Past EventsKolkata

Mahesh Bhatt: Man of Myriad Hues, the renowned film maker, producer and screenplay writer was in conversation with Rita Bhimani. Mahesh Bhatt needs no introduction. Over the years he has donned many hats in the industry, shared his personal experiences, his emotions and views with his audience. His work appears to be his catharsis; his way of facing life, its often harsh reality; living on his own terms and coming out a winner. These days we see him in a new avatar. A person who has never been one to mince words, he is a very sought after panellist by various television news channels to discuss issues ranging from women’s rights to communal discord to terrorism – you name it. Never one to disappoint, Mahesh Bhatt, easily keeps the sitcom audience glued to the screen and hanging on to his every word. Rita Bhimani, a Corporate Public Relations expert and popular columnist, through her interaction with Mr Bhatt gave our members a session which was very thought provoking, informative and of course entertaining.

Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, Aditya Birla Centre for Community and Rural Development, a visionary leader, who is considered an icon and a role model in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility; a person who has made a difference to the lives of millions and is truly a fine example of womanhood. She spoke on Social Responsibility - a Vision and Commitment.

Mrs Rajashree Birla, a true humanitarian, is the Chairperson of Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, the apex body responsible for development projects. She oversees the Group’s social and welfare driven work, spreading across 30 companies, with a personal dedication and commitment. Apart from her numerous awards and felicitations, Mrs Birla has been awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 - only the third person honoured with this award for social work in 60 years.

Earlier this year, Ladies Study Group in association with Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, Kolkata, also organized an event with well known, veteran film actor, Suresh Oberoi in conversation with Sister Shivani. Sister Shivani, the young, articulate face of the Brahma Kumaris and an immensely sought-after personality due to the clarity of the wisdom analyzed the deep rooted causes of the negative emotions experienced in life. She touched upon issues like - the ego, relationships, stress, anger, self esteem and meditation.

Through the LENS....,....a Photography Workshop by Sanjay Das, designed for the beginners to help attain an in-depth technical as well as aesthetic knowledge was held for members. It was an opportunity to take the first steps to being a pro in the future or simply to whet owns creative appetite. The Workshop provided professional guidance to achieve a good learning and understanding of the highly powerful and creative world of photography.

Sanjay, a graduate from The College of Art, New Delhi has been working in tourism industry for the past 20 years as an advertising consultant, his photographs have been published in tourism brochures, calendars and travel & trade shows in India, Berlin, Seoul, America, Poland and France. He has had a Solo Show at Lalit Kala Akademi, Delhi "Breathing Space" 2007 and participated in the Art fair Singapore 2008.

Author and Associate Editor, OPEN Magazine, Rahul Pandita discussed People, Politics and Conflicts with actor, director, producer. Rahul Pandita is the author of Our Moon Has Blood Clots (2013), a memoir on how Kashmiri Pandits became victims of a brutal ethnic cleansing at the hands of Islamist militants in the valley of Kashmir in 1990; Dr Manish Banker, M.D., is an infertility specialist and the Executive Director of Nova IVI Fertility Clinics and Pulse Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad. Dr Sujoy Ghosh, D.M. (Endocrinology) with a Specialty Certificate in Endocrinology & Diabetes from UK, is currently working as Assistant Professor of Endocrinology at PG Hospital, Kolkata. Dr Pronab Dasgupta, MD (G &O), FRCOG (LONDON), is the Head of Dept Gynaecology & Obstetrics at AMRI Group of Hospitals, Kolkata. Dr Dasgupta will be chairing the session. The panel discussion provided a unique opportunity to discuss various health issues with three doctors patiently addressing all queries and fears.

Three very eminent doctors, Infertility Specialist, Dr Manish Banker; Endocrinologist, Dr Sujoy Ghosh and Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Dr Pronab Dasgupta discussed with LSG members issues related to women’s health. Dr Manish Banker, M.D., is an infertility specialist and the Executive Director of Nova IVI Fertility Clinics and Pulse Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad. Dr Sujoy Ghosh, D.M. (Endocrinology) with a Specialty Certificate in Endocrinology & Diabetes from UK, is currently working as Assistant Professor of Endocrinology at PG Hospital, Kolkata. Dr Pronab Dasgupta, MD (G &O), FRCOG (LONDON), is the Head of Dept Gynaecology & Obstetrics at AMRI Group of Hospitals, Kolkata. Dr Dasgupta will be chairing the session. The panel discussion provided a unique opportunity to discuss various health issues with three doctors patiently addressing all queries and fears.

A talk titled Woman Power: the Challenge Ahead with Smt Smriti Irani one of India ’s most loved television faces and the BJP Vice President and Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan.

Acts of violence against women continue even in societies that have seen the spread of education, raised awareness about women's rights and improved lifestyle situations. What are the reasons for this? hat can be done to change the situation? How can we help? Where the main questions that came up and Smriti Irani showed her confident self in her answers as an individual as well as a political representative.

This dance event was inaugurated by a Ganesh Vandana by Usha Uthup. The programme showcased ancient dance traditions Kathak – presented by Sharmila Biswas of Kalamandalam; Odissi – presented by Satabdi Mallick; Manipuri – presented by well known exponent Priti Patel and her troupe and Raas Garba other group dance presentations by LSG members. Narrator -- Mrs Gouri Basu, Vice Principal, Loreto House spoke about the history of dance in India through the ages and its relevance in our culture and tradition. A very colourful and joyous event full of spontaneity and energy.

The Ganga to me is the symbol of India´s memorable past which has been flowing into the present and continues to flow towards the ocean of the future." - Jawaharlal Nehru LSG members participated in an exhilarating and vibrant afternoon of learning, quizzing and singing on MV Sumangal, cruising along the banks of the river which has been a witness to so many colourful events of the times gone by. Mr. GM Kapur of INTACH introduced members to the remnants of our colonial history. The quiz that followed had a very enthusiastic response. Then the morning flowed into relaxed cruising accompanied by music and great food. A wonderfully chilly morning well spent!

A very thought provoking topic was addressed by a very eminent group of participants including Shereen el Feki, is a British journalist and author; Syeda Hameed, Member, Planning Commission, Government of India; Mrinal Pande, Mrinal Pande television personality, journalist and author; and authors Anita Nair and Ruchir Joshi. The event was moderated by Urvashi Butalia, feminist, publisher, historian and the Director and co-founder of Kali for Women. The panel discussion was extremely engrossing and lively.

Dr. Pattanaik is a medical doctor by education, a leadership consultant by profession and a mythologist by passion. He has written and lectured extensively on the nature of sacred stories, symbols and rituals and their relevance in modern times. He is a prolific writer with more than twenty five books and over 400 articles on Indian mythology, for both adults and children.

He serves as Chief Belief Officer of the Future Group and is also story consultant to Star TV. Now a full-time author, speaker and illustrator Dr Patnaik draws attention to the relevance of myth and mythmaking in the realms of management, leadership and entrepreneurship. His talk was very illuminating and engaging. His extremely popular books were on sale at the venue and were quickly picked up by the members.