The Italian Consulate in Kolkata celebrated the Italian National Day on June 2 at the Crystal Banquet in Taj Bengal. The Consul General of Italy in Kolkata, Riccardo Dalla Costa, gave a speech to celebrate the day and emphasise the unity of the two countries — India and Italy. ‘The main reason to gather today is to celebrate this national day with friends and family. It is an important day for us and we hope to continue such celebrations in the years to come,’ said Dalla Costa
Photos: Soumyajit DeyThe chief guest of the event was (right) Prabhat Kumar Mishra, principal secretary, Irrigation and Waterways Department, government of West Bengal
The celebrations began with all the attendees gathering in front of the stage to sing the national anthems of India and Italy
For sips, Italian wines like Folonari Trebbiano del Rubicone and Corvo Vendemmia were on offer among other drinks
Three different food stations were serving authentic Italian food and desserts. Some of the dishes included Ravioli Confarro Formaggio, Crumb-Fried Rome-Style Stem Artichoke and sweets like Dolce Con Ricotta E Amaretti Tiramisu
Among the guests (L-R) Melinda Pavek, the US Consul General, made an appearance as she posed with Chirabrata Majumder of Rotary Calcutta Centenary, musicians Sourendro Mullick and Soumyojit Das, and Sukrit Sen of the Living Waters Museum. ‘The hospitality of our Italian friends is always the one to beat. The food is wonderful and so is the wine. They are so friendly, loving and caring. Riccardo is a delightful human being and it is an honour to serve with them in Kolkata,’ she said.
Actor Avijit Dutt was also spotted. ‘I have done quite a bit of work with the Italians and am proud to say I have brewed a friendship. Now, I have a very good friend in Daniele Panfilo (from the Italian Consulate) who has been talking to me about Italian culture and Kolkata. It is a bond that has been developing over the years,’ he said
Chef Auroni Mookerjee and Daniele Panfilo share a frame