Village-turned-art hub in Bengal fears being cut off from outside world
The Hindu
Tiny Lalbazar, transformed into a centre for tribal art and handicrafts, is set to lose its sole access to the outside world
Residents of a West Bengal village that has recently been transformed into an art hub, are running from pillar to post to prevent a construction that threatens to cut them off from the outside world. The tiny village of Lalbazar, surrounded by forests, sits close to the State’s border with Jharkhand, and has a population of some 80 people. Also known as Khwabgaon — or dream village, a name given to it by art lovers — it is located 4 km from Jhargram, the nearest town and their window to the world. However, a boundary wall being constructed to secure a vast stretch of land — belonging to the police department — is set to block the path connecting the two settlements. “Not only Lalbazar, another hamlet called Khoarashuli will also lose its access to Jhargram. We have written to several officials, including the Chief Secretary, and are hoping that the path is allowed to stay,” said Kolkata-based artist Mrinal Mandal, 42, who single-handedly transformed Lalbazar into an art hub by teaching art to the villagers, who belong to the reclusive Lodha tribe.More Related News