FLO Ahmedabad, under the leadership of Chairperson Ms. Madhu Banthia, organized three day captivating Kolkata Retreat for the members. The retreat started with a visit to the sacred Kalighat Mandir, where members experienced calmness and happiness.
The remaining two days, FLO Ahmedabad members indulged in a heritage walk to explore old Kolkata and a visit to an art exhibition at Imami Cultural Centre. This retreat was filled with moments of connection, reflection, and shared experiences.
Day 1: Spiritual Beginnings, Shared Stories & Celebration
The retreat commenced on a deeply spiritual note with blessings at Kalighat Kali Temple, acknowledging Maa Kali—the Shakti deity and spiritual guardian of the city—without whose grace no Kolkata journey is considered complete.
This was followed by a warm inter-chapter lunch with the FLO Kolkata Chapter, attended by 15 members from Kolkata and 35 members from Ahmedabad, fostering exchange, dialogue, and camaraderie.
A poignant session titled “Silence of the Nights” was held during lunch, where two courageous women from Sonagachi, one of Asia’s oldest red-light areas, shared their untold and unheard life stories. Their narratives moved the gathering deeply, sparking reflection, empathy, and meaningful conversations.
The evening unfolded with a lively yacht–barge party on the Hooghly River, filled with music, laughter, dance, and a thoughtfully curated spread of Kolkata flavours—celebrating the spirit of joy and togetherness.
Day 2: Heritage, Tradition & Club Culture
Day two began with a guided heritage walk through Old Kolkata, offering insight into how the British entered India and established Kolkata as their capital. Walking through a compact two-kilometre radius, members witnessed an extraordinary example of unity in diversity, as the guide narrated how Anglo-Indians, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis, Chinese, Aga Khanis, Hindus, and Jews coexisted—each with places of worship located in proximity.
The walk concluded with a local breakfast and the iconic share-market tea, offering an authentic taste of everyday Kolkata. Later, members dressed in traditional Bengali sarees to participate in an immersive cultural experience of Durga Puja celebrations, including Sindoor Khela and Dhoonuchi Dance.
A curated FLO Bazaar was organised at the same venue, where Kolkata-based designers and entrepreneurs showcased their creations, promoting local MSMEs, textiles, handlooms, and handicrafts. This was complemented by a traditional Bengali lunch, rich in flavour and authenticity, leaving members delighted and eager for more. The evening transported members into the refined world of colonial-era club culture, with dinner at the iconic Bengal Rowing Club, followed by spirited dancing and music.
Day 3: Art, Reflection & Farewell
The final day offered a cultural immersion at the Imami Cultural Centre, an institution dedicated to celebrating diverse art forms. Members experienced a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition titled “Art of Disobedience”, which encouraged dialogue, reflection, and creative introspection. A sumptuous farewell lunch followed, along with thoughtfully curated goodbye hampers, before the group departed for home—bringing the retreat to a warm and meaningful close.
Key Takeaways
- Strong member integration: Members who were previously unfamiliar with one another formed deep bonds and friendships within a short span, reinforcing the feeling of FLO as a close-knit family.
- A fresh perspective on Kolkata: The city was experienced beyond tourism—through spirituality, heritage, social realities, art, and culture.
- Emotionally enriching conversations: Sessions like Silence of the Nights fostered empathy, awareness, and a deeper human connection.
- Enhanced inter-chapter synergy: The retreat strengthened relationships between FLO Ahmedabad and FLO Kolkata, opening avenues for future collaboration.
- Holistic enrichment: A seamless blend of culture, commerce, creativity, CSR awareness, and connection defined the retreat experience.