Held under the auspices of its initiative Kalam the event at The Bengal Club on Dec 17 was dedicated to celebration of Hindi literature. Backed by its eminent patron Shree Cement Limited as a part of their CSR initiative, the event was in association with Ehsaas Woman of Kolkata – Dona Ganguly, Esha Dutta, Malika Varma, Shefali Rawat Agarwal, Gouri Basu, and Nilisha Agarwal.

The Telegraph - My Kolkata was the digital media partner for the event.

Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, at the Kalam session in Kolkata

Dr Joshi was in conversation with notable actor and former member of Rajya Sabha, Ms Roopa Ganguly. Mr Bishambhar Newar initiated the session with a formal welcome speech. Vote of Thanks was given by Ms Shefali Rawat Agarwal – Ehsaas Woman of Kolkata.

In City of Joy, Kalam session with Dr Joshi was attended by a full-house of brightest minds connected with Hindi literature, including young literary enthusiasts. With his wisdom and eloquence, Dr Joshi shared meaningful thoughts on Hindi literature, culture of India, and social interests of the nation.

Dr Joshi’s conversations defined the importance of feeling proud of our country and its rich cultural heritage, and how we all should promote the same around the world. Sharing his deep love for theatre art form, Dr Joshi said that drama is the essence of life and each one of us play a specific role in different situations and times. His profound thoughts on life being a celebration touched the minds of the audience.

Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, the Executive and Academic Head of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, is a scholar of History and Mass Communication, a writer, a poet and an actor. He was the Founder Vice-Chancellor of the Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism and Mass Communication, Raipur.

Roopa Ganguly, eminent actress and former Member of Parliament was the conversationalist at the Kalam session

Dr Joshi served as the Vice-Chancellor for two terms (10 years). He was also the Founder Registrar of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal. He served as Dean (Academics) in the Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal too.

He has written extensively on media, communication, history, culture, education, policy, and other relevant issues. He has been delivering lectures on communication, gender sensitization, research for resurgence, personality development, art and culture in prestigious institutions.

Bishambhar Newar set the session rolling with his welcome speech

Dr Joshi has edited the speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the Publication Division. He edited many other prestigious publications. He has been writing extensively. Some of his recent published works include “Sachchidanand Joshi ki Lokpriya Kahaniya” (2017); “Kuchh Alpa Viraam” (2018), “Pal Bhar ki Pahchan” (2019) two poetry collections and Zindagi Ka Bonus.

His speeches have been compiled in two volumes titled “Mera Desh Mera Dharm”. He has been conferred with several prestigious awards at the national level for his contribution in the field of Culture and Literature.

Shefali Rawat Agarwal of Ehsaas Woman of Kolkata delivering the Vote of Thanks

Prabha Khaitan Foundation is a Kolkata-based non-profit trust founded by an eminent Indian litterateur, entrepreneur, philanthropist, social activist, and feminist Late Dr. Prabha Khaitan back in the 1980s. Currently the organisation works in the field of art, culture, education, wildlife conservation and literature promotion in more than fifty cities of the country and worldwide.