Chaitanya Library Revival: A Step Towards Preserving Kolkata’s Intellectual Legacy

Chaitanya Library Revival: A Step Towards Preserving Kolkata’s Intellectual Legacy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 20, 2025

The Calcutta Heritage Collective embarked on an extraordinary journey to preserve Kolkata’s intellectual and cultural heritage with the launch of the Chaitanya Library restoration initiative. The grand event, held on 12th January 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Kolkata, was a perfect blend of art, music, and community spirit, reflecting the rich history and vibrant culture of the city.

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The Chaitanya Library Restoration Initiative

The cornerstone of this ambitious project is the revival of the 135-year-old Chaitanya Library, established in 1889 by luminaries such as Gaur Hari Sen, Kunj Behari Datta, and Rabindranath Tagore. Home to over 150,000 rare books and journals, the library is a treasure trove of knowledge on Indian history, philosophy, and culture. Decades of neglect have left this historic sanctuary in urgent need of restoration and digitization.

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The initiative, supported by leading heritage conservation architect Ayan Sen, focuses on restoring the library’s infrastructure, preserving its invaluable resources, and digitizing rare publications to ensure global access and future self-sustainability.

A Night of Cultural Celebration

The launch event was a sensory delight. Renowned percussion maestro Bickram Ghosh headlined the evening with a live concert celebrating 25 years of fusion music and previewing his latest album, Rhythmscape 2.0. Accompanied by a stellar ensemble, including Pt. S. Sekhar on mridangam and Abhishek Mallick on electric sitar, Ghosh’s performance left the audience spellbound.

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Adding to the artistic fervor, celebrated artist Shuvaprasanna created a live painting synchronized with the tabla beats, embodying the spirit of ‘Chaitanya’ - awakening and knowledge. The unveiling of the Chaitanya Heritage Baithakkhana, a beautifully curated space, brought the library’s legacy to life, offering a glimpse into the vision of the initiative.

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Voices of Inspiration

Shuvaprasanna expressed his admiration, saying, “This priceless heritage, housing over 1 lakh books and 25,000 journals, deserved to be preserved for generations to come. The Calcutta Heritage Collective's initiative is truly commendable.”

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Bickram Ghosh added, “Preserving Kolkata’s rich heritage is a cause close to my heart. It was an honor to perform and support this noble initiative.”

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Founder Trustee Mukul Agarwal remarked, “The Chaitanya Library stands as a symbol of Kolkata’s intellectual and cultural legacy. Restoring its past glory is a monumental task, but we are committed to making it a hub of learning and inspiration for generations to come.”

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A Call to Action

The Chaitanya Library restoration initiative is more than a preservation effort; it is a movement to safeguard Kolkata’s cultural soul. The trustees - Gaurav Gupta, Munish Jhajharia, Dr. Rupali Basu, and Sangeeta Dudhoria - invite individuals, organizations, and institutions to join hands in this transformative endeavor.

About Calcutta Heritage Collective
Calcutta Heritage Collective is a voluntary initiative dedicated to the restoration, revival, and reuse of Kolkata’s built heritage. Through events, heritage walks, and educational programs, the organization works to inspire action and create awareness about preserving the city’s historical treasures.

For more details, visit www.calcuttaheritagecollective.com.


Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style with Troopr’s Luxe In-Home Services in Mumbai

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style with Troopr’s Luxe In-Home Services in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

This Mother’s Day, skip the usual and celebrate with a touch of luxury—right in the comfort of your home. With Troopr, Mumbai’s revolutionary in-home service app, families can now pamper their moms with unforgettable experiences curated by top-notch professionals. Whether it's a private feast, cocktail soirée, or elegant brunch, Troopr helps create lasting memories with zero stress.

The app offers a variety of premium services that are just a tap away, including:

A Private Chef Experience: Leave the cooking to the pros! Troopr connects you with skilled chefs who whip up everything from spicy Maharashtrian thalis to creamy Italian pastas, all tailored to your mom’s taste and freshly prepared in your own kitchen.

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Female Bartenders for Glamorous Toasts: Add a splash of fun and elegance with Troopr’s talented female bartenders who serve up refreshing mocktails and custom cocktails. It’s the perfect way to raise a toast to mom with style and sparkle.

