FICCI FLO Interstate Meet

The FICCI FLO Interstate Meet was held on 15th & 16th Jan, 2011 in Kolkata. With over sixty delegates coming from other Chapters in India coupled with Kolkata’s very own Committee Members and other participants – this Meet was truly of a magnanimous scale.

Day 1: The Titans arrive…
The outstation members were warmly greeted at the Taj Bengal hotel, where the delegates had been booked. With a bevy of activities & programs lined up, the delegates had no time to waste after their check-in. They were ushered in immediately to a coach, which was waiting to take them to the Sovabazar Rajbari, one of Kolkata’s oldest palaces and currently a heritage building.

The delegates got a taste of the traditional Bengali cuisine during a sit-down lunch, which was hosted by Ruchika Gupta, Committee Member of Kolkata Chapter. With an opportunity to wear the ‘Shankha’, ‘Alta’ on the feet, Sindur & Bindi’s, the delegates got a chance to enjoy some titillating music, the ambience, et al. In short – it was a complete experience. Lunch over – the delegates were taken to Victoria Memorial, one of the most famous landmarks of Kolkata where a guided tour had been specially organized.
In the night it was time to experience “The Great Kolkata Bazaar” which was hosted by Laxmi Tantia at her residence. There were various stalls exhibiting a host of items including the Kantha Stoles & Sarees, Jewellery, Tangail Sarees, Silver / Gift items, Suits, others. Being at its best, the lovely winter weather of Kolkata added to the evening’s charm which was finally rounded off with an elaborate Rajasthani dinner hosted by Manisha Kajaria, Chairperson of Kolkata Chapter.

Day 2: The action begins…

Right after breakfast, the delegates were taken on a luxurious river journey to the famous Dakhineshwar Temple, across the Ganges river. The luxury cruise boat cruised underneath the Howrah Bridge, passed Belur Math (the Headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission) and other monuments of bygone era. Members enjoyed some in-house games while others decide to enjoy the cruise on the Ganges. The visit to the Dakhineshwar temple was a memorable experience for the delegates – who got a chance to see Goddess Kali from by stepping into her sanctum sanctorum. FLO Kolkata wishes to thank Usha Modi Committee Member of Kolkata Chapter and Saroj Jajodia member of FLO Kolkata for making such exclusive arrangements for “Darshan”.

On the way back from Dakhineshwar, a South Indian lunch (sponsored by Gaja Jewellers & ‘Leonardo Olive Oil Company’ was organized for the delegates on the cruise itself. Upon returning to the hotel – Governing Body members got into a meeting mode while the others decided to go shopping or take some rest.

Before the commencement of the Gala Event ‘Stringing Rhythm’, consisting of fusion music by Pt. Rahul Sharma (Santoor) and Bickram Ghosh (Tabla) – a few formal activities had to be completed. At first, three entrepreneurs from different fields were felicitated with the FICCI FLO Excellence Award: Neha Jalan for Profession (Textile Design), Leena Kejriwal for Art (Photography) and Meghna Agarwal for Business (Art Gallery). Chief Guest – Smt. Damayanti Sen, IPS (Joint Commissioner of Police) gave away the Awards to the recipients. Prior to that Smt. Sen was welcomed by Mrs. Ranjana Agarwal, President of FICCI-FLO. Following a few other announcements and speeches, Pt. Sharma and Shri Ghosh took to the stage – the rest was just “MAGIC”. The musical rendition was truly mesmerizing and left everybody spellbound. The evening was rounded off with cocktails, dinner and dancing – which seemed like a never ending story. DJ Harish ensured that everybody enjoyed the foot tapping music and was on the dance floor – till it was late enough to head back home.

The FICCI-FLO Inter State Meet in Kolkata left a lasting impression for all, while providing a chance to meet up with fellow members, exchange ideas, network and have a great time in its entirety.

That’s all from flo Kolkata.

Best
Manisha