I am not one of those who will borrow all our ideals from Europe. All
my life, I have protested against it, I protest against it again and I
shall protest against it so long as I live. I am not unmindful of the
great culture of Europe. I am not slow in recognising my indebtedness
to it but I cannot forget my own individuality. I cannot forget the
spirit of Bengal which pervades every thought that I entertain, every
hope that I cherish, every fear that I have, and so long as I live,
I promise before you to-day that I will devote my life to work out
the salvation of the ideal of Bengal. The soul of Bengal had been
sleeping for years but directly Self-government is given to us, that
soul, while living in an atmosphere of freedom, will make its enormous
claim to give the fullest expression to its ideal. I feel sure that
the Government cannot but grant us that opportunity--as I hope, the
Government will. Gentlemen, I believe that Bengal has a message to
give. I feel sure that the day is not distant when the message of
Bengal will be delivered and the world will listen.