Past EventsKolkata

The Ladies Study Group's closing event featured two legends of Indian Cinema, Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani and Actor Boman Irani. The evening began with a captivating video celebrating some of the special moments of Mrs. Bhawna Agarwal's term as President LSG for 2023-24 with the theme "Create, Collaborate, Celebrate." Ms. Karishma Mehta, Founder & CEO of Humans of Bombay moderated the session.

Renowned actor Boman Irani, known for his versatility, shared insights into his journey, thanking Padma Bhushan awardee singer, Usha Uthup for her guidance to be original and unique. He credited his mother for boosting his confidence by encouraging him as an eight year old boy to take his blind uncle to the movies and narrate the story. He also spoke about his directorial debut "The Mehta Boys".

Rajkumar Hirani, a master storyteller whose cinematic brilliance can be seen in all his movies, shared his journey about becoming a director. He spoke about turning setbacks into opportunities and the importance of education being about finding an individual’s passion. He shared about always being on the lookout for good stories and that the message in his movies comes automatically from his belief system.

They spoke about their enduring friendship and collaboration on various characters from all six films - Munna Bhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, PK, Sanju, & Dunki, leaving the audience enthralled. Boman Irani's electrifying performance of the song "Give me some Sunshine" received a huge standing ovation. It was a memorable learning experience for the members and a fitting finale to the session and the year.

The 57th Annual General Meeting of the Ladies Study Group was held on Monday 29th April 2024. After a very commendable and successful tenure as President for the year 2023-24, Mrs Bhawna Agarwal handed over the baton to Mrs Minnie Juneja for the year 2024-25. Mrs. Richa Agarwal and Mrs. Enu Bala were appointed Senior Vice President and Vice President respectively.

Mrs. Sumangala Birla announced that she would be stepping down as Chairperson of the Ladies Study Group and Mrs. Preeti Goenka would be taking over.

On this occasion, Mrs. Bhawna Agarwal extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Governing Body, Committee members and all the LSG members for their invaluable support and encouragement throughout the year.

Mrs. Minnie Juneja delivered her acceptance speech where she pledged to curate events that engage and inspire each member of Ladies Study Group in the forthcoming year.

We all look forward to another fulfilling year of learning and bonding.

The exclusive session featuring Mr. Sanjiv Puri, Chairman & Managing Director of ITC Limited, centered on ITC's forward-looking "ITC Next” Vision" and its unwavering dedication to sustainability, innovation, and growth across its 13 diverse business verticals. Moderated by Mrs. Bhawna Agarwal, President, and Mrs. Enu Bala, Executive Committee, Ladies Study Group, the discussion delved into key focus areas such as empowered teams, customer-centricity, staying agile and digital transformation. He stated the demerger of ITC hotels aims for an asset-light, sustainable model, alongside societal commitments like rainwater harvesting and borewells. Mr. Puri emphasized the company's culture of fostering a growth mindset, aiming to create business value and elevate Indian brands globally. The session provided profound insights into Mr. Puri's professional and personal values, leaving attendees enlightened and enriched.

At the Unlock the Secrets to a Healthier Body event, Padma Shri Dr Shashank Joshi and Dr Nandita Palshetkar were in conversation with Dr Bhaskar Pal.

The event was insightful and interactive, where Dr. Joshi, renowned for his expertise in diabetes, thyroid, and obesity management, highlighted the genetic predisposition of Indians toward obesity and emphasised comprehensive treatment approaches. He advocated for breaking sedentary habits and blending ancient practices like ‘Suryanamaskar’ and chants for improved well-being, including enhancing sleep quality and the mental health benefits of digital detox. Dr. Palshetkar discussed preventing infertility through healthy lifestyle choices and advanced reproductive technologies, offering guidance on emotional aspects. The attendees were inspired to pursue a path toward improved health and well-being.

The event left the audience motivated to adopt healthier lifestyles and more informed about managing and preventing health issues.

The Ladies Study Group collaborated with Trailblazers 2.0 for an enlightening conversation featuring the renowned sports icons, Sania Mirza and Nikhat Zareen. This collaborative effort offered a platform to delve into the remarkable journeys of these two athletes, highlighting their perseverance and dedication in the world of sports.

A dynamic floral workshop, conceptualised by Mrs Parul Swarup, was led by renowned floral artists Mrs Renu Poddar, Mrs Vinita Khemka and Mrs Mita Kanoria. Participants crafted unique floral arrangements while exploring the innovative use of spices. Guided by the talented conductors, attendees had a wonderful time reigniting their creative selves.

Mrs Neeti Mittal had the challenging task of judging the participants' works. This workshop an unforgettable experience for all.

The exclusive session with Dr Sanjiv Goenka, Founder and Chairman of the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, focused on 'Growing Legacies'. Moderator Mr Rahul Shivshankar, award winning journalist and Editor, CNN-News 18, and Ms Bhawna Agarwal, President, Ladies Study Group, discussed with Dr Goenka his family's 200-year-old legacy and the growth of their conglomerate. He emphasised the importance of setting three-year targets, about meritocracy in leadership and following one's conscience for social responsibility.

