Speaker: Mrs Minnie Juneja
Venue: Taj Bengal
The 58th Annual General Meeting of the Ladies Study Group was held on Wednesday 12th March 2025. After her very successful tenure, President, Mrs Minnie Juneja welcomed Mrs Richa Agarwal as the President, Mrs Enu Bala as the Senior Vice President and Mrs Ritu Almal as Junior Vice President, for the year 2025-26.
We all look forward to another fulfilling year of learning and bonding.
Ladies Study Group has been recognised for its outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment & entrepreneurship.
This recognition is part of an initiative launched at University of California,San Diego called 100 Dynamic Women Entrepreneurs and Women-led Organizations.
The initiative celebrates remarkable women-led organisations that have made a significant impact in their respective fields, fostering entrepreneurship, leadership, and social change.
As part of this recognition, Ladies Study Group has been honoured for its journey, initiatives, and contributions toward empowering women.
This recognition reaffirms Ladies Study Group’s commitment to inspiring and supporting women entrepreneurs and leaders, both locally and globally.
Speaker: Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Pernia Qureshi
Venue: Crystal Room, Taj Bengal
The Ladies Study Group, President, Minnie Juneja, ended her term with grand finale where the ace fashion designer, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, was in conversation with entrepreneur, Pernia Quereshi. Sabyasachiwho wowed the audience with his depth of responses, his passion, his gratitude to the city and his upbringing.
He shared insights into his journey as a fashion house and brand, from its inception to its global status today, with industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla having picked up a 51% stake into the company. Sabyasachi spoke about how he has acquired both minimalism and maximalism from his two grandmothers and explained how individual style for him was more important than trends.
He was also very effusive in his optimism for India, not only as an economy and market but more so as a nation and civilisation.
Thoroughly grounded yet holding his own and shining as bright as his rose-tinted glasses, Sabyasachi Mukherjee won the audience’s heart as stylishly and effortlessly as his clothes have done for the last 25 years.
Speaker: Smt Pankaja Munde, Smt Priyadarshini Hakim and Dr Julie Banerjee Mehta
Venue: Taj Bengal
The Ladies Study Group Charitable Trust’s Annual Award Ceremony 2024-25 was a tribute to heritage, resilience and the transformative power of women-led initiatives. The event honoured Karustuti, an NGO dedicated to reviving Bengal’s handloom traditions, while also recognizing the contributions of social leaders working to empower communities.
The evening featured a mesmerising opening performance by Tanushree Shankar and her troupe, followed by the presentation of the prestigious LSG Charitable Trust Annual Award, celebrating the craftsmanship and perseverance of Bengal’s traditional weavers. Additionally, scholarships were awarded to support the education of underprivileged girls, reinforcing LSG’s commitment to social welfare.
A thought-provoking panel discussion brought together esteemed speakers —Smt Pankaja Munde, Smt Priyadarshini Hakim and Dr Julie Banerjee Mehta — who explored themes of leadership, legacy and the evolving role of women in shaping an inclusive future.
As the event concluded, it left behind a powerful message: true change begins when we uplift those who weave not just fabric, but the very fabric of our society.
Speaker: BK Sister Shivani, Nari Shakti Puraskaar Awardee & Spiritual Speaker
Venue: The Lalit Great Eastern, Grand Ball Room
As a part of ICC's Centenary Year celebrations, ICC and LSG, in a jointly held session was honoured to host Nari Shakti Puraskar awardee and renowned spiritual speaker BK Sister Shivani.
In her hour long preaching session, themed "Balancing Life, Success and Soul Empowerment," BK Sister Shivani, focused on achieving harmony between professional success and inner well-being.
Touching on our pursuit of happiness, peace and love, she pointed out that true happiness is an internal state, shaped by how we respond to life’s events.
She advised that we need to consciously prioritise our family and personal well-being and embrace a year of personal transformation. Highlighting the importance of meditation, she encouraged it's practice to cultivate inner peace and improve intuitive decision-making.
Minnie Juneja, President, Ladies Study Group succinctly summerised the saying, “The wisdom shared with us today reminds us of the delicate balance between ambition and success and serves as a guide to navigate life with greater clarity.”
