The cultural organisation Robir Kiran celebrated a significant milestone, completing a decade of artistic endeavours, with a memorable event at one of Kolkata's premier venues. The celebration unfolded at the Satyajit Ray Auditorium within the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), drawing a packed audience eager to witness the special programme.
A Soulful Opening with Cinematic Tagore
The evening commenced on a deeply emotive note with a solo presentation by Sayantani Gupta, the founder and creative director of Robir Kiran. Her performance, titled "Rabi—Chitte—Cholocchitre", was not just a musical recital but a curated journey through the works of Rabindranath Tagore. Gupta expertly showcased how the poet's songs have been interpreted and immortalised in Indian cinema.
The selection highlighted the use of Tagore's music by legendary filmmakers like Ritwik Ghatak and Satyajit Ray, as well as by contemporary directors. This bridge between classic literature and visual storytelling left a profound impact on everyone present, connecting them to a rich heritage of Bengali art and culture.
Launch of Akhand Geetabitan's Fifth Phase
The second segment of the anniversary function was dedicated to the launch of the fifth phase of Akhand Geetabitan (Audio–Visual). This project saw a prestigious inauguration by a panel of distinguished personalities. The ceremony was graced by Swami Suparnananda Maharaj, Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, Subhojit Roy, Debashish Saha, and Sukomal Gupta.
This launch signifies Robir Kiran's ongoing commitment to preserving and propagating the vast musical repertoire of Rabindranath Tagore through modern audio-visual formats, ensuring its accessibility for future generations.
A Grand Finale: Gitanjali with a Japanese Twist
The celebratory evening reached its crescendo with a unique performance titled "Jāpane Gītāñjali". This concluding act was presented by the students of Robir Kiran, demonstrating the institution's role in nurturing young talent. The performance was a multifaceted presentation that beautifully blended several art forms.
It featured musical renditions by the ensemble, evocative narration by Debashis Basu, and expressive dance movements performed by the Urmila Bhowmick Cultural Troupe. This innovative interpretation of Tagore's Gitanjali, through a Japanese lens, provided a fitting and grand finale to a night dedicated to cultural fusion and artistic excellence.
The 10th-anniversary event successfully highlighted Robir Kiran's journey and its dedication to creating meaningful cultural dialogues. By honouring the past through Tagore, Ghatak, and Ray while embracing new interpretations and launching forward-looking projects, the organisation has firmly established its place in Kolkata's vibrant cultural landscape.
