Mamata asks youth to join politics

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday called for "determined" and "dedicated" participation of youth from the state to bring about a change and work for the country's progress.

She asked the youngsters participating alongwith hundreds of thousands of people in the Martyrs' Day rally at the Brigade Parade grounds here to join politics.

"I ask the youth...the college-goers...those who are part of the various student unions in the state...to come forward and work for Bengal, for India," she said as the crowd cheered her rousing address.

"I want the youth...you are the future of this country... be bold, be strong...be tough and also be dedicated, devoted, disciplined and determined and you can fight the world.

"We need determined, dedicated, devoted boys and girls for building a new Bengal, a new India. I want to see the sons and daughters of Bengal reaching great heights.

"You have to give me your word to work for the progress of our state and country. Do you just need a job or do you want to work for the country," she asked.

As the swelling crowd broke through the barriers at the venue, she announced a workshop for one lakh students who would be trained to work for the welfare of the people.