Dr Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce, said, “Striking a balance between life, ambition and spirituality is becoming an ever-growing challenge. The need of the hour is to imbibe positive habits in order to lead a life rich with happiness, peace and spiritual wisdom.”
According to Mr Parthiv Vikram Neotia, Vice President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, "Sister Shivani reminds us that true success lies in ethical leadership and self-mastery."
Speaker: Michelin Star Chef Thierry Le Baui
Venue: Pala, ITC Sonar
This delightful Spanish culinary evening, "Fiesta de Comida Española," featuring Michelin Star chef Thierry Le Baut had over 100 members attending the interactive event. Chef Le Baut showcased a live cooking demonstration, preparing a cauliflower cream soup, millet salad and a coconut and passion fruit dessert — all inspired by India's vegetarian cuisine.
Following the demonstration, participants engaged in a lively cooking competition, forming teams named after Spanish cities. In just 30 minutes, they created tapas dishes using pre-selected ingredients without knives or induction cooktops. This was judged by Chef Le Baut, Rajiv Gulshan, Dean of Le Cordon Bleu and baker-entrepreneur Lovey Kapur. Team Seville won, followed by Teams Barcelona and Madrid.
Chef Le Baut praised the participants’ creativity, while Lovey noted their enthusiasm. Overall, the event celebrated culture, cuisine and camaraderie, blending learning with delicious discoveries.
Speaker: Francesc Miralles
Venue: Kenilworth Hotel Lawns
The Kenilworth lawns on Russell Street came alive on a January winter afternoon as a full house attendance by the Ladies Study Group members including the LSG Book Club, gathered to soak in the gentle wisdom being shared by none other than author and thinker, Francesc Miralles, best known for his internationally acclaimed title, Ikigai.
In conversation with LSG member, Sreela Mitra, Francesc spoke about his disillusionment with a full-time job, leading him to probe further within in search of answers that fuelled his travels to the east, particularly to Japan and India. The author explained how he chanced upon the secret of Ikigai being practiced by centenarians in Japan, well enough to be able to succinctly turn it into a book that has earned a global appeal and acclaim. Francesc also spoke about his travels to India that have birthed his latest tome, ‘The Four Purusharthas.’
The proficient moderator for the afternoon, opened up the conversation to the audience where the author took in spontaneous questions from an engaged audience. The conversation was followed by a beeline for autographs and a culinary spread topped with an Oriental touch.
Speaker: Mugdha Kalra
Venue: ITC Pala
Climate activist Mugdha Kalra was in conversation with climate change advocates Dr. Sanjukta Mukherjee and Pinaki Roy where they deliberated upon the very relevant issue of Climate Change, addressing it with the title, ‘Small Steps. Big Impact.’ Speaking to an LSG audience on a winter afternoon, the panel emphasized how climate change was no longer an issue that one could turn a blind eye to, thinking that it was something that happened to others. Kalra explained how it affects each one of us, irrespective of social status or demography, leaving no one insulated from its impact. References were drawn from the alarming LA fires in California as well as the after effects of Covid to substantiate the points. The activist also shared a handy pamphlet with each attendee, enumerating the practical tips on climate awareness and change. The audience comprised a score of young minds from renowned schools like The Heritage and Modern High for girls, both of whom actively engaged with the speakers on the sidelines of the program. Whilst one afternoon can never be enough to cover the vast and complex issues of climate change, the session was an important one for its global significance and climate change consequences.
Speaker: LSG Members
Venue: Alipore Museum
HERITAGE IN MOTION: A Captivating Celebration of Art, Culture, and Music at the Alipore Museum.
On December 20, 2024, the Ladies Study Group hosted Heritage in Motion, an extraordinary evening that seamlessly blended art, culture and music at the historic Alipore Museum. The event was designed to offer an immersive experience of Bengal’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, drawing an enthusiastic audience of art connoisseurs, cultural enthusiasts and music lovers.
The evening began with a guided walkthrough curated by the Bengal Biennale team, showcasing a thoughtfully assembled collection of art installations and cultural exhibits. Highlights of the walkthrough included:
Aradhana Seth’s Jailey Baire, an innovative trail that reimagined storytelling through art, weaving together narratives that resonated deeply with the audience.
