The much-awaited 'Indo-Bangladesh Hello Kolkata Awards' was held with great fanfare on 28th June eve at Calcutta Press Club amidst a constellation of talents from both sides of Bengal. But the universal cheers, and the loudest ones, were rightfully reserved for a heart-touching group performance by differently-abled children.
"Not everything was perfect, but their honest and sincere attempt is the best take-away of this glittering eve," remarked Asish Basak, Editor-Director, 'Hello Kolkata' and gracious host for the transnational cultural fiesta.
'Hello Kolkata Excellence Award' --'Indo-Bangladesh Maitri Sammanana' was presented to the great achievers of 'Opar Bangla' (Bangladesh), Mohammad Enamul Haque (Eminent Businessman & Social Activist), singer Sanam Sumi and Zakir Hossain Khan (Eminent Socio-Cultural Motivator).
The Awards ceremony was jointly hosted by 'Apu Siksha o Paribesh Unnayan Foundation' (a front-line NGO of Bangladesh) and 'Hello Kolkata' (3D News, Events & Films). The program beneficiary was a host of talented yet differently-abled children who are being promoted by Ms. Jharna Sarkar, President of the Bangladeshi NGO.
The special guests included Prof. Sujit Bose (ex-VC, Biswabharati University), Sandhi Mukherjee (IPS, ex-DM of Hooghly), Parimal Malakar (Naval officer), actresses Jayashree Khara & Boby Mondal, poets Sanchita Chakrabarti, Lopamudra Sarkar & Reetwika Banerjee, magician Somnath, table expert Syamantak Mishra, Yoga-Guru Chandan Das, Apu Sarkar, Nirjhar & others.
Special appreciation mementos from 'Hello Kolkata' were handed over to the Bangladeshi NGO President Ms. Jharna Sarkar and Mr. Haripada Sarkar, Secretary of the NGO, for their tireless work for 'Epar o Opar Bangla Maitri Samprasaran' (Propagation of Socio-Cultural Harmony between the 2 Bengals).
Award-winning Bangladeshi singer Sanam Sumi enthralled the audience with two superlative renditions, while the esteemed Awardee Zakir Hossain Khan (himself a veteran of 33 years of continued self-less service for the differently-abled) pledged his life-long support for the noble cause of socio-cultural welfare.
On behalf of 'Hello Kolkata', Asish Basak announced that soon a cross-border cultural fiesta will be held in 3 cities of Bangladesh, with full support of Ms. Jharna Sarkar, President - 'Apu Siksha o Paribesh Unnayan Foundation'.
Youngsters Nini, Devsmita, Suman, Pravin & Sukanya did wonderful coordination for the Press Club program.
