santiniketan

Triloka's fifth edition showcases emerging artists Moumita Basak, Nayanjyoti Barman, and Nirmal Mondal. Their works, using diverse materials like textiles, terracotta, and wires, explore domesticity, ecological concerns, and architectural heritage. The exhibition delves into how personal and collective memories shape identity, with themes of belonging and lived experience resonating deeply.

As Bengal gears up for its assembly elections, tribunals have restored voting privileges to 139 individuals whose names were previously expunged during a meticulous revision process. This reinstatement, albeit affecting just a small segment of the over 27 lakh originally disqualified voters, marks a positive step.

The Supreme Court has directed an appellate tribunal to swiftly hear the appeal of Nandalal Bose's grandson, Suprabuddha Sen, whose name was removed from the electoral roll. Sen, along with his wife and caretaker, faced deletion despite submitting necessary documents. The court emphasized the need for expeditious resolution amidst concerns over the electoral process in Bengal.

Eighty-eight-year-old Suprabuddha Sen, grandson of renowned artist Nandalal Bose, and his 82-year-old wife have been removed from the voter list in Bolpur, despite submitting all necessary documents. Sen, a lifelong resident and consistent voter, expressed dismay over the deletion, questioning the process after decades of participation in elections.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that Election Commission-appointed officials were tasked with rejecting her party's candidate nominations. She urged candidates to be cautious during filing and accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and manipulating voter lists, particularly targeting women and poor individuals.

Abhisek Roy's Roy Calcutta brand reimagines Bengali aesthetics into modern silhouettes, drawing inspiration from memory and santiniketan sensibilities. Rooted in Kolkata's nuanced culture, his designs emphasize craftsmanship, proportion, and longevity, creating pieces that resonate globally with a focus on meaning over fleeting trends.

Textile revivalist Darshan Shah is breathing new life into Bengal's rich craft heritage, blending traditional techniques with global influences. Her work at Weavers Studio champions sustainability and handcraft, creating grassroots opportunities and drawing global attention to the region's artistry. Shah emphasizes collaboration and continuous learning, transforming textiles into a dynamic, cross-cultural medium.

The Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA) in Vashi has created a unique "Rainforest 101" learning garden to demystify science and showcase biodiversity. This initiative, part of their mission to make science accessible, features diverse ecosystems and over 500 plant species, attracting students and professionals alike.

Kolkata recently experienced a vibrant three-day cultural festival, organized by Karu, that celebrated santiniketan's artistic and intellectual legacy. The event honored Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Basu, and others, featuring exhibitions, panel discussions, and acclaimed dance dramas. This fiesta offered a unique chance for the city to reconnect with santiniketan's living, evolving cultural spirit.

santiniketan is inching towards World Heritage status. A high-level meeting was held at Writers' Buildings on Friday to thrash out related issues so that Tagore's abode makes it to the coveted list.

A decade-long campaign to get santiniketan recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site looks set to finally pay off, with the International Council on Monuments and Sites, an international advisory body to the UN, recommending the inclusion of Rabindranath Tagore’s “abode of peace” in the prestigious global list.