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.


Sussanne Khan Unveils ‘The Charcoal Project’ in Hyderabad

Sussanne Khan Unveils ‘The Charcoal Project’ in Hyderabad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 21, 2025

Celebrity designer Sussanne Khan has unveiled ‘The Charcoal Project’ (TCP) in Hyderabad, expanding her vision of luxury interior design. Since its inception in 2011, TCP has been at the forefront of curated home aesthetics, blending craftsmanship with storytelling. As the brand marks its 14th anniversary, Khan’s latest venture brings a unique design experience to Hyderabad, redefining the city's interiors landscape.

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This milestone project also features a creative collaboration with Gauri Khan Designs, adding an extra layer of elegance to the space. Sussanne and Gauri, both renowned figures in the design world, share a deep admiration for each other’s work. Their partnership brings a dedicated floor within TCP’s six-storey gallery, showcasing Gauri Khan’s signature aesthetics and celebrating a fusion of two pioneering design philosophies.

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imageSharing glimpses of the new store on Instagram, Sussanne expressed her excitement, referring to TCP Hyderabad as her “new baby.” She wrote, “Just a little sneak peek into our ‘World of Charcoal’. Looking forward to opening our doors to all of you on 27th February 2025.”

The Charcoal Project, Hyderabad, promises to be a game-changer in home furnishings, offering a meticulously curated retail experience. Partnering with Electronics Mart India Ltd (EMIL), this venture is set to become a landmark for design enthusiasts in the city.


Top 5 Arcade Gaming Zones to Visit for an Unforgettable Hangout with Friends

Top 5 Arcade Gaming Zones to Visit for an Unforgettable Hangout with Friends

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 19, 2025

Looking for the perfect place to challenge your friends, enjoy high-tech games, and make lasting memories? Whether you love VR gaming, bowling, racing simulators, or classic arcade fun, these top gaming zones have it all.

1. BLAAST - The Ultimate Entertainment Destination

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Blaast is a paradise for gaming enthusiasts, featuring a VR Free-Roam Area, cricket & golf simulators, arcade battles, pool tables, trampoline zones, and more. For thrill-seekers, the tallest rope course and high-tech gaming battles make for an intense challenge. With exciting attractions, Blaast guarantees non-stop fun.

Location: 2nd Floor, Entertainment Land Mall, Sector 83, Near Khirki Dhaula, Gurugram
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM

2. SMAAASH, Dwarka – The Ultimate Fun Destination

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SMAAASH is a perfect blend of virtual reality, bowling, racing simulators, and classic arcade games. Compete in Twilight Bowling, Air Hockey, or VR cricket and then unwind at the in-house café with your squad. It’s an ideal spot for a fun-filled day with friends.

Location: Vegas Mall, Dwarka, Delhi
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM

3. Timezone – Nostalgic & Modern Gaming Fun

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Timezone offers a mix of old-school and modern gaming experiences, from racing simulators and claw machines to VR adventures. With multiple locations across Delhi NCR, it’s a must-visit for an action-packed gaming session with friends.

Locations: Ambience Mall (Gurgaon & Vasant Kunj), Pacific Mall, Noida
Timings: 11 AM – 9:30 PM

4. Mastiii Zone – The Ultimate Play Zone

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Mastiii Zone in Grand Venice Mall, Greater Noida, is a massive gaming hub with over 150 attractions, including bowling, a shooting range, a haunted house, VR games, a trampoline park, and more. It also boasts India’s only indoor zipline (as claimed). Suitable for all age groups, Mastiii Zone offers an adventurous day out.

Location: Grand Venice Mall, Greater Noida
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM

5. Zoreko – Epic Hangout Destination

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Zoreko is the go-to place for an exciting hangout, featuring bowling, arcade games, VR experiences, dance-off stations, and a variety of delicious food. Known for its proprietary gamification technology, it includes bike racing simulators, motor racing, and go-karting tracks. Perfect for those who love gaming and adventure.

Location: Rajouri Garden, New Delhi
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM

These gaming zones offer thrilling experiences and exciting activities, making them the perfect destinations for a fun-filled day with friends and family.


Budget 2025: Tourism Sector Optimistic Amid Infrastructure Boost

Budget 2025: Tourism Sector Optimistic Amid Infrastructure Boost

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 14, 2025

Budget announcements set the economic direction for the year, shaping sectoral growth through taxation, incentives, and infrastructure investments. For the tourism and hospitality industry, the latest budget offers a strong push for infrastructure modernization, aiming to position India as a top-tier global travel destination.

Industry Insights on the Budget Impact

 Shylender Jindal, Managing Director, SKIL Travel:

"The budget’s focus on developing infrastructure and heritage circuits aligns with India's growing tourism ambitions. The rise of medical tourism, wellness retreats, and experiential travel presents immense opportunities. While the long-term outlook is promising, immediate relief measures like tax benefits and investment incentives would have been welcomed. Nevertheless, we are ready to align our strategies with evolving market conditions."

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 Louis D’souza, Director, Tamarind Global:

"Strengthening infrastructure and regional connectivity is a game-changer for tourism. Enhanced roadways, rail networks, and air routes will make even lesser-known destinations more accessible, unlocking new opportunities for domestic and international travelers. While these are positive steps, additional policy measures, such as GST reforms on hotel tariffs and incentives for sustainable tourism, could further accelerate growth. Still, recognizing tourism as a key economic driver is an encouraging move."

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 Prabhakar Kamat, Business Head, Red Dot Representations:

"The budget’s push for upgrading tourism infrastructure - especially in lesser-explored regions - is a step in the right direction. Making such destinations more accessible encourages travel diversification. However, for the hospitality sector to reach its full potential, policy reforms and financial incentives remain crucial. Sustainable tourism also needs stronger backing for long-term impact. If executed effectively, this budget could transform India's tourism industry."

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While the true impact of the budget unfolds over time, effective planning and adaptability will be key for businesses to leverage these policy shifts for sustained growth.

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