The who’s who of Calcutta descended at the sprawling banquet of JW Marriott Kolkata on the evening of April 21 to honour achievers with a Bengal connect at the Pride of Bengal Awards presented by ICC Young Leaders Forum, in association with The Telegraph. Innovators, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, sportspersons and creative minds were among the 18 men and women who were awarded in various categories for their remarkable accomplishments and exceptional contributions to society. Among the winners, fashion designer Ritu Kumar and actor Parambrata Chatterjee, who could not accept the award in person, addressed the august gathering through video messages. Hosted by RJ Praveen, who kept guests entertained with his familiar and well-loved brand of comedy, the fourth edition of the prestigious annual awards ceremony was also a stylish, sparkling affair and was followed by a glittering after-party with guests matching steps to the catchy beats played by DJ Omen. Snapshots.
Jeet Gannguli took home the prize in the music maestro category. He was awarded by YLF member Shrreya Pande. “I consider myself a true Bengali and I am forever indebted to the sweet fragrance of the soil of Bengal. I have grown up listening to Tagore’s music and today I pay homage to my roots, and to my father and guru Kali Gannguli as I humbly accept this award,” the awardwinning music composer said.
Peter Cook accepted the Pride of Bengal trophy for foreign relations from YLF committee member Rohit Khaitan. “I too am a proud Bengali in the sense that I was born in Calcutta, and I thank the hosts profusely for conferring on me this award,” said the acting British Deputy High Commissioner of Calcutta.
Abhishek Poddar (right) won in the category of entrepreneurial excellence. YLF committee member Rahul Kyal (left) and ICC past president Pradeep Surekha handed him his prizes. “Jute is the real pride of Bengal and I am happy that I have been able to take it to more than 60 countries in the world,” the young entrepreneur said.
Chairman of CenturyPly Sajjan Bhajanka (right) and Arihant Parakh handed over the lifetime achievement award to Prahlad Rai Agarwala (centre). “I have lived in Bengal for many years. I enjoy working here. I love the people, the culture and their language. But today, I only want to tell everyone — stay happy and move forward towards your goal,” the veteran businessman said.
B.L. Mittal accepted the award in the business mogul category from YLF committee member Rishab Kothari (left) and Creative Grains director Swayam Bagla. “I can only say that it is the best time in India for entrepreneurs. Just define your purpose and live by it if you want to be successful. Forme, it was providing affordable healthcare to Indians and I think I have succeeded in doing that a little bit,” said the founder of SastaSundar.com.
Abhishek Banerjee won the Pride of Bengal honour for being the most celebrated actor, Bollywood. Director of Indian Gem and Jewellery Creations, Pratik Dugar, presented him his trophy. “I remember that the first time I acted on stage, I spoke in Bengali, my mother tongue. It was for a skit I performed on the occasion of Durga Puja. And here I am on stage again trying to speak in Bengali to all of you as a Pride of Bengal winner. Life has indeed come full circle,” he said.
Vice Admiral Pradeep Kumar Chatterjee (centre) accepted the Pride of Bengal award for defence services from YLF members Shilpi Goel Chowdhury and Nikhil Sekhani. “I am touched, humbled and honoured by this recognition. Being the first non-governmental award, it is special because it is awarded by my home state and also by an organisation (Indian Chamber of Commerce) that is almost a century old. My profession has given me rewards that any submariner could aspire for and I am grateful to the Almighty for that. But I will always cherish this award and it will always remain special to me,” the retired Indian Navy officer said.
Rohit Roy (centre) was conferred the title of Pride of Bengal in the versatile actor category by Keshav Bhajanka, executive director of CenturyPly and YLF committee member Vineeta Agarwal. “I have been around for a long time and have won many awards for acting, writing and direction. This felicitation is however very close to my heart because Bengal is a powerhouse of talent and to be here on stage with so many luminaries is an award in itself,” the film and television actor said.
Dolly Jain (centre) won in the category of creative genius. She was awarded by LGW director Lucia Gupta and scenographer and artist Swarup Dutta. “I took sari-draping as a challenge and wanted to spread this beautiful Indian art of dressing up globally. I am happy that my efforts have made a difference no matter how small. Saris are an important way in which we can spread our culture to the West and it feels good to see that wearing saris is once again fashionable,” said the celebrity sari-draper.
Nitai Chandra Ghosh (centre) was the Pride of Bengal winner in the culinary genius category and was awarded by YLF committee members Shilpi Goel Chowdhury and Rishab Kothari. “It is said that the state of mind one is transported to after tasting our rosogolla cannot be expressed in words. Some become speechless while others say it is like a taste of heaven. In the same way, I too cannot express anything after getting this award. But I graciously accept it on behalf of all the artisans of the Bengal sweetmeats industry,” said the owner of the renowned sweet-shop Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar.
Ashok Dinda (centre) took home the Pride of Bengal award for excellence in cricket. Flexi Chairs director Vikram Gupta (left) and YLF committee member Aditya Agarwal presented him with his award. “It feels fantastic to get this award. But I hope that I still have a lot more to give to society. Though my career in cricket has ended, I wish to do a lot more for sports aspirants in Bengal,” the cricketer-turned politician said.
Saurav Ghoshal (centre) was the Pride of Bengal winner in the category of outstanding sportsperson. He was awarded by YLF committee member Rahul Kyal (left) and Pratik Dugar. “Swami Vivekananda, Tagore, Amartya Sen and many more have made Bengal proud in the past. I think all of us of the current generation are trying to do our bit to keep that pride shining in our hearts,” said the squash champion.
Mimi Chakraborty accepted the Pride of Bengal leading lady award from YLF past chairperson Mudit Beriwal. “I have always believed in the three Ps of life — patience, perseverance and punctuality. I have known nothing other than hard work in all my years in the industry and I am grateful that I have come this far. Please continue to keep me in your hearts as that’s what keeps me going,” the beautiful actress said.
Dibakar Banerjee, who was announced Pride of Bengal awardee in the category of visionary film director, was presented his trophy by Arihant Parakh. “I have lived in Delhi all my life but I am proud of my Bangaliana and of Bengal’s rich literary and artistic legacy. I have grown up on a steady diet of Bengali literature. I accept this award gratefully with the hope and dream that the language which I learnt in my childhood through reading books, flourishes and revives its lost glory again,” the filmmaker said.
Tridha Choudhury won the Pride of Bengal rising star award from Arihant Parakh. “I am absolutely elated. Thank you for considering me deserving of this award. I am proud that I started my career in Bengal and will keep coming back to Calcutta always for all the love that I receive here,” she gushed.
“Tonight we acknowledge and honour the remarkable achievements of talented individuals who have broken new ground and brought great repute to Bengal and the nation as a whole. We celebrate their success and draw inspiration from their stories. I hope the new generation learns from them and inculcates the values that will help them evolve in their personal and professional lives. I congratulate all the winners who are truly the pride of Bengal and thank you once again for making us all proud,” chairperson of Young Leaders Forum Arihant Parakh said in his welcome address.