CREATIVITY IS PIERCING THE MUNDANE TO FIND THE MARVELLOUS. - BILL MOYERS
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
Unwrapping Santa: Myths, Magic, and Modern Legend
Santa Claus, the jolly figure of Christmas cheer, has a history as fine as the season itself! Our next Friday Evening Special uncovers the origins of Santa, his famous helpers, and the truth behind Coca-Colaโs role in shaping his image.
A festive blend of history, myth, and wonder awaits!
(For members only)
Life on the High Seas: A Glimpse into Maritime Adventures
Set sail into the fascinating world of seafaring with Capt. Rajat Marwaha. With close to 20 years of sailing with the merchant navy, he shares stories of his life at sea, encounters with pirates and marine life, and navigating by the stars. Don’t miss this captivating evening!
(For members only)
PAST EVENTS
Timeless Textures: Cyanotype, Batik, and Shibori in Focus
With his background in art history, photography, and science, Dr Santanu Chakraborty presented our members with a comprehensive history of cyanotype photography and the traditional printing forms of batik and shibori. Our elders were fascinated by his references to ancient cave paintings and the earliest printing methods, and how these historical influences continue to shape artistic practices today. Members travelling to Santiniketan with us in January 2025, where they will attend a workshop led by Dr Chakraborty, showed a keen interest in explored these methods further. Meanwhile, others, such as our member Ms M. Ghosh, who will not be able to travel with us, requested us to arrange such workshops in the city. We are hopeful that we can arrange such workshops in the city soon to ensure all members have the opportunity to engage with these fascinating techniques!
Beyond the Visible: The Secrets of Dark Matter
Dr. S. Adhikariโs fascinating talk transported us from the confines of our rooms to the far-flung corners of the universe. Through computer simulations and models of cosmological structures, our members explored the mysteries of distant galaxies. Insightful questions posed by our members demonstrated that some of them stay up-to-date with the latest research in astrophysics. Dr. Adhikari thoughtfully suggested further reading materials. Even after the event had ended, we continued to receive messages; Ms. K. Basu thanked us for a “very interesting talk” and requested that the reading list be messaged to her on her phone.
Understanding AI: Tools for Everyday Life
The best part of this event was the immense curiosity of our seniors. The attendance was overwhelming! We asked ChatGPT to write an essay on Tagore, then requested the AI chatbot to translate it into Bengali. It even composed a letter describing the great poet to a relative. Mr. Debanjan Dhar provided valuable insights on how our members could integrate AI and ChatGPT into their daily lives. He was also adept at handling the numerous questions that came his way. Some of our members had an extra device next to them as they tried out ChatGPT themselves! As the session drew to a close, the demands for a similar event came thick and fast. Ms. B. Chatterji said, โThis is exactly the kind of training we need. With similar sessions, we will be able to keep up with the latest technology!โ
SE Clubs
NURTURING AND SHARING THE JOY POETRY BRINGS
"The crown of literature is poetry" - W. Somerset Maugham
Our poetry-loving members meet every week to enjoy the beauty of the verse. While some enjoy reciting poems by well-known poets, there are others who pen poems and are thrilled to dig out their long-lost poemsโpoems that they had thought had lost their value over the years. But we know that good poetry is perennial.
Watch TrailerCome and join us to express your love for poetry every Thursday. Time: 5 p.m.ย to 6 p.m.
TOGETHERNESS AND CAMARADERIE
Storytelling and connecting are the essence of ‘Adda’ or ‘Gupshupp’ as we call it. For our Gupshupp Club members, it is a time of unadulterated fun when they delve into their memories of yore or are in splits over someone else’s story or talk on pre-decided topics or even sing songs. The feeling of togetherness and camaraderie is what makes them look forward to each meet.
Members have discussions on pre-decided topics, chosen by all participants, the previous week.
Watch TrailerCome join us every Tuesday on Google Meet. Time: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Be Lit!
Organised every Monday 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., the SE-Lit Club members have a most enjoyable time discussing different genres of literature in different languages, the culture and ethos of different cities, mythology and much more.
Watch TrailerCome and join our SE Lit Club every Monday
Time: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Let Your Hearts Sing!
Our Antakshari club members enjoy singing mixed with fun! They have to sing songs based on given prompts and retro movie clips or instrumental music is played and members need to identify the songs, the lyricist, music directors, the singers and so on.Watch Trailer
Join these exciting sessions to brighten up your Monday mornings from 4:45 p.m. to 5.45 p.m and enjoy your Tuesday evenings from 4:45 p.m. to 5.45 p.m
When Music is the Food of Life
Organised every Wednesday 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. members love singing songs of their choiceโdifferent languages, from films and otherwise, Rabindra sangeet, Nazrul geeti, Bhojpuri, folksongs and so on.
Watch Trailer
Organised every Wednesday from 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.