Kolkata, March 6 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has lauded West Bengal's rich cultural heritage, emphasising that the state has nurtured a vibrant and distinguished artistic tradition since ancient times.

Addressing the team of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata on Thursday, the Defence Minister thanked the Indian defence shipyard for keeping the cultural tradition of West Bengal alive.

"I've heard everything from Bollywood music, bhajans, and patriotic music here. Bengal has had a vibrant artistic tradition since ancient times, and I believe you have maintained that tradition even today. Be it Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, or Bankim Chatterjee, everyone has written so many different kinds of songs... Now, t...