The US Pavilion at the 47th International Kolkata Book Fair wrapped up the annual event with a soulful event titled, US-India Arts to Fight Climate Change, on January 31. Through poetry, music and social commentary, the event brought forth critical points on the climate crisis, referencing works by prominent American authors. My Kolkata was there.
“We wanted to collate all the observations we have gathered at the US Pavilion over the course of the entire Book Fair, across science, news, dance and language. Through this event, we wanted to tie all our learnings together through art,” said US consul general Melinda Pavek.
The evening had a musical performance by Sukrit Sen and (right) Justin Kahn.
Some of the authors featured in the programme were Joy Harjo, Gary Snyder and Rachel Carson. And the works of Padma Shri awardees Amitav Ghosh and Mamang Dai. Fifteen students from Kolkata’s prominent varsities recited poetry and engaged in an invigorating discussion around climate change. They cited their own experience to reinforce the danger our planet is in, whilst also offering dynamic ways to combat this problem.
“Our theme for this year was ‘Planet US’ or Planet us, emphasising that climate change is happening to everyone, so we need to work on this together. We can all contribute towards ensuring that the planet is healthier,” added American Center Kolkata director Elizabeth Lee.
The highlight of the evening was a musical session by Justin Kahn and Sukrit Sen, who drew attention to the beauty of our planet with a host of songs like Blowin’ in The Wind, This Land is Your Land, and Ma Reva. “We shouldn’t care about the Earth because it is dying, but because it is beautiful. It is never too late to embrace and enjoy what we have,” said Sukrit.
The US Pavilion was conceptualised and supported by American Center director Elizabeth Lee, deputy director Juan Clar and consul general Melinda Pavek.
“The American Center has a long tradition of participating in Kolkata’s Book Fair. This year, all our initiatives were focused on bettering the environment, from inviting American scientists for talks here, to promoting higher education in Environmental Studies in the US. The final event was a great way to show how the arts can join hands with policy makers for a greener future,” signed off Juan Clar, deputy director of the American Center.