"Kolkata is the cultural capital of India": Mamata Banerjee in London

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking in London, declared Kolkata as India’s cultural capital and a burgeoning hub for jobs, investment, and empowerment. During her address, Banerjee highlighted the deep ties between Kolkata and London and its historical significance.

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During her address, Banerjee highlighted the deep ties between Kolkata and London, and it's historical significance: "Why our relation is very deep? Because, before Independence, Kolkata was the capital of India. And now, Kolkata is the cultural capital of India, and now it became the main job destination, investment hub, skill hub, women empowerment hub, education hub, small skill industry hub, sports hub and everything..."

ANI on Twitter / X #WATCH | Speaking at the High Commission of India in London, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "Our relations are very deep because, before independence, Kolkata was the capital of India... Now, Kolkata is the cultural capital of India, an investment hub, a centre for women's… pic.twitter.com/gWZaDIkHCB— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2025 ANI Twitter

Banerjee’s remarks came during a visit to London on March 25, 2025, where she aimed to showcase Kolkata’s transformation and attract global attention to its potential. Her statement reflects her government’s focus on positioning Kolkata as a multifaceted economic and cultural powerhouse, leveraging its rich heritage to drive modern growth. The Trinamool Congress leader emphasized women’s empowerment and skill development, aligning with her administration’s policies to boost employment and education in West Bengal.

Banerjee’s trip to London

Banerjee’s trip to London is part of a broader effort to promote West Bengal as an investment destination, amid competition with other Indian states like Gujarat and Maharashtra. Her portrayal of Kolkata as a “hub” underscores its evolving role in India’s economic landscape, while the nod to its cultural prominence resonates with its legacy as a center of art, literature, and cinema.

Mamata Banerjee on Twitter / X It was a privilege to be hosted by Shri Vikram K. Doraiswami at India House, London, for a high tea reception.The gathering brought together a diverse spectrum of voices united in their commitment to strengthening Bengal-Britain ties.As we navigate a changing world,… pic.twitter.com/ZBfeQKyPNQ— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 24, 2025 Mamata Banerjee Twitter

Kolkata's rich history

Kolkata, then Calcutta, served as the capital of British India from 1772 until 1911, when the British shifted the capital to New Delhi due to growing nationalist movements in Bengal and logistical challenges. During its tenure as the capital, Kolkata emerged as a key administrative, commercial, and intellectual center, shaping India’s colonial history. Banerjee’s reference to this past underscores Kolkata’s enduring significance, now reimagined as a cultural and economic beacon in modern India.