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In Conversation with: The Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal
We are delighted to welcome the Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, in conversation with our College President, Prof Jonathan Michie, and Bynum Tudor Fellow at Kellogg, Lord Karan Bilimoria.
The discussion will be focused on the topic of Social Development – Girl, Child and Women Empowerment. It will provide a rare opportunity to talk with one of India’s most influential leaders about her remarkable journey in politics, literature, and cultural advocacy.
Mamata Banerjee is the first female Chief Minister of West Bengal, having held the office since 2011. She is the founder and leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), a major political party in the state.
As Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee has focused on improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and rural development. Her government introduced several welfare programs aimed at empowering marginalised communities and women. Under her leadership, West Bengal has seen substantial growth in various sectors, with her administration receiving praise for promoting inclusive development.
In addition to her political career, Mamata Banerjee is an accomplished writer and poet, having authored numerous books in Bengali, which include collections of poems, political essays, and works reflecting her political philosophy and social views.
Through her literary works, cultural initiatives, and artistic contributions, Mamata Banerjee has solidified her role as not only a political leader but also a cultural ambassador, furthering the reach and recognition of Bengali culture while inspiring new generations to engage with their roots.
Mamata Banerjee will be joined in conversation with:
· Lord Karan Bilimoria, is a Bynum Tudor Fellow at Kellogg College. He is a British Indian entrepreneur, politician, and philanthropist, who is known for his contributions to the business and political landscape of the UK, for being the former President of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) from 2020-2022, as well as the current Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce UK (ICC UK). He is also known for his advocacy for higher education including as former Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and President of the UK Council of International Students Affairs (UKCISA).
· Jonathan Michie is President of Kellogg College and Professor of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Oxford.
Refreshments will be served from 5pm; the event will begin at 5.30pm. Post-event drinks will be served in the Hub immediately after the event, at approximately 6.45pm.
Date:
27 March 2025, 17:30
Venue:
Kellogg College, 62 Banbury Road OX2 6PN
Venue Details:
The Hub
Speakers:
Jonathan Michie (Kellogg College),
Lord Karan Bilimoria (President of the CBI and Founder of Cobra Beer),
Mamata Banerjee
Booking required?:
Required
Booking url:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-conversation-with-chief-minister-of-west-bengal-mamata-banerjee-tickets-1254409886739?aff=oddtdtcreator
Audience:
Public
Editor:
Lucy Phillips