Bappaditya Biswas’s Liberation, a stunning tribute to India’s heritage, featuring exquisite weaves and handlooms that celebrated the timeless craftsmanship of Indian artisans.
Kali: Reverence to Rebellion, an evocative and thought-provoking exploration of feminine power, transformation, and resilience, which invited contemplation and admiration.
As the artistic journey concluded, the audience was treated to the crowning moment of the evening—a spellbinding musical performance titled Female Affairs. This unique cross-cultural collaboration featured compositions by women composers from India and Germany, brought to life by an exceptional all-women ensemble. The powerful and emotive performance celebrated the universality of music while honoring the creative contributions of women across borders.
Set against the backdrop of the Alipore Museum’s storied architecture, the event embodied a harmonious blend of history, modernity and cultural dialogue. It left attendees inspired and connected to the vibrant legacy of Bengal, while also appreciating the universal language of art and music that transcends boundaries.
Speaker: Padma Vibhushan Shri NR Narayana Murthy, Shri Sanjeev Goenka, and Mr. Abhuday Jindal
Venue: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
The Ladies Study Group, the women’s wing of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), extends heartfelt congratulations to ICC on completing 100 remarkable years and conveys its best wishes for the Centenary celebrations.
The milestone event, held at the historic Town Hall in Kolkata, commemorated a century of fostering trade, innovation, and growth. Embodying the spirit of enterprise and progress, the occasion was graced by eminent leaders, including Padma Vibhushan Shri NR Narayana Murthy, Shri Sanjeev Goenka, and Mr. Abhuday Jindal.
The ICC Centenary celebration not only honoured the organisation’s illustrious legacy but also set the stage for a brighter and more prosperous future. The evening featured thought-provoking speeches and captivating performances, making it a memorable tribute to ICC’s century-long journey of excellence.
Speaker: Shikha Khanna
Venue: Taj Terrace, Taj Bengal
As the festive charm and winter allure enveloped Kolkata, the Ladies Study Group members gathered for an inspiring session: A Phone Photography Workshop. This unique event was designed to empower members to explore their creativity through the lens of their smartphones.
Shikha Khanna, a professional photographer with over 25 years of experience and accolades include commendation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and her iconic initiative, 100 Self Portraits, 100 Dreams.
Through this workshop, Shikha shared her insights and practical tips with members inspiring them to see the world with a fresh perspective and embrace the art of capturing meaningful moments.
The session concluded with members gaining new skills, creative inspiration and to record cherished memories — a true celebration of storytelling through the simplicity of phone photography.
Speaker: Priya Paul
Venue: The Park (GALAXY) Kolkata
Ladies Study Group greeted the advent of the winters with a warm, candid conversation with the very dynamic, Priya Paul, Chairperson - Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels. Held at The Park, the conversation was moderated by Mr. Nikhil Khanna, Executive Chairperson, Avian WE and an old friend of Ms Paul.
Priya Paul shared her journey beginning with her student days at Loreto and La Martiniere, Calcutta, before she moved to Delhi. She gave an overview of the hospitality environment in the country and how it had evolved, also sharing nuggets of how The Park had grown from 3 hotels to an award winning all India chain of hotels.
She spoke about her many interests including philanthropy and women empowerment. She also believes that some of her most joyful times are spent being with close friends and family and of course her son, Vir.
It was a wonderful evening spent listening to the hard earned triumphs and tribulations of a very successful woman.
Speaker: Hari Kishore Kusumakar
Venue: Saturday Club
As cyber threats grow more frequent and sophisticated, cybersecurity is vital for protecting personal data and finances. To raise awareness, the Ladies Study Group hosted an event on November 13, 2024.
Guest speakers Mr Hari Kishore Kusumakar, Additional Director General of Cyber Crime, West Bengal, and Mr Abhishek Modi, Deputy Commissioner of Cyber Crime, Kolkata Police provided insights on current cyber threats and offered practical tips for safe social media use, responding to scams and protecting sensitive information.
Highlighted the significance of awareness campaigns in schools, recounting cases of cyber slavery and fraud, they emphasised that awareness is crucial for minimizing risks and enhancing protection. Stressing that building a cybersecurity culture is a collective responsibility, they shared resources for reporting cyber crimes.
