What does it really take to change a city?
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Make Kolkata Relevant Again, we sit down for the second time with Mudhar Patherya — widely known as Kolkata’s Lover-in-Chief — the man behind the citizen-led illumination of over 145 heritage buildings across the city.
This is not a story about awards, applause, or grandstanding.
It’s about accountability, collaboration, and getting your hands dirty.
From lighting up Raj Bhavan, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Victoria Memorial’s Angel of Victory, and the GPO, to dancing on the streets to celebrate employment for persons with disabilities — this episode captures how real civic change actually happens.

Tangra was once known for violence, neglect, and lost futures.
Today, it tells a different story — because of music.
In this powerful conversation, we meet Sanjay Mondal, a cultural activist and musician who has spent over 15 years transforming the lives of children from one of Kolkata’s most stigmatized neighborhoods. Using discarded materials to create musical instruments, Sanjay built a movement that gave Tangra’s youth purpose, pride, and a voice.
From performing on India’s Got Talent to reviving Bengali folk music, kirtan, and theatre, this is a story about resilience, culture, and how real change begins at the grassroots.
This episode dives deep into:
The harsh realities of growing up in Tangra
How music became an escape from crime and despair
The failures of systems — and the power of community
Why culture is essential for social reform
How Tangra is slowly reclaiming its identity
Change doesn’t come from outside. It starts within.

In this powerful episode of Make Calcutta Relevant Again, we sit down with Rahul Roy—global entrepreneur, process innovation pioneer, and mentor to multiple billion-dollar businesses. From arriving in the US with no money to building breakthrough solutions across technology, semiconductor safety, printing, networking, and data systems, Rahul shares how problem-solving, mindset, and process innovation shaped his journey. This conversation goes beyond business.

It explores: Immigrant struggles and early failures in America Building confidence through skill, discipline, and mindset How process innovation creates massive value across industries Why Bengalis must reclaim entrepreneurship and leadership Mentorship, philanthropy, and building communities that grow together A must-watch for founders, students, professionals, and anyone who believes Bengal can lead again.

Join Meghdut for a delightful and heartwarming conversation with Anindya Chatterjee, the celebrated lyricist and singer of the iconic Chandrabindu band, as they wander through the sweet streets of Kolkata, savoring the city’s most beloved mishti. Over the aroma and taste of these sweets, Anindya shares personal anecdotes from his childhood and formative years, revealing how these flavors are deeply intertwined with the memories, emotions, and culture of Kolkata.

He reflects on the stories behind each sweet shop, the friendships and moments that shaped him, and how even in a bustling city, small joys like sweets carry the soul of a place. Through laughter, nostalgia, and candid storytelling, Anindya explores the unique connection between Kolkata, its sweets, and the essence of growing up amidst its flavors, showing how music, memory, and taste can converge to tell the story of a city and the life it nurtures.

Join Meghdut for a candid fireside chat with Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri, the visionary figure who transitioned from leading IIT Bombay as its Director to chairing the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), sharing the remarkable story of his journey from a small Bengali-medium school to the highest echelons of Indian academia and finance, and dissecting the fundamental connection between his two roles: technology, revealing that the BSE is essentially a high-tech company focused on its matching engine and cybersecurity; he advises students against the temptation of instant gratification (the "local minima") by stressing the importance of aiming for the "bigger hill" (the Global Maxima) in life, issues a stern warning against letting AI replace your thinking, arguing that a student's prime responsibility is to build character, learning capability, and a skill set to avoid becoming "obsolete," and confesses his biggest academic regret was not studying mathematics more deeply, asserting that it is the indispensable "mother of all science.

Join Meghdut with Dr. Michelle Harrison, an American physician who founded Shishur Shebai, an inclusive home for girls in Calcutta.

She shares the incredible story of her "spiritual calling," why she decided to never leave India (and still sleeps on the floor with her girls), and the immense danger she faced fighting corruption and death threats in Behala.

Learn about her deep Bengali connection, her use of cutting-edge tech for disabled children, and her personal journey from New York to becoming a dedicated Bengali Maa (mother).
A powerful story of sacrifice, commitment, and love for Calcutta's most vulnerable children.

Join Meghdut on Make Calcutta Relevant Again as he speaks with Sunil Bhandari, the corporate leader, podcaster, and Chair of Social Venture Partners (SVP) Calcutta. From hosting Uncut Poetry—a global podcast heard in 70+ countries—to his strict 4:30 AM writing routine, Sunil shares the unusual creative process that fuels his life. He dives deep into engaged philanthropy and reveals how his team is making Calcutta a major hub for social change. Learn the secrets behind SETU, the gala that raised ₹6 Crores in a single night, and Fast Pitch, the "Shark Tank" for NGOs . Sunil shares stories of impact, including the "Happy Dance" moment when disabled youth found jobs at Reliance Retail. He closes the episode with a powerful recitation of his poem, "Calcutta: A Lover's Epitaph," an honest reflection on the pain, investment, and inextricable love that binds citizens to their city.

Join Meghdut Roy Chowdhury (now known as Hiji Biji to his young friends) as he hosts a special episode of Make Calcutta Relevant Again with a bright, fearless group of students from Teach For India (TFI). Hear the emotional journey of growing up in Kolkata's underserved communities, where the conversation seamlessly shifts from the fun of learning songs on Instagram Reels and the chaos of sending emojis in online classes, to a profound, unwavering commitment to social advocacy. The students share the humbling, yet challenging, experiences of their daily lives and their mission to address community issues. They detail the reality of waterlogging that stops their cricket games, but deliver their most powerful finding: the systemic issue of Gender Inequality. Listen as these young girls passionately detail how boys are allowed to wander and engage in Nasha (intoxication/drugs) at night, while girls are confined indoors because the "outside world is not safe." Discover their collective mission, simple yet profound, delivered directly to the listeners: "Change your mindset." Tune in to be truly inspired by the next generation of Kolkata leaders and find out why their voice is crucial to building a city that is more inclusive, diverse, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.