The cultural event was organized recently by Kolkata-based NGO, The Bengal, in collaboration with UK-registered charitable organization, Bengal Heritage Foundation (BHF). The Foundation was formed by non-resident Indians from Bengal with a mission to preserve the cultural heritage of Bengal and its global promotion.

It was an opportunity for the Indian diaspora to delve into the cultural roots of Bengal and recount nostalgic memories of a shared cultural past with local residents and further deepen their cultural ties with Bengal.

Natak `Nobo Norok Guljar' performed by members of Bengal Heritage Foundation at the Birla Sabhaghar, Kolkata.

Sujoy Prosad Chatterjee introduced the audience to The Bengal, highlighting its commitment towards art and culture and various other initiatives like Pronam which is dedicated to the cause for the elderly. He also informed about the partnership between Bengal Heritage Foundation and the British Council to promote shared history and values between India and the United Kingdom, while voicing support to the global causes like sustainability, environmental awareness, global warming and so on.

The programme took off with a cultural programme by the members of Pronam - a joint initiative of The Bengal and Kolkata Police - for the senior citizens. Pronam members Partho Chattopadhyay and Gautam Chatterjee entertained the audience with their renderings of Rabindrasangeet. The Bengal Heritage Foundation music team played out to the galleries by presenting a medley of evergreen Bengali songs by Indian artists, including folk songs of Bengal, Rabindrasangeet and golden classics.

Pronam members Partha Chattopadhyay and Gautam Chatterjee performing Rabindrasangeet

Sourabh Niyogi of BHF and Esha Dutta, joint convenor of Pronam project and committee member from The Bengal, joined Sujoy Chatterjee on the stage during the recess and talked about the work of their respective organizations. Esha Dutta expounded on the mission and achievements of the Pronam project and its impact on the lives of senior citizens of Kolkata.

The final act was a theatrical performance “Nobo Norok Guljar” a black comedy staged by the Bengal Heritage Foundation and inspired by Manoj Mitra’s 70s classic ‘Norok Guljar’ – depicting the helplessness of people during Covid times. The play highlighted contrasting scenarios of some people indulging in corrupt practices and also the great goodness or humanitarian traits shown by others. The play appealed to the audience and the cast and the crew received a standing ovation and praises.

Sourav Niyogi, BHF Trustee, said, “Probashir Pronam is an embodiment of the living bridge between India and UK which the Bengal Heritage Foundation symbolises. We loved collaborating with The Bengal to stage the programme that brought joy to the members of Pronam. We look forward to working with The Bengal in the future.”

Esha Dutta, Joint Convenor of Pronam project concluded, “The endeavour of The Bengal has always been to bring some cheer into the lives of senior citizens. A lovely afternoon specially curated for them comprising of songs and a skit did just that. We look forward to hosting many such cultural events in the future.” She thanked and lauded the enthusiasm shown by the audience.