The 21st edition of Bhasha Sanskriti Milan Utsav 2026, organised by the Guwahati-based Byatikram Group in association with Meraki Associates, was held at Vivanta Kolkata, EM Bypass on International Mother Language Day. The annual initiative focused on linguistic diversity, literary excellence and cultural preservation.
The opening session featured a discussion on author and Vedic scholar Acharya Subhendu Sorcar, followed by a signing of his books INDUS – Knowledge of Life and BHUMI – The Sacred Land. Eminent personalities including Prof. Rajiv Bandyopadhaye, Prof. Ashish Paul of Jadavpur University and others attended.
A major highlight was the Ekushey Samman 2026 felicitation. Awardees included poet Subodh Sarkar, singer-actress Iman Chakraborty, Prof. Dipak Bhattacharya, Snehasis Sur, Dr. Sudipta Chatterjee and several cultural and social figures. Chakraborty dedicated her award to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.
Dr. Saumen Bharatiya said the platform has strengthened intergenerational and interregional ties for over two decades, while Advocate Seema Sharma termed Ekushey Samman a recognition of sustained efforts to safeguard linguistic heritage.
The strong turnout of scholars, artists and media stakeholders underlines Kolkata’s continued dominance as a cultural economy hub. Such curated literary events are increasingly attracting intellectual audiences, sponsors and institutional partnerships, reinforcing the city’s positioning as a key market for heritage-driven cultural initiatives.
