“CULTURE CONNECTS”
The future of India lies in it’s villages! – Mahatma Gandhi.
They say that the Nature’s culture resides in the hearts and the souls of it’s people… and culture, skill and talent know no boundaries, no societal prejudices or lifestyle status.
“Culture Connects”. And this beautiful thought is being brought to life by this one man who saw a ray of hope in the dark villages of India. Mr. Amitava Bhattacharya, an IITian from IIT Kharagpur, with over a decade’s experience in the software industry and spending most of his younger days at the prestigious Silicon Valley, left a flourishing career at its peak only to return back to India to become a Samaritan for many villagers, walking with them on their journey from being labourers to “Artists”. The students of Mushtifund Aryaan Higher Secondary School were truly mesmerised by his titanic personality and his oratory profess when he addressed them recently. Mr Bhattacharya was warmly welcomed along with three other of his team members, by the Director of the Institute, Mr. Vyankatesh Prabhudesai and was formally introduced by Ms. Hetal Gangani.
Mr. Bhattacharya believes that every village has its own culture and tradition which is known the best by the locals. And if given a platform, they too can excel in what they are doing irrespective of a basic education, as long as they are skilled in the art form. It is highly commendable for the efforts that his growing team is putting in to bring to stage the rich and varied heritage of our country that spreads through the vast number of villages…
Mr. Bhattacharya played a couple of video clippings to give the students an idea of the kind of work he and his team have been doing. Speaking of their success stories, he told the students how under his own creation, the flagship project he calls “AFL” i.e. the Art of Livelihood, and the Banglanatak dot com is a unique model for addressing development goals and social inclusion and has got global recognition and accreditation from UNESCO,UNWTO and UN ECOSOC. The interesting videos showcased how his team has successfully been able to win the trust of several artists residing in the villages and this in turn made way for the unique culture of the village hosting “Melas” for nearby villages and tourists, wherein they perform present the local art and art forms.
These melas are organised on a fixed schedule and is highly systematic and the entire years event schedule is published so that art lovers can plan their trips accordingly.
Mr. Bhattacharya was open to queries and questions and he eagerly answered all of them with ease. The entire question and answer session was coordinated by the Director, Mr. Vyankatesh Prabhudesai.
Speaking of his social enterprise Banglanatak dot com, Mr. Bhattacharya, explained it saying, “Bangla” means local and “natak” means culture, and he truly has found his ways to do the best he can to promote local regional art and culture.. it is such efforts that have today opened avenues for these Jolly villagers and are today pursuing their passion!
– Prepared by Hetal G.