Past EventsKolkata

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.

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.

Ladies Study Group Delhi Chapter recently hosted an exclusive culinary event, “A Culinary Experience with Caara”, on 17th December 2024 at Fcml. The gathering brought together food enthusiasts for a delightful session filled with gastronomic inspiration and interactive learning.

The event, curated by Caara, known for its expertise in gourmet cuisine, provided attendees with an immersive experience in fine cooking. From live demonstrations to insightful discussions on ingredients and culinary techniques, the session was a treat for them.

The event was a resounding success, leaving participants inspired with a deeper appreciation for the art of cooking, as they celebrated flavours, creativity, and the joy of good food in great company.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The LSG Delhi Chapter embarked on a memorable two- day delegation to Kolkata from 3rd to 5th October 2024 to immerse themselves in the vibrant colours of the Durga Puja festival through a thoughtfully curated palette of experiences.

The day began with an engaging session by scenographer Swarup Dutta at Taj Bengal titled ‘The Evolution of Durga Puja: Transition Meets Contemporary Art,’ offering unique insights into the festival's transformation. The evening offered a vibrant cultural experience, culminating in a traditional Nauka ride along the Hooghly River, set against the backdrop of a mesmerising sunset and shimmering cityscape. The delegation indulged in a traditional Bengali dinner at Rajkutir accompanied by an energetic Dhunuchi Naach performance which was followed by pandal hopping. The night concluded with an interactive session at the Tala Prattoy pandal, where the delegates engaged with artist Susanta Paul and other talented artisans, delving into the intricacies of their craft.

On the second day, the delegate had the privilege of experiencing the brilliance of Raj Mahtani’s creations during an interactive session on ‘Revival and Modernisation of Jewellery’. He shared insights into his journey of growth, the re-utilization of jewellery, and the art of carrying forward a legacy. This was followed by a thought-provoking discussion with artist Suhasini Kejriwal titled ‘Up Close and Personal,’ delving into themes of surrealism and art, enriched by a light-hearted exchange on ‘Bhagwan and Bhakt.’ In the evening the group attended an inspiring session by the iconic Anamika Khanna on ‘The Business of Fashion'. She recounted her remarkable journey in the fashion world, leaving the audience profoundly inspired and motivated. The day concluded with a dinner hosted at the home of an LSG Kolkata Chapter member, where the delegates interacted with the Governing Body, Past Presidents, and Committee members, exchanging ideas and fostering connections. The vibrant day came to a close with an exciting session of pandal hopping.

The delegation provided a wonderful opportunity for like-minded women to connect, fostering learning, inspiration, and gratitude while creating unforgettable memories. The bonds formed during this journey, much like a warm fire on a chilly night, will continue to glow brightly, filling their hearts with cherished moments for years to come.

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!

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.

Ladies Study Group Delhi Chapter organised a transformative Sound Healing workshop conducted by LifeYoga, founded by Dr. Varun Veer and Dr. Tanu Singh. With decades of expertise in holistic wellness, the renowned facilitators guided participants through an immersive experience of sound therapy, unlocking a symphony of emotions and rejuvenation.

The workshop allowed members to immerse themselves in the echoing vibrations of sound waves, fostering a sense of balance, relaxation, and inner harmony. As the resonating frequencies flowed through the body and mind, participants experienced profound shifts in energy and well-being, making the session a truly enlightening journey.

The event served as a powerful reflection of sound’s ability to heal and promote self-discovery, leaving attendees refreshed and deeply connected to their inner selves.