Matua matriarch Binapani Devi, popularly called ‘Boroma’, passed away late on Tuesday in Kolkata. She was 100.
The centenarian leader of the influential Dalit community passed away due to multi-organ failure at the state-run SSKM Hospital.
Boroma’s mortal remains were brought to the Matua Mahasangha headquarters located in her hometown Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas on Wednesday. Her last rites will be held later today.
Expressing grief at her passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the as “an icon of our times”. He also recalled his visit to Thakurnagar to seek the blessings of the Matua matriarch in February this year.
“Boro Ma Binapani Thakur was an icon of our times. A source of great strength and inspiration for several people, Boro Ma’s rich ideals will continue to influence generations. Her emphasis on social justice and harmony will never be forgotten,” the PM tweeted.
“Last month, I had the honour of seeking the blessings of Boro Ma Binapani Thakur at Thakurnagar. I will always cherish the interaction I had with her. We stand in solidarity with the Matua community in this hour of sadness,” he added.
Last month, I had the honour of seeking the blessings of Boro Ma Binapani Thakur at Thakurnagar. I will always cherish the interaction I had with her. We stand in solidarity with the Matua community in this hour of sadness. pic.twitter.com/kiD1FC3HWc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 5, 2019
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, too, expressed condolences to Boroma’s family and announced a state-funeral with gun salute for the departed matriarch.
“I am deeply pained at passing away of Matua matriarch Boro Ma Binapani Thakur. My condolences to her family & my brothers & sisters of Matua Community at this moment of grief. It was a great opportunity for me to meet Boro Ma last November, on the centenary of her birthday,” she tweeted.
“After overseeing arrangements I just left the hospital. 6 senior ministers there to take care of the last rites. She will be accorded state-funeral with gun salute tomorrow. We are proud to have conferred Banga Bibhusan on Boro Ma. May her soul rest in peace,” Banerjee added.
After overseeing arrangements I just left the hospital. 6 senior ministers there to take care of the last rites. She will be accorded state-funeral with gun salute tomorrow. We are proud to have conferred Banga Bibhusan on Boro Ma. May her soul rest in peace 2/2
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 5, 2019
Admitted to JNM Hospital in Nadia district on 28 February following shortness of breath and fever, Boroma was shifted to the SSKM on Sunday after her condition deteriorated.
Boroma breathed her last at 8.52 pm on Tuesday. Her body was brought to Thakurnagar at 11 am today. Lakhs of followers have already arrived in the town to pay their respects to Boroma.
The Matua Mahasangha is considered Bengal’s second-most influential Scheduled Caste community comprising primarily low-caste Hindu refugees from Bangladesh. Boroma was the chief advisor and de facto leader of the Mahasangha, which has over one crore members spread over various districts in southern Bengal.
Boroma is survived by her younger son Manjul Krishna Thakur.