Past EventsKolkata

The Ladies Study Group (LSG) presented a thought-provoking and artistically rich afternoon titled “Girls Are Coming Out of the Woods”—a unique convergence of poetry, dance, and dialogue led by acclaimed poet, writer, and dancer Tishani Doshi. Held at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity, this exclusive, by-invitation-only event witnessed a powerful and immersive performance that bridged literature, movement, and social critique.

The session began with Tishani Doshi elocuting select pieces from her body of work—poems that vividly explored themes of womanhood, identity, trauma, and resilience. Each poem was then embodied through movement as she transitioned seamlessly into expressive dance performances. With striking physicality and lyrical strength, Doshi brought her words alive, making the audience not just hear but feel the layered emotional and psychological landscapes of her narratives. Her performance transformed the stage into a space of healing, confrontation, and collective reflection.

Following the performance, Ina Puri—renowned arts commentator, writer, and curator—moderated an intimate and insightful conversation with Doshi. The dialogue spanned themes central to Doshi’s work: the persistent violence—both visible and invisible—that women endure in society, and the lingering impacts this has on the body and the psyche. Doshi reflected on how women carry and negotiate trauma, and how creative expression—especially performance—becomes a vital space for reclaiming voice and agency.

She spoke with quiet intensity about the status of women in contemporary society, underscoring the internal and external battles they face daily. Her reflections on how cultural narratives often silence or obscure female pain were both personal and universal, urging the audience to consider the power of storytelling and embodied performance as acts of resistance and reclamation.

As the programme drew to a close, Ritu Almal took the stage to deliver the Vote of Thanks. With warmth and eloquence, she expressed deep appreciation to Tishani Doshi for her evocative performance and courageous storytelling, to Ina Puri for steering the conversation with empathy and depth, and to the audience for engaging so wholeheartedly with the experience. Her words reflected the collective resonance in the room and the impact of an event that moved both heart and mind.

Curated with care under the leadership of Richa Agarwal, President of the Ladies Study Group (2025–26), the session exemplified the LSG’s ongoing commitment to presenting intellectually and emotionally resonant programming that empowers thought and inspires action.

On 23rd July, The Ladies Study Group hosted an insightful and transformative workshop titled “Lead Your Own Change” featuring Dr Tatwamasi Dixit, a distinguished advisor to leading family businesses, at PALA, ITC. This exclusive, invitation-only event explored the nuanced dynamics of family-run enterprises, with particular emphasis on individual purpose, leadership, and the evolving role of women within such structures.

Dr Dixit opened the session by invoking the powerful symbol of Ardhanaareeshwara, drawing parallels between divine balance and the necessity for equilibrium in family businesses. He connected this idea to the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang, underscoring the significance of both feminine energy (Shakti) and masculine structures in sustaining family and enterprise alike. In his view, the longevity of a family business depends on maintaining balance—not just between business and family needs, but also in acknowledging the role of both the patriarch and matriarch.

One of the central themes of the workshop was perpetuity—not merely as a generational handover but as a continuum rooted in values and purpose. Dr Dixit challenged the audience to consider whether their families viewed the business as a collective legacy or the responsibility of a single successor. He advocated for greater clarity, especially when the next generation feels compelled to participate in the business solely due to birth rather than choice.

A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the challenges women face in family businesses. Dr Dixit presented Indian statistics that revealed the underrepresentation and undervaluation of women in these roles. He highlighted issues such as male succession bias, the invisibility of women’s contributions, and the societal hesitation in recognising their leadership capabilities. Despite their innate financial prudence and commitment, many women remain unthanked and unseen. However, as age-old traditions give way to contemporary legal rights, a slow but sure shift is underway.

He introduced the Four Circle Model, describing the four interdependent dimensions of a family business: Ownership, Business, Family, and Individual. He emphasised the need for balance among these “wheels”, likening them to the structure of a car—disproportion in any one area can cause derailment. The model served as a framework for key principles such as stewardship, profitability, entrepreneurship, inclusion, and harmony.

The session featured several thought-provoking activities. In the first, participants were asked to reflect on which of the four circles currently dominated their family business, and which one required more attention. They were then invited to draw their own version of the four-circle diagram, facilitating a personal roadmap for change.

