Indo-bangladesh awards at Kolkata press club

The much-awaited 'Indo-Bangladesh Hello Kolkata Awards' was held with great fanfare on 28th June eve at Calcutta Press Club amidst a constellation of talents from both sides of Bengal. But the universal cheers, and the loudest ones, were rightfully reserved for a heart-touching group performance by differently-abled children.

"Not everything was perfect, but their honest and sincere attempt is the best take-away of this glittering eve," remarked Asish Basak, Editor-Director, 'Hello Kolkata' and gracious host for the transnational cultural fiesta.

'Hello Kolkata Excellence Award' --'Indo-Bangladesh Maitri Sammanana' was presented to the great achievers of 'Opar Bangla' (Bangladesh), Mohammad Enamul Haque (Eminent Businessman & Social Activist), singer Sanam Sumi and Zakir Hossain Khan (Eminent Socio-Cultural Motivator).

The Awards ceremony was jointly hosted by 'Apu Siksha o Paribesh Unnayan Foundation' (a front-line NGO of Bangladesh) and 'Hello Kolkata' (3D News, Events & Films). The program beneficiary was a host of talented yet differently-abled children who are being promoted by Ms. Jharna Sarkar, President of the Bangladeshi NGO.

The special guests included Prof. Sujit Bose (ex-VC, Biswabharati University), Sandhi Mukherjee (IPS, ex-DM of Hooghly), Parimal Malakar (Naval officer), actresses Jayashree Khara & Boby Mondal, poets Sanchita Chakrabarti, Lopamudra Sarkar & Reetwika Banerjee, magician Somnath, table expert Syamantak Mishra, Yoga-Guru Chandan Das, Apu Sarkar, Nirjhar & others.

Special appreciation mementos from 'Hello Kolkata' were handed over to the Bangladeshi NGO President Ms. Jharna Sarkar and Mr. Haripada Sarkar, Secretary of the NGO, for their tireless work for 'Epar o Opar Bangla Maitri Samprasaran' (Propagation of Socio-Cultural Harmony between the 2 Bengals).

Award-winning Bangladeshi singer Sanam Sumi enthralled the audience with two superlative renditions, while the esteemed Awardee Zakir Hossain Khan (himself a veteran of 33 years of continued self-less service for the differently-abled) pledged his life-long support for the noble cause of socio-cultural welfare.

On behalf of 'Hello Kolkata', Asish Basak announced that soon a cross-border cultural fiesta will be held in 3 cities of Bangladesh, with full support of Ms. Jharna Sarkar, President - 'Apu Siksha o Paribesh Unnayan Foundation'.

Youngsters Nini, Devsmita, Suman, Pravin & Sukanya did wonderful coordination for the Press Club program.

Ceremony of welfare society

On 9th June eve, ’Kalidham Unnayan Samiti' had organised a socio-cultural ceremony - 'Rabindra Nazrul Jayanti' at Gorabazar Kalidham. 

    Mr. Amit Basu Roy Chowdhury, the Secretary of  ‘KOLKATA ALOR DISHA Welfare Society’, an upcoming social welfare organization, had supported the event and had collaborated with them. They distributed sarees to needy women, tiffin boxes, books, copies, pencils and food packets  to poor children to support their needs. The items were donated by generous people like Niladri Sarkar (President of Rotary Club), Amit Basu Roy Chwodhury and a few 'Kolkata Alor Disha' members.

    Several talented artists had sung and recited well to delight  all the people present there.

     A host of dignitaries like Ms. Piyali Basu Roy Chowdhury, Ms. Julie Saha, Dr. Saheli Roy Chowdhury, Mili Das and other were also present to support this noble initiative.           

13th 'Hello Kolkata' Short Films Festival

Hello Kolkata' (3D News-Media & Films) had recently presented ‘Hello Kolkata SHORT-SCOPE’-- its 13^th Short Films’ Festival on 10th June eve at the iconic Birla Planetarium, Kolkata.

    'Hello Kolkata's Short Films’ Festival, now in its 13th year, is actually a platform to showcase the budding potential of new-comers. We will also select the best talents amongst them for our upcoming 4th feature film--  "GAME ON", informed Asish Basak, Film-Maker & Editor-Director, Hello Kolkata.  

    On 10th June, 3 wonderful Short Films, selected from 19 films, ranging from 2 till 21 minutes, on different topics of socio-cultural interests were screened, informed noted designer Annie Jain, one of the significant Jury Panelists of 'Hello Kolkata Short-Scope'.

     The screened short films are 'MAA' and 'Left Overs' (both by award-winning film-maker Rajat Tallukdar) and 'Black Rose' (silent film by writer & record-holder Reetwika Banerjee). The special screening of 'Hello Kolkata Short-Scope' included the musical'VOTE GEETI, directed by Asish Basak, that upholds the fact that Elections are an inseparable part of our life and civil society.

  The next rounds of screening for 'Hello Kolkata Short-Scope' will happen on 30th June at Bangur Kolokakuli, A total of 12 films will be screened in this 13th edition of Short Films Fest, selected from about 50-odd films.

      The novel concepts and interlinked social messages made this ‘Hello Kolkata’ endeavour an entertaining yet informative presentation, remarked talented model, actress & educationist Ms. Arpita Bose, one of the Special Guests for the show.

       'Hello Kolkata's Short Films’ Festival, now in its 13th year, is actually a platform to showcase the budding potential of new-comers. We will also select the best talents amongst them for our upcoming 4th feature film--  "GAME ON", informed Asish Basak, Film-Maker and Editor-Director, Hello Kolkata.  

    Apart from short films, the cultural eve also witnessed felicitation of special achievers from diverse sectors of the society including Ms. Arpita Bose as 'Hello Kolkata STYLE ICON', Magician Somnath, musical geniuses Sarod Baba, Jhumki Sen and Gayaki Mata, poet Soumitra Ghosh and entrepreneur Rudra Sen.