Mamata dedicates Time honour to 'Ma, Mati, Manush'

Kolkata, Apr 18: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been named among 100 most influential people globally by Time magazine in its 2012 list, today said it is a recognition for 'Ma, Mati, Manush'.

"I am happy. I dedicate this honour to world peace and to 'Ma, Mati, Manush (mother, land and people) of Bengal," Banerjee told reporters here. "Whatever I have received in life, all have been given by the people. The credit goes to the people of Bengal.

"I have dedicated my life to the cause of the common people. I am a small person, but people love me and have brought me to this position," she said. Noting that she came from a humble family background, she said she believed in simple living and in serving the people.

The chief minister, who has been criticised on a number of issues, also said that there were some people who 'always conspired'. "But their number is not even 0.1 per cent. Some criticise without understanding. What should I say about them?"

PTI