Past EventsKolkata

The LSG Plus ShareYourSkill Forum is a novel platform begun by the new President Diya Jaiswal to showcase the wealth of knowledge and experience that the organisation collectively holds among its members. As the organisation turns 54 this September, this is perhaps the first time ever that a business forum has been held with all the panellists coming from the member body. This is truly a milestone moment for the Ladies Study Group.

President Diya Jaiswal began the webinar and pointed out how relevant the topic was, as the garment and fashion industry was going through a “perfect storm” and needed to be rewired to align with the New Normal.

The expert guest panel for the evening were all path breakers and trail blazers from the garment and fashion industry.They included Komal Sood, Sujata Sarawgi, Malika Verma, Ruchika Kandhari and Vibha Kejriwal. They were in conversation with committee members Sucheta Merh and Shradha Jhunjhunwala, who also belong to the same industry.

In Vibha Kejriwal’s view, COVID-19 acted as an equaliser in slowing down the frenetic pace of the fashion industry.

Mallika Varma, past President of LSG & fashion designer emphasised the fact that we have to be ‘more vocal about local’.

Ruchira Kandhari spoke about taking advantage of the digital platform by ‘Being Indian Buying Indian’.

Designer Komal Sood elaborated on the use of traditional weaves from different states of India.

‘The fashion industry has a clear responsibility to act responsibly as we focus on ‘Atmanirbharta’ and increase the value of timeless garments by reducing waste’, said Sujata Sarowgi.

The talk has been the perfect opportunity for members to get a better understanding of the fashion industry outlook. Their interaction was enthusiastic and their feedback was encouraging. The common thread was that this Pandemic could and should be as an opportunity for learning, evolving and even transforming lives.

Ladies Study Group Plus Happiness Forum hosted its first event 'SONGBOLA' on the 30th June 2020 which streamed live on Facebook.

'SONGBOLA' is a musical version of the very popular game 'Tambola' where numbers are replaced with songs.

President Diya Jaiswal welcomed the LSG members to the first event of the LSG Plus Happiness Forum 'SONGBOLA' conceptualised and hosted by DJ Hitesh.

"Music is always magical she said" and "we are all going to play it together with some toe tapping and sing along familiar songs and prizes too. As prizes, contributions in the names of the winners of SONGBOLA will be made to the organisation "We Are One" (WEO) – a youth initiative which will use the amount to plant fruit trees in the Sundarban Dolki .This would help in restoring both the economy and ecology of West Bengal after the destruction by Cyclone Amphan.

As the song game-show begun, DJ Hitesh the conceptualiser and host for the evening,set the mood for a fun filled, musical and masti event. He played 15 to 20 second bursts of toe tapping and sing along numbers as the members swayed to the music and striked off the songs on their tickets. DJ Hitesh had curated a fabulous playlist of songs across various genres that kept the members grooving.

The member player that marked all the numbers in a winning pattern was entitled to a gift certificate.

It was truly a fabulous evening, full of music, entertainment and fun, and lots of prizes were won. The ambience was energetic, vibrant and infectious while the members tapped their toes, felt good and spread happiness together!

Ladies Study Group conducted an entertaining and candid webinar on music with the incredibly talented music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman in conversation with Singapore based singer-songwriter Druv Kent.

“Music is probably the best balm in these troubled times. Music is a universal language, which we all understand”, said president, Diya Jaiswal in her introductory speech.

“Music is a positive force” according to singer, songwriter, Druv, who moderated the session beautifully.

Sulaiman said they were born into music as their father was a composer and manufactured musical instruments.

“Music is a passion, which has become a profession”, said Sulaiman.

The duo talked passionately about their non-profit organisation ‘Zariya’, initiated two years ago to create opportunities and livelihood for the folk musicians of Rajasthan. The brothers provided ration for 100 families through the proceeds of virtual concerts performed. They urge the world to reach out and support this endearing cause.

" Happiness is best felt when you give other people" said Salim.

The free flowing conversation between the enigmatic trio starting from the onset of their musical journey to reaching the pinnacle of the music industry was captivating. The audience heard the anecdotes behind each of their memorable songs.

‘Aashayein’ from the film Iqbal, soulfully sung by Salim definitely gave us all hope of a secure environment in the near future.

