively across the state, interacting with people from different walks of life.

“Over the past three years, I had the occasion to tour the length and breadth of the state and interact with people. I shared meals with people in their thatched huts, read with young scholars and interacted with learned men and women,” he said.

Recalling his experiences, the former governor said he would cherish the memories of his interactions with people across the state.

“I remember my sister’s embrace, that little boy’s pat on my back, that youngster’s firm handshake and the powerful message conveyed by a distant raised hand,” he wrote.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Bose said he shared the sentiment that one cannot easily leave Bengal. He also cited a poem by Rabindranath Tagore to reflect on his experiences while travelling across the state.

Expressing confidence in the people of West Bengal, he said they would continue to achieve greater heights and added that he would contribute in whatever way he could.

“As my innings in Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, draws to a close, may I once again express my heartfelt gratitude for the support and consideration extended to me,” he said.

Bose concluded his message with a prayer for the prosperity and well-being of the people of the state.

“May Bengal reach glorious heights in the days to come. Let there be prosperity and good health for all. May Ma Durga protect my people. Vande Mataram,” he said.

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Bose, who had served as the governor since November 2022, resigned on March 5, about 18 months before the completion of his term. He has been replaced by R. N. Ravi, who earlier served as the governor of Tamil Nadu.