Kolkata, April 3, 2025 — Techno India Group recently hosted its annual exhibition in collaboration with Kolkata Kathokota—an association of esteemed collectors and dignitaries from Kolkata—celebrating the city’s rich history, culture, and heritage. Held on the 1st and 2nd of April, 2025, at the G-Series Techno Main Campus, the event served as a tribute to Kolkata’s storied past, uniting historians, collectors, students, and cultural enthusiasts in a shared journey through time.
“We are excited to witness how our students, along with the ‘Kolkata Kathokata’ exhibition, will get an opportunity to explore these valuable historical items. This is a wonderful opportunity to blend heritage with the creativity of the modern generation. The association with such a prestigious exhibition further strengthens our commitment to fostering a deep sense of cultural awareness and respect for history in our students,” said Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, co-chairperson of Techno India Group, and she is a dynamic influential figure in the realm of preservation, heritage and the collective as well. Mr Chandranath Chatterjee also encouraged the future collectors and said, “Start with what you have. What’s new today is old tomorrow.”
On day 1, an elegant inauguration ceremony that set a reverent tone. Esteemed faculty members and distinguished guests participated in the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the illumination of knowledge and cherished memories associated with Kolkata.
Following this, an insightful keynote speech delves into the historical and cultural significance of the city, resonating deeply with the audience’s collective nostalgia.
The participants in this programme were Chandranath Chatterjee, Arindam Rout, Falguni Dutta Roy, Jayant Kumar Ghosh, Malay Sarkar, Shirshendu Mukherjee, Shuvendra Kumar Chakraborty, Shovan Roy, Shouvik Mukherjee, Tapas Kumar Basu, Ujjal Sarkar, and Utpal Sania. The felicitation ceremony honoured individuals who have made notable contributions to preserving and promoting Kolkata’s rich, timeless heritage, highlighting their tireless efforts in ensuring the city’s legacy endures for future generations.
An interactive quiz competition on ‘Early Kolkata’, conducted by Prof. Budhaditya Bhattacharjee, added a dynamic element to the day’s proceedings, challenging participants on their knowledge of the city’s history, landmarks, and cultural evolution. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore an evocative exhibition, featuring a handpicked collection of rare photographs, artefacts, and archival materials that vividly depicted Kolkata’s transformation over the decades. The detailed exhibits transported visitors through time—from the colonial era to post-independence Kolkata—offering a unique, first-hand glimpse into the city’s rich and layered past.
On the 2nd day, which means the last day of the exhibition, began with a closing note that reflected on the themes explored throughout the event and the cherished memories it had evoked. Certificates were distributed to the participants and contributors, acknowledging their efforts in making the exhibition a grand success.
This year’s exhibition was a captivating journey through Kolkata’s past, displaying a wide range of artefacts and memorabilia that painted a vivid picture of the city’s history. The featured collection included old newspapers and special editions like a rare edition of the 15th August 1947 newspaper, historical documents and letters from famous personalities, brochures, leaflets, advertisements distributed during India’s independence movement, vintage bank notes, autographs of renowned personalities, early pens & pencils, playing cards, enamel board advertisements, matchboxes, cameras, watches, and key rings, featuring booklets, lobby cards and memorabilia from Satyajit Ray’s works.
The event was open to all, allowing visitors from various backgrounds to explore and celebrate the legacy of one of India’s most iconic cities. The overwhelming response from attendees highlighted the significance of such initiatives in fostering a collective sense of cultural appreciation. One of the visitors also said that “The collectors of these ‘Kolkata Kathokotas’ are giving history to the new generation.”
“Kolkata Kathokata” is committed to preserving and showcasing the diverse cultural and historical memory of Kolkata. The association, known for its active participation in exhibitions, discussions, and publications in areas such as art, literature, heritage, and culture, has been instrumental in fostering a more profound understanding of the city’s past. In addition to honouring senior collectors with lifetime awards, the organisation continues to encourage young collectors to exhibit their collections and engage in the conversation about preserving Kolkata’s history.
By bringing together students, collectors, and history enthusiasts, Kolkata Kathokota—through its annual exhibition—successfully reignited a passion for Kolkata’s heritage. The event not only served as a bridge between the past and present but also inspired future generations to preserve and celebrate the city’s rich cultural legacy.