Kolkata, Sep 6 – Durga Puja, the heartbeat of Bengal’s cultural identity, is more than just a festival – it is a grand celebration of collective creativity, artistry, and community spirit. In recognition of this, the Sharad Srijoni Samman continues its journey of honouring excellence in Puja creativity while joining hands with Khushee – A Helping Hand, a movement dedicated to building youth and nurturing underprivileged lives across India.
Sharad Srijoni Samman: Honouring Creative Excellence
Since its inception in 2013, the Sharad Srijoni Samman has recognised outstanding contributions in Durga Puja artistry, from intricately designed pandals and idols to impactful social messaging and cultural innovation. The honour, which began with five main categories—Artwork, Message, Concept, Social Message, and Overall Excellence—has now expanded to include two new recognitions:
Sharad Srijoni Chitralekhan Shilpi (Graphic Designer) – for excellence in Puja publicity design.
Sharad Srijoni Special Jury Award – celebrating timeless devotion and artistry in Durga Puja.
For the first time, the honour also opens its doors to residential complexes, allowing housing society Pujas to showcase their creativity on a larger platform. By celebrating tradition alongside innovation, the Sharad Srijoni Samman remains a tribute to the devotion and artistry that define Durga Puja.
Khushee: A Movement to Build Youth, Build India
Complementing this celebration of creativity is Khushee, a voluntary movement initiated by India Greens Reality Pvt. Ltd., dedicated to uplifting underprivileged sections of society through education, cultural engagement, and environmental action.
Over the years, Khushee has reached out to children and communities in need, from disaster relief in Uttarakhand to COVID-19 lockdown support. A notable initiative, “Amaar Bangla Aabar Sobuj Hok”, saw the planting of nearly 50,000 trees and saplings across Kolkata after Cyclone Amphan, restoring ecological balance and greenery to the city.
This year, Khushee proudly launches a new initiative – “Unmesh”, which focuses on identifying young talent in education, sports, cultural vocations, and other skills, and nurturing them with economic, emotional, and medical support until they achieve self-sufficiency.
Celebrating Art, Culture, and Compassion Together
The synergy of Sharad Srijoni Samman and Khushee highlights the dual spirit of Durga Puja – where creativity uplifts communities, and compassion builds a stronger future. Together, these initiatives reaffirm the power of tradition, innovation, and social responsibility in shaping a brighter tomorrow.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, partners, and well-wishers whose support makes this celebration of art and humanity possible. With continued collaboration, we look forward to making this journey even more impactful in the years ahead.
