Mamata names stadium after Satyajit Ray

Among those present on the occasion were a host of Bengali film and theatre personalities and national sportspersons who were felicitated after the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Satyajit Ray Railway Indoor Stadium in Behala.

“I would ask the railway officials here to see that inside the stadium,a gallery-cum-museum devoted to Satyajit Ray is set up. He reminds us of our glorious past and youngsters should learn from him,” said Banerjee.

“Apart from outdoor facilities,the stadium will have indoor facilities too. Besides sports,cultural events will also take place here. Once completed,the stadium will house 25,000 spectators and will be a state-of-the-art project,” she said.

Filmmaker Sandip Ray,son of late Satyajit Ray,was also present at the ceremony. “Initially,I was surprised why a stadium is being named after my father,who was a filmmaker. But one should remember that my grandfather Saradaranjan Ray was an ace cricketer. My father too was a good cricketer — he played indoor games like table tennis,badminton. The shields he won and his pictures are at my home. The Ray family is grateful that Mamata Banerjee has taken such an initiative,” he said.

Ganguly,who is known for his proximity to a few top Left leaders in the state,including the chief minister,was however careful with his words. He thanked the railways for the initiative.

“I stay nearby and I visited this stadium for the first time 10 years ago. I used to train here. I am happy this place is being developed into an indoor and outdoor stadium. I congratulate the railway authorities. We all know how much job security is important to a player and the railways have always been helpful,” he said.

The railway minister also announced a special train for the publicity of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. “The train will travel across the country to spread the message of the Games,” she said.

Bengali cultural personalities like Deboshree Roy,Shatabdi Roy,Anup Ghosal,Saonli Mitra and Sandhya Roy were present on the occasion. Sports personalities,including P T Usha and Rosa Kutty,were also there,besides Trinamool leaders and Union ministers.