Our latest Blogchatter Retreat took us to the heart of Kolkata, a city bursting with culture, history, and charm. This gathering of writers, bloggers, artists, and creative minds was all about learning, exploring, and bonding in unforgettable ways.
Exploring Bengal’s History and Literature
This was a session that took us deep into Bengal’s soul. Prof. Somdatta Mandal and Dr. Madhurima Vidyarthi gave us a tour of the region’s rich history and literature, with a special focus on Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy. As we revisited Tagore’s world, their stories made it clear why his words and ideas still resonate today.
The session wasn’t just about history, though. It was about making sense of where we’ve come from to understand where we’re headed. The speakers left us with a lot to think about, from how the past shapes the present to why diving into history is so important.
Finding Meaning in Art
We also had a session that took us into the world of art with Dr. Sanjoy Basu. He didn’t just talk about paintings, he showed us how each brushstroke and illustration tells a story. From hyper-realistic art to illustrations that capture hidden emotions, we saw how art can speak when words fall short. It was a fascinating dive into how visuals can carry deep meaning and spark all kinds of emotions.
Celebrating Love: Our Second Anthology
On the final day, we marked a major milestone: the launch of The Blogchatter Book of Love. This anthology brought together 18 incredible writers to share stories about love in all its forms: romantic, familial, and even the love between humans and pets. The excitement in the room was contagious.
Richa Singh, Blogchatter’s co-founder and CEO, kicked things off, followed by a thoughtful speech from Indrani Ganguly of Readomania Publications. There were discussions, book readings, and lots of shared stories. Hearing the authors talk about their journeys and inspirations made the whole experience feel even more special.
Soaking Up Kolkata’s Vibe
No trip to Kolkata would be complete without exploring what the city has to offer. We wandered through streets that told stories of their own, tasted dishes packed with flavour, and marveled at the architecture that’s steeped in history. Every moment felt like a discovery.
Late-Night Chats and Real Connections
And then, there were our late-night group synergy sessions. No agendas, no formalities, just people connecting over candid conversations and a lot of laughs. We got to know each other in ways that made this retreat even more meaningful.
As we packed up and said our goodbyes, it was clear that what we’d created together in Kolkata would stay with us long after we left. Here’s to more stories, more connections, and more moments that make it all worthwhile.
