Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday announced that the state government will start an award in the name of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar from 2012. Speaking at a ceremony at Uttam Mancha to mark the 31st death anniversary of the Bengali matinee idol, Ms Banerjee said: “Mahanayak was not recognised by the earlier state government during his lifetime or even after his death. But our government will start an award in his name as our humble tribute to the legendary actor.” She added that the maiden ceremony will be held at Uttam Mancha on July 24, 2012.
The chief minister also inaugurated a film festival on the Mahanayak during the programme which was attended by mayor Sovan Chatterjee, actors Supriya Devi, Madhabi Mukherjee, Ratna Ghosal, June Maliah among others.
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Bengal CM steps in to help patient
RAJIB CHOWDHURI
Kolkata
July 24: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee helped a young patient from East Midnapore get admission at the SSKM Hospital on Sunday, after he was allegedly refused admission by at least two hospitals in the city including SSKM, the only super-speciality hospital of the state.
The incident has exposed the unchanged scene at the government healthcare even after the CM’s surprise visits from one hospital to another. Referred from East Midnapore district hospital, Mukul Pattanaik brought his son Pallab, 12, suffering from pancreas ailments, to the city for his admission at the SSKM Hospital. But he was denied admission and was referred to the Shambhunath Pandit Hospital.