Kolkata Nivedita Shakti Celebrates its 13th Annual Day with Grandeur and Purpose
With the joy of the West Bengal chapter of Shakti – Kolkata Nivedita Shakti ( KNS) turning a teenager, the members, students along with renowned academicians and scientists came together in celebration. The 13th Annual Day of KNS in association with CSIR Jigyasa programme was held at the Dr. J.C. Roy Auditorium, Kolkata on 12th June 2024.
 
On this merry occasion, the event was graced by eminent personalities like the Chief Guest Padma Shri awardee Dr. Narayan Chakraborty, Guest of Honour – Director CSIR – Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Professor Vibha Tandon, and special guest Dr. Chandrima Shaha, J. C. Bose Institute, distinguished professor.
 
As KNS has always believed in the cultural integrity and power of Bhartiya traditions in their organisation, on this auspicious day, the event began with chanting of the Vedas, starting with the Prarthana mantras, which created a solemn and reverent atmosphere, performed by Lily Biswas, Reeta Bhattacharya and Soma Ray.
 
Professor Sampa Das, President of KNS delivered the welcome speech, where she introduced KNS as the state level unit of Shakti, an initiative by Vijnana Bharati, and the idea behind KNS which is to work for the upliftment of girl child and underprivileged women by education, science and cultural endeavours. She also expressed gratitude towards Professor Vibha Tandon for giving the platform for celebrating the event.
 
Then Dr. Reeta Bhattacharya, National Vice President of Shakti, stood at the dias narrating the journey of KNS . She emphasised on the Mission, Vision of the organisation. Science, Technology and Value based education for girls and women in local communities. The values of the organisation – team work, cooperation, accessibility. And what makes KNS indispensable is that it’s accessible to each and every strata of the society. Inclusive and equitable, for addressing a wide range of issues and problems and unwavering in their commitment. She also elaborated on the various projects of KNS like Vijnanika Shakti Vipnet, science club for girls, village development, e- shakti, science festival, Yuva Shakti Abhiyan, publication – Prama, the national Shakti publication and Gyanada, the KNS publication along with the important dates celebrated by KNS. Dr Anuja Dutta explained about the working of Vijnanika Shakti Vipnet in encouraging girl students for taking up scientific and scholarly pursuits and endeavours.
This was followed by honouring the distinguished guests Vibha Tandon , Professor Prabir Das, Narayan Chakraborty, Dr Sumit Guha, Chandrima Shaha with mementos.
Dr. Sumit Guha recounted the story of Swami Vivekananda and Jamshedji Tata, and how Sister Nivedita played a prominent role in setting up the IISC Bangalore. He also explained interesting scientific phenomena we see around in daily life but often ignore, what we can learn from his interest and novel explanation of the phenomenon is that science is everywhere around us.
Vibha Tandon, Director CSIR – IICB delivered a brief speech on CSIR JIGYASA , it’s mission and objectives.
The program got a touch of academic learning with the address by Dr. Narayan Chakraborty, President, Vivekananda Vijanan Mission, on Arsenic toxicity and health hazards and its remedy through neutraceuticals. He explained about the sources, effects and causes of arsenic toxicity, and how it affects the different organs and systems of the human body. He elucidated on the treatment procedures and how it’s rarely followed in South Asian countries. Dr Chakraborty stressed on the use of natural products and antioxidants readily available to us that can combat arsenic contamination like tea leaves, oak bark, fruits, vegetables, natural oil like olive oil, jaggery, honey, functional foods, herbal extracts, like garlic, turmeric, etc. and other novel therapeutic strategies which are more affordable and accessible.
Dr Tapalina Bhattasali assistant professor from St. Xavier’s College paid tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar on her 300th Birth Anniversary, by recounting her inspiring story. The history of Ahilyabai Holkar taught us about how women even in the ancient times when they had little agency of their own, but still fought for their motherland, their culture and contributed to society in whichever way possible.
Dr. Snehasikta Swarnakar delivered the vote of thanks after the first part of the program.
The cultural program was organised by students and members of Vijnanika shakti, which included singing of Rabindra Sangeet, Bangla poem recitation, and dance performance on Rabindra Sangeet. The students shined brightly with their performances filled with determination, passion and excitement for the event. Not only with science and technology, but these girls wish to offer innovative ideas to the society with their cultural pursuits too.
Then came the mind bending magic show called Science and Fun demonstrated by Dr. Indu Bhushan Deb, which included experiments of heavy water and liquid nitrogen, the tricks were enthusiastically enjoyed by the students followed by a round of QnA by the curious students in the audience. Dr Deb too was felicitated at the end of his act.
The cultural program ended with the melodious and outstanding display of artistic performances – Rabindra Manase Narishakti as directed by Mrs. Gopa de. It ranged from singing of Rabindra Sangeet to performing on Chitrangada and Chandalika and a skit adapted from ‘ Streer Potro’. The performances showcased Rabindranath Thakur’s perspective of women and how he always upheld the image of an empowered woman through his poems, songs and plays. And that’s what KNS believes in, empowering women so that they can be self – reliant and can make their mark in the nation. Let’s not forget that those who performed were scientists and scholars,but wish to give back to society and wish to make other women and girls capable of doing magnificent things.
Dr Sarita Ghosh, Jigyasa Nodal – CSIR – IICB, concluded the program with a vote of thanks.
The joyous and elated members, the students and volunteers gathered for a group photo where their smiling faces signified the success of the Annual Day celebration of KNS. With this program they envisioned their promise and commitment they’ve continued towards all the women and girls, for their empowerment. With more energy and new endeavors underway, KNS begins the journey of another year full of dedication towards their mission, and vision, of uplifting disadvantaged women and girls in the society.