The event provided valuable insights into Dr Goenka's professional and personal ethos, leaving attendees with an enriching experience.

LSG SUPER CHEF on Thursday, 8th February 2024 at 3:30pm, PALA, ITC SONAR.

A unique culinary event which celebrated cooking artistry and passion with Celebrity chefs Mr. Sharad Dewan, Director, Gourmet Design Company, Mr. Shashvat Dhandhania, Owner of restaurant To Die For and Ms. Shripriya Gupta, owner and head chef of Little Pleasures served as judges. LSG members formed 9 groups, each with a distinctive theme. The competition comprised of three rounds: Mystery Box, Cook Along with Chef, and Childhood Memory. The first round highlighted the contestants' creativity while the second round assessed their ability to align with the Chef. The final round evoked nostalgic memories, adding a sentimental touch to the event. The event left attendees beaming with joy, reflecting on an unforgettable culinary experience.

The Ladies Study Group Charitable Trust hosted its Annual Award Ceremony 2023 at ITC Royal Bengal on January 25th. Smt Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Cabinet Minister for Women & Child Development and Minority Affairs, the Chief Guest at this event, presented the Award. NGO Ek Tara's students presented a dance performance, highlighting the crucial role of girls' education in societal transformation.

Rupantaran Foundation received the prestigious award for outstanding contribution to supporting the education of girls from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Established in 2009, this non-profit organization envisions a society built on equity, dignity, and peace. Ms Smita Sen and Mr. Abhishek, Founders of Rupantaran Foundation, received the Award on behalf of the organisation.

The LSG Charitable Trust will disburse around 20 lakh towards various initiatives, at Disha Foundation, MCKS Food for the Hungry Foundation, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute, South Kolkata Hamari Muskaan and some other NGOs before the end of this financial year. The LSG Shanti Devi Khaitan Award will continue to support a girl student's training at the Woodlands College of Nursing.

During an engaging conversation with Shweta Punj, Policy Lead, Money Control, the Hon’ble Minister, Smt Smriti Zubin Irani, shared her life journey candidly through anecdotes. The youngest minister in the current regime’s cabinet emphasised, "Success is just success; it doesn’t encompass life" and highlighted the lessons of frugality and street smartness learned from poverty. According to her perspective, "Nothing is negative in life; it is your lens or prism." She vehemently stated that there is no direct relationship between happiness and success.

Addressing questions about her recent Davos trip, the minister rhetorically replied, “I wore my belief and culture. It was evident that India has undergone a tectonic shift as a country, positioned to be a bridge between the global North and South.”

The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees yearning for more.

Ladies Study Group Event with Mr. Milan Prenosil, Chairman of Confiserie Sprüngli held at Taj Bengal, Kolkata.

From a heartfelt welcome by LSG President, Bhawna Agarwal to the skilled moderation by Manjri Agarwal, the evening delved into the realms of luxury chocolates, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

During this exceptional evening, we explored the intricacy of family legacy, uncovering the captivating story behind the nearly 200-year-old Company of Switzerland.

Grateful to Mr. Presonil for sharing wisdom and emphasizing the importance of empowering women. Here's to the magic of Sprüngli and the empowering moments from the Ladies Study Group!

The Ladies Study Group embarked on a transformative two-day visit to Mumbai, exploring the city's thriving entrepreneurial landscape and cultural heritage. The group met remarkable entrepreneurs such as Ms. Dipali Goenka, MD & CEO of Welspun Living, whose journey and impactful contributions serve as a testament to the organization's success story of 'Made in India, for India, and for the world'. Interacting with Ms. Sangita Jindal of JSW Foundation and Ms. Smita Jatia, Vice Chairperson of Westlife Foodworld Ltd, provided valuable insights into their philanthropy and career dedication. They also toured the Network18 offices and studios of CNBC TV18, CNN News18 & CNBC Awaaz, gaining valuable insights into live television reporting during an informative interaction with Mr. Anuj Singhal, Managing Editor CNBC Awaaz, and Mr. Ashwin Kumar, Senior Executive Producer Production. They visited the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), experiencing the Mamma Mia show, the Art House exhibit, the Infinity Mirrored Room, and Fountain of Joy, which left them inspired and uplifted on their journey through creativity and joy. The trip concluded with blessings at Siddhi Vinayak Temple and a visit to Bottega Veneta's store provided insights into its history and legacy, leaving the members enriched with learning, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences.

LSG members who are entrepreneurs, business leaders or professionals in the corporate world were able to connect with liked-minded members, share thoughts about business and aspirations, extend support and grow as a community. A transformative convergence of entrepreneurial minds occurred, where facilitators at each table guided discussions ranging from personal introductions to brand-building strategies. This rich exchange of ideas contributed to a valuable data pool for the wider forum. Mr. Srish Agrawal, founder of A1 Future Technologies, shared key AI insights and discussed various tools aiding branding and marketing.

Date: Friday, 24th November, 2023
Time: 3:00 pm
Venue: Loudon Star, 21B Loudon Street, Kolkata 700016