Cyber Crime Helpline:
Dial 1903
Visit www.cybercrime.gov.in
Report cyber crimes at your nearest police station.
Speaker: Ms. Manjusha Maheshwari and Ms Venu Joshi
Venue: Crystal Room, Taj Bengal
On 17th October 2024, the Ladies Study Group, in partnership with Estée Lauder, hosted The Learning Lab: The Ultimate Age Reversal Experience at the Taj Bengal. This exclusive, interactive workshop brought together a fusion of beauty, wellness, and self-care practices, focusing on skincare, and face yoga.
Designed to provide an immersive experience, the event aimed to rejuvenate participants both physically and mentally.
Among the distinguished guests were Ms. Manjusha Maheshwari, a luxury consultant for iconic brands such as Estée Lauder and Christian Louboutin, Ms Aashna Jain, both instrumental figures in the brand’s success in India.
Ms Venu Joshi, a renowned educator at Estée Lauder and La Mer, delivered an insightful presentation on the brand’s illustrious 75 year history. Ms. Sneja Sanganeria, a certified Face Yoga Specialist, captivated the audience with her inspiring journey of overcoming rosacea.
Participants left the event feeling inspired and rejuvenated, with a renewed sense of self-care and wellness.
Speaker: Kiran Rao
Venue: Crystal Room, Taj Bengal
Film maker and Kolkata girl, Kiran Rao commanded a full house audience in her tete-a-tete with journalist Deepanjana Pal, leaving the audience yearning for more. She was accompanied by Tanaji Dasgupta who co-produced her film.
Kiran Rao is currently much in the cine news for the runaway success of her film, ‘Lapata Ladies,’ which is also India’s chosen entry for The Oscars in the foreign film category for 2025.
Speaking candidly, Kiran covered a variety of subjects including the craft of storytelling, the layered characters in her film, bringing authenticity and mood to the story, each time giving due credit to her writers and the many members of her crew and her talented actors. She also spoke about gender issues, marriage and patriarchy in a nuanced fashion.
The Ladies Study Group wishes Kiran Rao and Lapata Ladies, all the very best in the run up to the Oscars!
Speaker: DIDI KRISHNA
Venue: Windsor Banquet Hall, Kenilworth Hotel
Krishna Didi event at Kenilworth Hotel
On the 20th of September 2024, the Ladies Study Group hosted an extraordinary event titled ‘The Power of Now: Be in the Moment’. The gathering was graced by the presence of the guest of honour, Didi Krishna Kumari, the revered head of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. She was welcomed by Ms. Minnie Juneja, the President of LSG, who expressed her deep gratitude for Didi's participation in this momentous occasion. The theme of the day, ‘The Power of Now’, resonated deeply with LSG's annual focus, making it a truly special convergence of ideas and inspiration.
Didi Krishna Kumari, a beacon of wisdom and a transformative force in society, has dedicated her life to the spiritual path since the tender age of three. Her journey began under the guidance of two towering saints of modern India, Sadhu T.L. Vaswani and Beloved Dada J.P. Vaswani. Over the years, she has become a mentor to countless individuals, offering her boundless knowledge, compassion, and unwavering support to those facing challenges. A gifted writer and a captivating motivational speaker, Didi has masterfully woven together spiritual insight and ethical leadership principles imparted to her by Dada J.P. Vaswani, to share the message of love and compassion. She believes that this message can only truly be realised when women take their rightful place in leading the creation of a new, compassionate world order.
In conversation with Didi Krishna Kumari was the esteemed Oindrilla Dutt, a distinguished cultural curator and writer, renowned for her invaluable contributions to heritage preservation and cultural events. Together, they explored the profound theme of living in the present and invited the audience to reflect deeply on their own personal journeys, urging them to align with life's true purpose.
Didi's message was simple yet transformative. She shared three profound, practical steps to harness the power of now. First, she encouraged prioritising gratitude—embracing every challenge with the right attitude, understanding that even difficulties hold hidden blessings. Second, she urged the audience to practice instant forgiveness—to release the burdens of past wounds and allow healing to occur in real time. Finally, she spoke of limiting the lifespan of emotions, recognising that while emotions are natural, allowing them to linger excessively robs us of the present.