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Professional Servers: Enjoy the party without the usual host duties. Troopr’s servers manage everything from food and drink service to post-party clean-up, ensuring your Mother’s Day event runs like a dream.

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Show-Stopping Grazing Tables: Impress your guests with an artisanal grazing table filled with cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, and sweet treats. It’s an Instagram-worthy spread that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

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With Troopr, planning a celebration that feels personal and luxurious is easier than ever. Simply download the app, choose your services, and create a Mother’s Day your mom will cherish forever.

Celebrate love, elegance, and effortless hosting with Troopr this Mother’s Day—and turn your home into the city’s most heartwarming celebration spot.


Gift Her the Ultimate Escape This Mother’s Day with ELIVAAS Luxury Villas

Gift Her the Ultimate Escape This Mother’s Day with ELIVAAS Luxury Villas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

This Mother’s Day, step beyond traditional gifts and offer something she’ll never forget—an escape into serenity, elegance, and effortless joy. With ELIVAAS, you’re not just giving a stay—you’re giving her an experience where every moment is made for her.

Imagine your mom waking up to birdsong in the hills of Kasauli or sipping tea with a view of the serene waters in North Goa. Whether she seeks stillness or adventure, ELIVAAS’s handpicked luxury villas across India let her choose how she wants to spend her special day.

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Each villa is more than a destination—it’s a retreat of warmth and wonder. With private pools, peaceful gardens, candlelit dinners, yoga sessions, and curated experiences, everything is tailored to give her the pampering she deserves.

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Why ELIVAAS is the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift:

  • Exclusive Villas – Ultimate privacy and space to create cherished family memories.

  • Unbeatable Locations – From lush hills to coastal retreats, discover hidden gems across India.

  • Personalized Touches – From morning yoga to surprise cake arrangements, it’s all about her.

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Where Will You Whisk Her Away?

Choose from ELIVAAS’s exquisite destinations: Alibaug | Dehradun | Delhi NCR | Jaipur | Kasauli | Lonavala | Mussoorie | Nainital | North Goa | Rishikesh | Shimla | Udaipur

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Each one a canvas for memories that will last forever. Let her experience a Mother’s Day as extraordinary and beautiful as she is. Book her perfect escape now, Because she deserves nothing less than the magic of time, tranquillity, and togetherness.


Muscat Grand Mall Partners with SRED to Launch "Little India" as Cultural and Retail Anchor in GCC

Muscat Grand Mall Partners with SRED to Launch "Little India" as Cultural and Retail Anchor in GCC

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2025

Muscat Grand Mall, a premier destination under the Tilal Development Company, has partnered with SRED to launch "Little India" as its new social anchor—a vibrant hub showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture, cuisine, fashion, and heritage. This strategic move sets the stage for Indian brands looking to expand in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, leveraging Oman’s central location and the growing demand for curated international retail experiences.

Mr. Ali Hosni, Acting CEO/General Manager of Muscat Grand Mall, shared his excitement about the initiative:

"Muscat Grand Mall has always been a canvas for innovation and cultural expression. With ‘Little India’, we are not just creating a retail space—we are creating a bridge between India and the GCC. This is an invitation for Indian brands to be part of a regional success story, backed by strong footfall, premium infrastructure, and a rising consumer base in Oman."

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Shriram PM Monga, Co-founder of SRED, emphasized the broader impact:

"‘Little India’ is more than a commercial concept—it’s a social ecosystem designed to serve the large Indian community in Oman and the wider Gulf. It’s a unique opportunity for Indian brands to plug into a culturally aligned audience, celebrate India abroad, and grow in a region that values authenticity and diversity."

The "Little India" initiative will serve as a permanent cultural anchor within Muscat Grand Mall, offering Indian brands a tailored platform to connect with both resident and tourist consumers in Oman. Fashion labels, food concepts, home décor brands, and artisanal businesses from India will now have a dedicated space to showcase their offerings to an expanding and receptive market.

SRED’s expertise in regional retail development will assist Indian brands with strategic onboarding through customized leasing programs, cultural programming, and integrated marketing initiatives to ensure their long-term success in the region.

Indian brands interested in exploring retail expansion in the GCC are encouraged to connect with representatives from Muscat Grand Mall and SRED to learn how they can be part of this unique cultural and commercial initiative.

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