The Ladies Study Group began a fresh new year under the most capable leadership of Mrs Sumita Roy with a Fireside Chat with the illustrious former diplomat and Founder of The South Asian Symphony Orchestra, Mrs Nirupama Rao.
We were privileged to listen to a talk between two highly successful businessmen, icons in their own fields, throwing light on all aspects of the culture and ethics of business.
It was a true celebration of women's power and their tenacity and valour!
The interaction between Laila Tyabji, the co-founder and Chairperson of Dastkar from India, Bibi Russell, the iconic haute couture gamcha designer from Bangladesh and Sonali Dharmawardena, the batik artist from Sri Lanka, was exquisitely embroidered by the moderator Malavika Banerjee, Director, Kolkata Lit Fest.
Mr Sanjoy Roy, entrepreneur, litterateur, curator of the Jaipur Literature Festival and Managing Director of Teamwork Films, spoke about the need to explore the economic, social and cultural potential of India’s immense cultural heritage.
“Music happens in life! My biggest inspirations for my songs are people’s stories - they are my palette, my sur and my taal,” said Shantanu Moitra.
Durga Pujo, in the tradition of community celebrations, was started by the Shobabazar Rajbari in 1757 and has evolved over the generations.
Former Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Ms Usha Thorat and Dr Anup Sinha, Chairman, Bandhan Bank and former Dean of IIM Calcutta, discussed the advantages and disadvantages of using or investing in digital currencies and on the ongoing debate of whether it should be regulated or banned.
It was indeed a privilege to have had Anik Dutta, the creator of the highly successful and critically acclaimed Bengali film Aparajito (2022), talk about his work, vision and views.
Funny Side Up was a much-needed winter evening event that was fun-filled and sometimes hillarious. Obviously, because our guest speaker was Cyrus Broacha.
It is daunting to try to capture in a few words the essence of the session we had with the eminent economist Dr Kaushik Basu, Carl Marks Professor of International Studies and Professor of Economics, Cornell University.