The event concluded with a calming meditation session, leaving attendees feeling revitalized and inspired by Didi Krishna Kumari’s powerful teachings.
The principle of ‘The Power of Now’ —a deeply meaningful spiritual concept—teaches that genuine peace and fulfillment come from wholeheartedly embracing the present moment. By living in the ‘now,’ we can release the weight of past burdens and the anxieties of the future, realizing that true happiness resides in the present.
Speaker: Kundan Lal Verma
Venue: Taj Bengal
CIMA Art Gallery hosted an exclusive lifestyle event for the Ladies Study Group, featuring a fusion of art, culture, textiles and handicrafts from across India. Advisory Board Member, LSG and visionary Director, CIMA, Mrs Rakhi Sarkar, welcomed the gathering and Chief Administrator, Mrs Pratiti Basu Sarkar introduced the event.
The exhibition offered a rare glimpse into Indian artistry and craftsmanship, with a highlight being the enchanting temple jewelry showcased by Shri Kundan Lal Verma. Vinesh, a first-generation jeweler from the Maheshwari family, who founded Mireya Jewels and whose work has earned him the admiration of elite American clients, spoke about his journey.
The multi-faceted artiste Sujoy Prosad Chatterjee, led the discussion, helping explore the intersections of jewelry with masculinity, gender fluidity and patriarchal traditions.
Members felt privileged to have been invited to Kolkata's most anticipated lifestyle events and experiencing the art, history and culture from across India.
Speaker: India Luxe Lifestyle Forum
Venue: Taj Bengal
The Luxe Lifestyle Forum 2024, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, was a unique initiative in collaboration with the industry’s leading brands. The event took place on September 4th, 2024, at The Taj Bengal, Kolkata.
The symposium explored the potential of the Eastern Market for luxury lifestyle and fashion brands, providing invaluable opportunities for industry experts to grow and channel their businesses. In recognition of the Ladies Study Group's relevance and prestige, the Indian Chamber of Commerce extended an invitation for your esteemed presence at the event.
This forum brought together global leaders, forward-thinking entrepreneurs, investors, visionaries, and leading experts, including culinary masters Karen Anand, Ranveer Brar, and Mr. Vijay KG, Founder of Luxepolis.com, among others.
The event aimed to delve into the diverse dynamics of the luxury lifestyle segment, discuss innovative strategies for brand expansion, and redefine luxury through world-class knowledge sessions and networking opportunities.
Speaker: Sanjeev Sanyal, Principal Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of India
Venue: ITC Royal Bengal
Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Government of India , Sanjeev Sanyal, an economist, urban theorist and author of several bestselling books exploring India's civilisational development; addressed the Ladies Study Group on the 8th of August at the ITC Royal Bengal.
Speaking about India rising as the next global super power, he said that if India maintained it’s economic growth trajectory, with a projected GDP growth of 7%; it would achieve its transformational benchmark with the power of compounding. According to him three of the most important parameters are: investment in the supply chain; maintaining macro-economic stability and transfers to the bottom section of it’s population. Sanyal said the key was in reforming larger frameworks like bureaucracy, judiciary, education systems and also dynamically updating systems to stay abreast of times.
Sanjeev Sanyal discussed a plethora of subjects and held the audience enthralled and interacted on issues ranging from health infrastructure to crypto currencies. It was a truly riveting and transformation session leaving attendees spellbound.
Speaker: Hanut Singh
Venue: 85 Lansdowne
On the evening of July 25th, 2024, 85 Lansdowne Road was abuzz with excitement & fervour!
Ladies Study Group in collaboration with 85 Lansdowne hosted the much-anticipated event 'Crafting Legacies' with the illustrious Hanut Singh and the distinguished Mrinalika Bhanjdeo. Minnie Juneja, President of LSG, and Shalini Nopany masterfully guided the conversation, inviting the guests to delve into how their royal heritages have shaped their journeys in design and cultural restoration.
