Posted on 27 July 2025:

Celebrating Women in Folk Culture: National Conference in Kolkata Highlights Dance, Research and Legacy

On 25th July 2025, the heart of Bengal’s folk heritage pulsed with renewed energy at the “One Day National Level Conference on Women in Folk Culture, Research & Illustration.” 

Held at Mangalalok Auditorium, Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women in Dakshineswar, Kolkata, the event gathered students, scholars, performers and cultural enthusiasts. 

Women in Folk Culture: A Tribute to Tradition and Scholarship

The International Seminar on Women in Folk Culture: Research & Illustration brought together hearts and minds devoted to preserving India’s vibrant folk legacy. Organized by Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women, Dakshineswar, in collaboration with the Academy of Folklore, Kolkata—institutions dedicated to nurturing artistic traditions and empowering women in the cultural sphere, the event marked a celebration of women’s roles in sustaining  traditions and culture across generations.

The International Seminar was inaugurated with scholarly grace. Prof. Souren Bandyopadhyay chaired the opening session, Dr. Soma Ghosh, Principal of Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women delivered the welcome address, and Prof. Dr. Pallab Sengupta presented the keynote address.

In a moment of honor and gratitude, the seminar received a prestigious recognition from the revered Professor Dr. Pallab Sengupta, whose presence elevated the gathering with wisdom and warmth.

The second session opened a thoughtful dialogue on ‘Female in Folk Literature,’ led by Dr. Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, former Secretary of Sahitya Akademi (Eastern India), with rich perspectives shared by Dr. Santanu Bhattacharyya and Dr. Munmun Chatterjee.

The third session unfolded with rhythm and grace—on ‘Women in Folk Culture: Dance, Drama & Music,’ chaired by Dr. Minakshi Sinha, celebrated educator and actress. Insights flowed from Dr. Chandramalli Sengupta on Drama, Dr. Mananjali Bandyopadhyay on Music, and Prof. Dr. Mahua Mukherjee on Dance

A luminous highlight was the special lecture-demonstration by Prof. Dr. Mahua Mukherjee, Ex Dean of Rabindra Bharati University and founder of Gaudiya Nitya Bharati. Her session on “Women in Folk Dance” offered rare insights into the emotional, historical and social layers of feminine expression through movement. 

With engaging conversations and rich visual demonstrations, the conference explored how women have shaped, preserved and performed folk narratives across regions. 

In an atmosphere steeped in reverence and cultural pride, Prof. Dr. Mahua Mukherjee—Ex Dean of Rabindra Bharati University and visionary behind Gaudiya Nitya Bharati—was honored with deep admiration during the seminar. Her lifelong contribution to Indian classical dance and folk heritage was acknowledged with a prestigious accolade,  bestowed by the distinguished Professor Dr. Pallab Sengupta.

Images: Dr Mahua Mukherjee