Vice President, Sumita Roy concluded in her vote of thanks - "Music connects us all in these disconnected times!”

President Diya Jaiswal introduced the distinguished panel of speakers in her introductory speech.

Dr Karan Thakur effectively moderated the event by questioning how the Covid 19 is impacting patients.

Dr Harish Moorjani gave a very detailed description of the inception of the virus from its entering one's body to affecting the organs of the body. He spoke about its spread; the way hospitals are handling the situation, and treatment.

"Virus is not preventable but containable," said Moorjani.

Dr Sunita Maheshwari stressed upon boosting immunity and taking the required precautions to combat Covid 19. She recommended Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements. Social distancing, frequent hand washes and masks are necessary. She practices stress reduction and steam inhalation.

Ms Sumiti Singh, entrepreneur, was one of the first to test Covid-19 positive. Displaying great strength and integrity, she spoke about her battle with the virus and overcoming the social stigma, by revealing the details on social media. She said, “I opted to be a plasma donor as I wanted to help others battling this disease.”

Dr. Moorjani stated the need for psychological and psychiatric services as a result of this pandemic. Dr. Moorjani shared his secret of drinking hot water at intervals and consuming turmeric milk at bedtime to build his resistance. He advised practicing Yoga to keep healthy.

Social distancing reduces the amount of community viral load and reduces the transmission until herd immunity builds up or there is a vaccine, which he speculated to be out by October. He said, “Heat and UV light destroy the virus.”

The Panelists agreed that knowledge is power and thanked Diya Jaiswal, President, LSG.

LSG President, Diya Jaiswal kicked off her theme for the year – Embracing the new normal—with a conversation between Mahesh Bhatt and Jisshu Sengupta.

Mahesh Bhatt emphasized what matters in this hour of uncertainty: "Humanity is going through the hardest time in centuries and what works is only love.”

Bhatt said very emphatically that there is no crystal ball to gaze and one has to live life on their own terms.

The horror of the pandemic is in the fragility of relationships since man can't live with himself and is forced to live with another individual.

He also spoke of his last critically acclaimed film Zakhm, which won many national and international awards, and was based on his mother, to him he was born out of wedlock. He fondly stated how she kissed his forehead when he fulfilled this dream of hers.

Sadak 2 was born from Bhatt’s writer who presented the script before him, igniting a creative spark. Bhatt also felt he owed Sanjay Dutt his moment of glory post his release from jail.

Sengupta reminisced about how Bhatt took him aside on set and advised him to conquer his fears. These pearls of wisdom from Bhatt to Sengupta will forever remain etched with him.

Bhatt spoke about his daily routine, the dark times of the film industry, and directing both his daughters, Pooja and Alia Bhatt.

Even though he retorted saying " Ami Jaane Na", Bhatt surely knows it all with his wit and intelligence. It was a treat to see the camaraderie between the director and his actor, evolving from each other and inspiring us all to take one step at a time in life.

The Sadak of life continues...

Mrs Sumangla Birla, Chairperson, Ladies Study Group began by thanking Mrs Iti Dasgupta for her successful year and welcomed Mrs Diya Jaiswal as the new President. She also welcomed the new Vice President and the in-coming committee. She informed all that Mrs Anuradha Kanoria had accepted the invitation to the governing body.

Mrs Birla said the pandemic has prompted LSG to find its place in the new world. She mentioned that LSG would put aside a significant percentage of the membership fee collected this year and donate to help people affected by the pandemic and cyclone.

Mrs Iti Dasgupta gave us a glimpse of the events of the year gone by and went on to thank everyone for their unconditional support. She congratulated the incoming President and Vice President.

Mrs Dasgupta also said, "We at LSG pledge to support the recovery of suffering and the underprivileged society. From the balance funds of 2019, we pledge a substantial amount towards cyclone Amphan recovery programme."

Ms Mitalee Chatterjee, Executive Secretary, announced the names of the new committee for 2020-2021.

While accepting her role as the next President of LSG, Mrs Jaiswal thanked Mrs Dasgupta, the Governing Body, Advisory Committee, Committee and all members, friends and family for their support. Embracing the New Normal, she announced would be the theme for her year. She mentioned that Vice President, Mrs Sumita Roy and she are committed to hosting meaningful events, interactive workshops and social initiatives as we go on this uncharted odyssey together.