Celebrating Vasanta – India’s Heritage from Kashmir to Bengal

Kolkata, 12th March 2023 – Vasanta Utsav is celebrated to welcome the season of spring, symbolising renewal, joy, and the triumph of light and colour over the dullness of winter. It is also a time to celebrate India’s cultural richness and the eternal spirit of harmony.

Khola Hawa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organised a memorable cultural evening “Celebrating Vasanta” at the historic Indian Museum Central Courtyard, Kolkata. This initiative was part of the nationwide Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations and also carried forward the vision of India’s G20 Presidency. The event was designed to blend intellectual reflection, cultural dialogue, and inspiring music, with the central theme being “India’s Heritage: From Kashmir to Bengal.”

The event began with a soulful rendition of Vande Mataram by eminent singer Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta, which set a patriotic and devotional tone for the evening. Anupam Kher, veteran actor and theatre personality; Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, acclaimed filmmaker; Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal; and Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, renowned historian, writer, and parliamentarian  graced the evening with their participation and set the tone for intellectual, emotional, and deeply rooted in cultural pride.

The programme began with words of welcome by the organisers, introducing Khola Hawa as a socio cultural platform dedicated to fostering meaningful dialogues on India’s heritage, culture, and contemporary issues. This was followed by a series of talks that seamlessly combined personal narratives with reflections on national identity.

Anupam Kher captured the audience with his deeply personal storytelling. He shared anecdotes from his life — his family’s displacement as Kashmiri Pandits, his grandfather’s integrity in refusing bribes, and his own struggles as a young aspirant in Mumbai. Despite his hardships, including nights spent on railway platforms, he stressed the importance of honesty, resilience, and courage. With a moving reference to his father and grandfather, Kher declared, “A soaked man is never afraid of the rain.” Linking these values to his portrayal in The Kashmir Files, he underlined how cinema becomes a powerful medium to narrate untold stories of truth and suffering.

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, the director of The Kashmir Files, echoed this sentiment. He reminded the audience that films are not just entertainment but also instruments of cultural awakening. By retelling suppressed histories and giving voice to silenced communities, cinema can awaken a nation’s collective conscience. He emphasised that intellectual honesty and creative courage are essential in defending truth against denial and propaganda.

Dr. Swapan Dasgupta provided a historical and civilisational perspective. He highlighted how India’s unity lies in its cultural diversity — from Kashmir to Bengal, shared traditions, philosophies, and values bind the nation together. He called upon the younger generation and intellectuals to reclaim these narratives and resist distortions of history.

Suvendu Adhikari also reflected on India’s enduring resilience and the need for citizens to stand strong in safeguarding the nation’s civilisational identity.

The intellectual discussions were beautifully complemented by a musical presentation titled “Tunes of India.” Eminent artists Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta and Lagnajita Chakraborty mesmerised the audience with soulful performances. Their songs evoked the spirit of spring and showcased the timeless harmony of India’s musical traditions.

Celebrating Vasanta was not merely a cultural event, but a celebration of India’s resilience, heritage, and spirit of truth. It reminded the audience that the journey of India — from the struggles of displaced communities to the strength of cultural expression — is a shared story that binds generations. The evening ended on a high note of patriotism and cultural pride, leaving attendees inspired to carry forward the message of courage, unity, and heritage preservation.

The Programme ended with  vote of thanks by Shankudev Panda a dedicated member of Khola Hawa.