I am Bengali

Years back, when I was in Chandigarh, a classmate pointed and said we should be scared of her as she is a Bengali. Later I learnt that she thought Bengalis only know black magic, really... That time I wrote this for my next week's Soft Skill class assignment. I didn't grow up in Bengal, but still, I hold my roots strong. Thanks to my mother. 

What comes to mind when you hear "West Bengal"?

Roshogolla… Maach-bhaat… Darjeeling’s misty hills… The roaring Royal Bengal Tigers of Sundarbans… Shantiniketan’s timeless wisdom… The bold red bindi and fiery eyes… Laal paar saree’s elegance… The grandeur of Durga Puja… The immortal verses of Rabindranath Tagore… The intellectual debates at Coffee House… And yes, where ‘B’ defiantly replaces ‘V’!

We, Bengalis, are not just bearers of culture—we are its fiercest protectors and proudest ambassadors. Our identity isn’t just about rituals; it’s a revolution. We don’t just learn classical dance, music, or painting—we redefine them. Our girls aren’t confined to kitchens; they lead boardrooms in MNCs. They aren’t raised to submit; they’re taught to conquer. No wonder Mother Teresa chose this land—not for its riches, but for its soul. Because poverty never diminished our dignity, our warmth, or our unwavering hospitality.

And yet, some reduce us to stereotypes—Bengali Babas and their totkas? Do you honestly believe that if we follow such superstition, the British Empire would have ruled us for 200 years, starting point is Bengal itself? We were the cradle of the Renaissance, the birthplace of revolutionaries, poets, scientists, and freedom fighters.

We don’t just feed our guests, but we nourish souls. What we offer isn’t just food; it’s an emotion. Maach-bhaat is just the beginning. To be honest, our cuisine is a symphony of flavors, from the fiery Chingri Malai Curry to the delicate sweetness of Mishti Doi. And yes, Roshogolla is just one jewel in our crown, and we have so many jewels, you would need way more than that; every Bengali sweet is a masterpiece.

So next time you try to mock or misunderstand us, remember we have centuries of legacy, resilience, and brilliance to back our pride. Your petty judgments? We’ll shrug them off with a smile, because Bangali na hoye, bujhe na, unless you’re a Bengali, you’ll never truly understand.

Location: India

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