Druheen, the Bengali Technology Dramatics Society of IIT Kharagpur is organising Muktodhara 2024, its inaugural Bengali Cultural Fest. The festival aims to celebrate the richness of Bengal’s heritage through a dynamic array of performances, discussions, and interactive events that showcase Bengali arts, literature, and drama. Designed to cultivate creativity and camaraderie, Muktodhara will offer students a meaningful way to connect with their roots and deepen campus appreciation for regional diversity.
Through this immersive platform, Druheen hopes to enrich IIT Kharagpur’s cultural landscape, allowing students to reconnect with Bengali heritage and inviting the broader campus to explore Bengal’s rich traditions in music, art, theatre, and literature.
The event commenced on Saturday, November 9, and will be held for two days. Muktodhara opened with an exciting line-up featuring some of Bengal’s most celebrated artists. Kaushik Sen, renowned actor and director, lead a discussion alongside actress Reshmi Sen and their son, Riddhi Sen—a National Award-winning actor in his own right—in a session that witnessed engaging audiences.
The event will conclude with a powerful performance by People’s Little Theatre, the legendary theatre group founded by Utpal Dutta, a figurehead in Bengali drama and social activism on the second day.
The group will present Deshe Fera, a compelling play that delves into the hardships faced by migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This production brings to life stories of loss, resilience, and hope, capturing the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through its emotional depth and dedication to social realism, Deshe Fera is sure to resonate with audiences and bring to light critical issues affecting society today.
As a tribute to the late Utpal Dutta, a screening of his celebrated play Buro Shaliker Ghare Ro will also be held, allowing attendees to experience Dutta’s powerful on-stage presence and unparalleled commitment to Bengali theatre. This play has left an indelible mark on Bengali drama, showcasing Dutta’s unique ability to portray the human experience with poignancy and wit. For festival-goers, this screening will be a rare opportunity to witness Dutta’s legacy firsthand and appreciate the enduring influence of his work.