Hanut Singh, a descendant of the Kapurthala Royal family, brings to life regal splendour and a legacy of continuity and tradition through his exquisite jewelry. His creations, which have adorned global icons like Beyoncé and Meryl Streep, reflect a unique blend of Mughal, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau influences, each piece organically handcrafted with a distinctive palette and design sensibility. As the grandson of Maharaj Kumar Karamjit Singh of Kapurthala, Hanut steadfastly upholds his family’s tradition of elegance, seamlessly merging rich heritage with modern aesthetics.
Mrinalika Bhanjdeo hails from the Belgadia Palace, the royal seat of the Bhanja dynasty of Mayurbhanj, which she has artfully transformed into a boutique heritage hotel. Her efforts extend beyond mere restoration; she collaborates with local artisans to revive traditional crafts and incorporates wellness practices like yoga into the palace's retreats, offering guests a truly regal experience while addressing the needs of the local community. Mrinalika's dedication to preserving and enhancing her family's legacy is evident in her holistic approach to heritage and hospitality.
The evening was punctuated with numerous 'wow' moments, including an opportunity for the audience to peruse Hanut's dazzling collection. A rapid-fire round revealed Mrinalika's weakness for chocolate cake and Hanut's dream of designing for Shah Jahan.
Together, Hanut Singh and Mrinalika Bhanjdeo embody a commitment to preserving their illustrious legacies, ensuring that the grandeur and traditions of their royal lineages continue to inspire and enchant future generations.
Speaker: Koel Purie Rinchet
Venue: Amphitheatre, Kolkata Centre For Creativity
The Ladies Study Group members gathered on a rain-washed July afternoon at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity, to listen to Koel Rinchet Purie who spoke with effervescence of her many interests and took us through her journey from Delhi to Paris, where she now lives as a wife and mother as she continues to pursue her passions of being an actor and a writer.
Koel attributed her choices to the “audacity of youth” as well as to her family that was liberal in nature and allowed her to follow and live her dream, which including being trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London.
Koel laughed off the expectations of work-life balance for women who juggle multiple roles on a day-to-day basis. She compared the French to The Bengalis and marking them superior intellectually and artistically to all else.
She also read from her novel, ‘Clearly invisible in Paris’ and signed copies of her book.
Speaker: Shobhaa Dé
Venue: Taj Bengal
There are those rare events, when the title of a bestseller is entirely in sync with the mood of a full-house, live audience. This is exactly what happened, when author, columnist and diva, Shobhaa De, conversed with her daughter Anandita De, speaking about her life, her journey, her trysts and triumphs and most of all her ‘insatiable’ spirit.’
Over an hour and a half, Shobhaa held the audience captive, recounting her many experiences including writing over 25 books, running regular columns, hobnobbing with the glitterati, making friends with technology and social media and much more.
Speaker: Karisma Kapoor in Conversation with Kalyani Saha Chawla
Venue: Taj Bengal
The Ladies Study Group flagged off the term 2024-2025, with a full house, charismatic event, featuring Hindi film icon, Karisma Kapoor.
In conversation with a long-time friend, influencer and Founder and Chief Executive, Rezon Luxury Silverware, Kalyani Saha Chawla as well as President, LSG, Minnie Juneja, Karisma held a packed hall captive, recounting her experiences from her cine career that has spanned over three decades and counting.
Recounting fond memories with her illustrious family, The Kapoors, often tagged as the first family of Indian films, Karisma recalled how as a child, she fell in love with films and film making on the sets of Prem Rog. She shared how neither she nor her sister, the iconic Kareena Kapooor, were ever pressurised to get into films but did so out of choice and passion.
Juggling the demands of motherhood as well as gruelling demands of being a film star, Karisma confessed, that she took a backseat from films to enjoy her time and moments with her children when they were young. It was at that time, that she also penned a food guide, Yummy Mummy.
Currently working on a film based on a book from Kolkata, Karisma said she was eagerly awaiting its launch and was happy to be back in the city, where she had been shooting for this film.
Commenting on the changes and the evolution of the film industry, Karisma recalled how from just landing up on the set then and being told what to do, to now receiving well bound complete scripts in advance.
She signed off to a hearty applause with her winning mantra, "Just do what you believe in and success will follow."
