With a prime objective to ensure cultural integration along with social awareness, city-based cultural forum, Upasana, has been hosting Maitree- Ek Khoj for the past four years now. The platform has been established to encourage forming eternal friendship across various communities and different cultures.
Under the banner of Maitree-Ek Khoj, there are several sub-events which are being held.
The programme began on August 12 and will conclude on September 8. Talking about the platform, Amit and Sharmila Mazumdar mentioned that they held two socio-cultural events which included a homage to Tagore’s Last Journey, to commemorate the Nobel laureate’s 77th death anniversary, and a play titled Dwijosrestho, which was performed by Roopangan Foundation of Mumbai.
The third event, which will take place on September 8, is about showcasing the life, culture and aspirations of the people of Purulia, a city located in West Bengal. This event is called ‘Puruliar Garab’ or Pride of Purulia.
“With this event, we are trying to showcase the folk culture, life and aspirations of the rural people of Purulia. They have a typical folk culture which can be seen in their festivals. Two of their important festivals are Tusu and Bhadu, which are celebrated with dance and folk music. We wanted to showcase their culture on the platform of Maitree- Ek Khoj,” says Amit, adding, “There will be folk dance performances and folk music along with poetic recitation in the local dialect, Man bhuyian.”
Apart from the cultural aspect, the platform also works towards social welfare too. On the last day of the event, they have organised an exhibition which will showcase artefacts and hand-made products by blind aged women. “We are organising an exhibition which will have products made by old blind women from Shirdi Saibaba Home. These women have been abandoned by their families because of their age and disability. But they are extremely talented and have made jewellery, pouches, handbags. Some of the residents from the home, will also participate in the exhibition,” says Amit.
Apart from this, they are also focusing on providing relief material to the victims of Kerala flood. “Every organisation is doing their bit to support the people who lost their everything in Kerala. So we decided to join hands and help in what way we can. We have Divya Surendran, on board, who is a part of the Kerala Samaj and is also a member of Indian Meteorological Department. She will be guiding everyone about what kind of support is needed in the state and what is the procedure of donation,” he concludes.
ST Reader Service
The Maitree - Ek Khoj is hosting a cultural programme, ‘Puruliar Garab’ today at Jawaharlal Nehru Sanskrutik Bhavan, Ghole Road, Shivajinagar from 4:30 to 8 pm