Another empowering segment encouraged participants to define themselves using a set of adjectives—an introspective exercise titled “Who Am I?”—to help clarify personal identity within the family and business ecosystem. This was followed by an exploration of the concepts of Platform and Purpose, and how their alignment determines whether one is a consumer, survivor, legacy builder, or path breaker.

A culminating exercise asked attendees to consider deeper questions about their life’s purpose: How do you wish to be remembered? What legacy do you aspire to leave? This guided the audience from personal introspection towards a broader systemic perspective, weaving the thread from self to system with purpose as the guiding principle.

The following served as interesting take aways from the session:

1. Dr Dixit redefined commonly accepted labels such as introvert and extrovert, encouraging participants to look beyond behavioural stereotypes and instead understand individual roles in the context of family systems and purpose.

2. The workshop challenged traditional notions of love, reframing it as an active force of stewardship, contribution, and alignment within the family business - far beyond emotional attachment.

3. Identity was explored as a dynamic and evolving concept, not fixed by roles or relationships but shaped by purpose, self-awareness, and one's contribution to the collective.

4. Participants were urged to stop confusing proximity with connection—physical presence does not guarantee emotional or strategic alignment in a family enterprise.

5. The concept of choice was given great importance—particularly for the next generation—highlighting that being born into a business family does not automatically mandate participation in the business.

6. Dr Dixit emphasised the importance of reflective leadership—that real transformation begins with self-inquiry before structural or organisational change.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr Rupali Basu, acknowledging the profound insights shared by Dr Dixit and the thoughtful participation of all attendees.

The Ladies Study Group (LSG) of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata, embarked on a memorable delegation to Bhutan—an enriching journey of cultural discovery, leadership dialogue, and cross-border connection. Led by President Ms. Richa Agarwal, the visit reflected LSG’s 2025–26 theme, “Lead the Change”.

Over the course of two days, the group experienced Bhutan’s unique blend of tradition and mindful living—beginning with a traditional welcome, a walk through the Takin Preserve, and an insightful visit to the Royal Textile Academy. They explored heritage sites like the Great Buddha Dordenma and witnessed local craftsmanship at the handmade paper factory, all while engaging with Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual richness.

A key highlight of the visit was a meeting with the Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, who discussed mentorship opportunities between LSG members and young Bhutanese entrepreneurs, and encouraged Indo-Bhutan collaboration in business and knowledge exchange.

The trip was hosted with great warmth by Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela and Mrs. Namrata Dalela, who facilitated meaningful dialogue and cultural connection through special receptions at the Indian Embassy.

As Ms. Agarwal noted in her address, this journey was not just an external exploration but an internal one—into a nation where progress is measured not by GDP but by Gross National Happiness. The LSG returned inspired, with new friendships, ideas, and partnerships that reflect the spirit of shared growth and purpose.

In a world seeking deeper meaning and inner peace, the president of Ladies Study Group Mrs Richa Agarwal, was deeply honoured to host an enlightening and transformative session with two of India’s most revered spiritual leaders HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati ji and Pujya Bhagawati Saraswati Ji from Parmath Niketan Rishikesh.

This event took place on the 26th of June at ITC Sonar Bangla bringing together members of Lsg seeking to explore the profound intersection between spirituality and religiousness.

Pujya Swamiji is the spiritual head and president of Parmath Niketan Ashram. He embraced a life of renunciation and has been guided by the motto “ in the service of god and humanity “ from a very young age. Swamiji is a powerful voice for interfaith dialogue, women’s empowerment and peace building.

Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji is also a globally respected author and speaker deeply rooted in the ancient wisdom of India. Sadhviji has a PhD from Stanford, and through her teachings has helped thousands connect with their true selves.

Anchoring the session with his trademark clarity and insight was Anand Narasimhan, a seasoned journalist, thought leader and eloquent communicator. He is the senior anchor at CNN News 18 with deep respect for Indian tradition and a keen curiosity about spirituality. Anand brought balance and depth to the conversation.

The event began with swamijis deep soft melodious voice chanting a prayer and taking the audience into a meditative state. As the last notes faded we were explained the meaning of a religious person. He urged us to stop thinking about “I” and to think about “We”. He said when I becomes We Illness becomes Wellness and religion is the journey from I to We. Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji spoke about Dharma and how it teaches us to love our families and follow our sanskaars.

