Singapore
Singapore: Bengali Diaspora Celebrates Cultural Heritage at India Heritage Centre: The Tagore Society Singapore, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the works and philosophy of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, successfully hosted a landmark cultural event titled “The Bengali Diaspora in Singapore” on July 26 and 27 at the India Heritage Centre.
For over two decades, the Tagore Society has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote Bengali culture. This latest initiative, spearheaded by Mrs. Dolly Sinha Davenport, Creative Director of the Society, marked a significant milestone. Uniting over 200 attendees, the event celebrated the vibrant history, legacy, and ongoing contributions of the Bengali community in Singapore.
A Celebration of Many Firsts
This was the first cultural showcase in Singapore entirely led by the Bengali community, designed to spotlight its rich heritage through music, dance, poetry, film, and literature.
The program began with the iconic Bengali song “Ami Banglay Gaan Gai” (I Sing in Bengali), setting the tone for a weekend that echoed with language, nostalgia, and pride. As the crowd filled the auditorium, a sense of unity and cultural connection pulsed through the performances.
Documentary Premiere: “The Bong Connection – Singapore Chapter”
One of the key highlights was the screening of the documentary “The Bong Connection – Singapore Chapter”, directed by Mrs. Mithu Chakraborty, an internationally acclaimed photographer and filmmaker. Prior to the screening, Mrs. Chakraborty shared her inspiration and described the project as deeply fulfilling.
The documentary traced the Bengali community’s migration to the Malaya Peninsula in the early 19th century, their establishment of cultural institutions such as the Bengali Association Singapore (BAS) and language schools, and their sustained contributions across healthcare, civil service, business, and the arts.
Moreover, the film featured powerful interviews with community stalwarts including doctors, corporate leaders, and civil servants, enriching the narrative with personal stories and reflections. Audience members lauded the documentary for its emotional depth and historical value.
Book Launch: Echoes of Bengal in the Lion City
On the same evening, the Society launched its first book: “Echoes of Bengal in the Lion City – Glimpses of the Bengali Diaspora in Singapore.”
Dignitaries including Mr. Aniket Patankar, First Secretary, Indian High Commission Singapore; Ms. Cheryl Koh, Director, National Heritage Board; Mr. R. Rajaram, Chairman, Indian Heritage Centre; and Tagore Society leaders officially unveiled the publication.
The following day featured international guests Mr. Sekhar Boron, a renowned poet from Bangladesh, and Dr. Albert Tang, Associate Professor at FJCU and President of the Taiwan Association for South Asian Studies.
This anthology comprises three sections, mapping the Bengali community’s journey in Singapore — from early arrivals to modern-day residents. Celebrating Singapore’s 60th anniversary, the book aims to raise awareness of the Bengali identity and promote integration and deeper understanding between communities.
Artistic Homage to Tagore
Performances during both evenings featured selections of songs, dances, and poetry—many of them original works by Rabindranath Tagore, while others drew inspiration from his legacy. Each performance was carefully chosen by the artists, reinforcing the timeless relevance of Tagore’s artistic genius.
The event served as a powerful reminder that even decades after his passing, Tagore’s messages of unity, spirituality, and cultural refinement remain deeply resonant — not only for Bengalis, but for humanity as a whole.
Cultural Pride and Community Connection
The atmosphere was celebratory and nostalgic. Women draped in traditional saris, men in kurta pyjamas, and families gathered to share in the joy of music, storytelling, and reconnection.
More than just a festival, this event created a space for the Bengali community to reflect on its shared journey, celebrate its achievements, and look ahead with renewed purpose. For younger generations, it provided a bridge to their roots. For elders, it was a proud moment of recognition.
With the success of this event, the Tagore Society Singapore continues to champion the cause of cultural preservation and community unity. Its efforts not only enrich Singapore’s multicultural fabric, but also ensure that Bengali traditions, language, and values endure for generations to come.
As Singapore continues to embrace its diversity, events like “The Bengali Diaspora in Singapore” remind us of the strength in shared heritage and the power of storytelling to build bridges across time, space, and communities.
