December is a month of joy, warmth, and togetherness, marked by good food, good music, merrymaking, and embracing the cold with warm conversations. This spirit was brought to life at Offbeat CCU on December 14th, where Make Calcutta Relevant Again, in collaboration with Child Rights and You (CRY) NGO, hosted a delightful event for twenty-five children accompanied by their mentors. The day was filled with art, laughter, and a hearty dose of cake and biryani—a true celebration of creativity and joy.
The event commenced at 11 AM with an engaging drawing and painting session. The children were encouraged to express their vision of Calcutta through art. With brushes and pencils in hand and imagination soaring, the kids painted vivid depictions of the city they know and love. From iconic landmarks like the Howrah Bridge to themes of sustainability, cleanliness, and traffic awareness, their artwork reflected a fascinating blend of youthful creativity and thoughtful perspectives.
It was a visual treat to witness their unique interpretations of the city, as they poured their hearts and minds onto paper, producing artwork that was both colourful and thought-provoking.
Following the art session, the children were treated to a delicious lunch of biryani, a meal they thoroughly enjoyed. The warmth of a shared meal brought smiles all around, setting the stage for the day’s highlight—a cake decoration workshop led by the talented Chef Suvankhi Roy.
Over ten sheet cakes were prepared for the workshop, divided among the children, who gathered around with eager anticipation. Chef Suvankhi expertly demonstrated the basics of cake decoration, guiding the kids on how to use piping bags, whipped cream, and sprinkles. What followed was sheer creative chaos! The children embraced the opportunity with unbridled enthusiasm, filling piping bags with multicoloured cream and experimenting with sprinkles. Laughter echoed through the room as sprinkles were not only shared but also secretly tasted—because who can resist sprinkles? Each group created their own masterpiece, and the end results were as varied and vibrant as the children themselves. The cakes stood as a testament to their creativity and joy.
“Events like these remind us of the profound impact community-driven initiatives can have on young minds. At Make Calcutta Relevant Again, we believe in fostering creativity and joy while instilling hope for a brighter future. This event was not just about making art or decorating cakes; it was about giving these children a platform to dream, express, and connect. Their enthusiasm inspires us to continue building a Calcutta that celebrates its people and their boundless potential.”
— Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, Founder, Make Calcutta Relevant Again.
“Seeing the kids immerse themselves in the joy of cake decorating was truly heartwarming. I’m truly happy to be able to help give the kids a moment to create, to laugh, and to believe in their own abilities. Moments like these remind us of the simple yet profound happiness that creativity brings to life.”
— Chef Suvankhi Roy.
The day concluded on a sweet note, quite literally, with everyone indulging in the beautifully decorated cakes. As the children enjoyed their creations, there was a sense of collective hope and happiness in the air. This event was more than just a day of fun; it was a meaningful initiative by Make Calcutta Relevant Again and CRY to inspire children and give them a platform to express themselves. Through art, food, and shared experiences, the event highlighted the importance of nurturing creativity and building a sense of community among the young minds who will shape our future.
Events like these remind us of the power of coming together for a common cause—to support and uplift children who hold immense potential. By providing them with opportunities to explore, learn, and create, we plant the seeds for a brighter, more colorful future. The December 14th event was a beautiful example of how small yet thoughtful efforts can leave a lasting impact, fostering a spirit of joy and hope in everyone involved. Here’s to more such initiatives that not only make Calcutta relevant again but also pave the way for a kinder, more inclusive tomorrow.