Banka, Uttar Pradesh Explained

Banka
Settlement Type:Village
Pushpin Map:India Uttar Pradesh#India
Pushpin Label Position:right
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Uttar Pradesh
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: India
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Uttar Pradesh
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Lakhimpur Kheri District
Coordinates:27.7617°N 80.1839°W

Banka is a small village, administered as part of Jang Bahadur Ganj village in Lakhimpur Kheri District, Uttar Pradesh, India.[1] It is noted for its temple to the Goddess of English.[2]

English temple

The English temple was built near the Nalanda Public Shiksha Niketan School from April 2010 onwards in black granite and inaugurated on 25 October in honour of the anniversary of Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay's birthday.[3] It contains a Statue of Liberty-inspired statue of the goddess wearing hat and gown, clutching a pen and a guide to the Indian Constitution. A computer screen by its side features the Buddhist Dharma chakra.[4] The walls are adorned with numerous symbols related to the maths and sciences.[3] The purpose of the temple is to promote the English language among the Dalit peoples, which local governors believe crucial to the future success of the area and improving education.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Upper castes in remote area of Uttar Pradesh object to Angrezi Devi. DNA India. 21 December 2012.
  2. Web site: An 'English goddess' for India's down-trodden. BBC News. 15 February 2011. 18 December 2012.
  3. Web site: Dalit Temple For 'Goddess English' in UP's Banka Village. https://archive.today/20130131195144/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=698975. dead. 31 January 2013. Outlook India. 27 October 2010. 18 December 2012.
  4. Web site: Dalit 'Goddess English' temple in UP's Banka village. https://archive.today/20130125185000/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Lucknow/Lucknow/Article1-618432.aspx. dead. 25 January 2013. Hindustan Times. 27 October 2010. 18 December 2012.