While Sadhvijis explanation of Sanatan Dharma opened our eyes to the eternal order of life, encouraging us to live in harmony, truth and compassion, Swamiji went on to explain the term Adhyatma and how we must all work on our inner selves to be peaceful and happy. He shared…“ engage yourself in Karma, under the shade of Dharma with the awareness of Brahma ”.

Together they reminded us that spirituality is not confined to rituals or religion, but is a lived experience one of love service and unity and how meditation is the only way to stay composed and grounded.

This special event ended with a very warm vote of thanks by Mrs Enu Bala the vice president of Ladies Study Group.

Over the course of two rich and reflective afternoons, "The Alchemy of Clay" brought together participants eager to explore not just ceramic techniques, but the inner landscapes shaped by creative engagement. Led by acclaimed ceramic artist Falguni Bhatt, the workshop offered an immersive introduction to sculpting expressive ceramic heads — from structure to surface decoration — in an environment that encouraged experimentation and mindfulness.

The session began with a warm welcome and introductory remarks by the President of the Ladies Study Group, who set the tone with a message that was as grounding as it was inspiring. She spoke of the workshop not as a pursuit of technical perfection but as a means of reconnecting with one's intuition, stillness, and the elemental power of earth. In her words: "Clay asks us to be patient, be present, and sometimes even playful... it allows us to lead the change — taking full control and responsibility of how we choose to shape it." She introduced Falguni Bhatt as not just a ceramicist, but a storyteller and nurturer, whose deeply personal art "doesn't shout; it invites." The President also acknowledged Ambica, who was unable to attend due to the joyful milestone of becoming a grandmother, and shared that a video message prepared by her would be played for the participants.

Enu Bala delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, capturing the emotional texture of the two days. She expressed deep appreciation to Falguni Bhatt for her gentle, intuitive facilitation, which allowed participants to discover new dimensions of creativity. Enu acknowledged the President's inspirational leadership and made sure that her closing words resonated with gratitude, reflection, and a hope for more such soulful encounters through the Ladies Study Group.

Day One focused on hand-building the human head — beginning with basic forms and gradually moving to facial features and expressive texture. Using clay tools, found objects, and even their own fingers, participants explored proportion, stylisation, and surface exploration with playful curiosity.

Day Two allowed for refinement — from smoothing and joining to painting with underglazes and coloured slips. Participants learned to use brushes, sponges, and even fingertips to bring out tonal variation and emotional depth in their work. The session closed with a discussion on the firing process, tying together the ephemeral nature of touch with the permanence of clay once fired.

In a candid and inspiring conversation with Sabina Rungta and Devina Salarpuria, Shalini Passi shared her journey marked by curiosity, creativity and inner resilience. She spoke of her passion for knowledge which became her foundation for making meaningful connections across diverse fields like art, architecture and culture.

Her love for art has been a constant and her journey as a collector began organically through personal interest in the works and stories of artists she admired.

Addressing perceptions of glamour, she shared that she has shaved her head a couple of times and didn't wear any jewellery for nearly a decade. Her wardrobe of only black and white during that period was a statement of clarity and detachment.

Ending on a note of strength and compassion, she emphasised that she believes in choosing peace over retaliation. For her, real power lies in restraint and grace.

The Ladies Study Group commenced its 2025 - 2026 season under the leadership of President Mrs Richa Agarwal with an enlightening event titled “Food for Thought“ with renowned nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, India’s best selling health author and her mother, Professor Rekha Diwekar, a heritage food expert and a promoter of Kitchen Chemistry. The talk was moderated by Mrs Richa Agarwal and Ms Chikki Sarkar, a prominent Indian publisher and founder of Juggernaut Books.

Rujuta, celebrated for her advocacy of traditional Indian dietary practices and Prof Rekha Diwekar, engaged the audience in a thought provoking discussion on the science and culture of food, advocating the importance of embracing local, seasonal foods and the wisdom embedded in India’s culinary heritage.

Rujuta’s sense of humour was a big part of the evening making her so engaging and relatable and she often used everyday analogies to break down complex nutrition myths and challenging fad diets.

This event set an empowering tone for LSG’s new term, aligning with Mrs Agarwal’s vision to foster knowledge sharing and cultural appreciation.

At the end of the event each member went home with a signed copy of Rujuta’s latest book ‘The Commonsense Diet’.