Unveiling the Feminine Psyche: ASCOPE Attends Lopamudra Banerjee’s Book Launch ‘How Does It Matter?’

Book Launch Report

Aishwarya Siingh

BAJMC Sem 3

The book and the launch event attended by the city's well-known dignitaries

The launch of Lopamudra Banerjee’s book, How Does It Matter? Portrait of the Artist as a Woman, took place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6 PM at Cafe I Can Flyy Tea Kafi in Ballygunge, Kolkata. Representing the Amity School of Communication (ASCO), the gathering provided a deeply intellectual and emotionally charged space to celebrate poetry over prose as an essential, moving medium capable of expressing what prose often cannot reach. The event was graced by Chief Guest Moon Moon Sen, former Member of the Lok Sabha and celebrated actress. The evening’s discourse was brilliantly navigated and moderated by arts and events curator Oindrilla Dutt, alongside a panel of distinguished intellectuals, including author, scholar, and women's rights activist Jael Silliman, writer and diplomat Roma Bhattacharjea, and acclaimed film director Sudeshna Roy. Rooted deeply in her cultural origins, Banerjee’s voice resonated powerfully across the room, leaving attendees with the uncanny feeling that each verse held up a mirror to their own inner worlds and lived experiences.

Author, Lopamudra Banerjee

The central narrative of the panel discussion delved directly into the heart of the anthology, a collection of 80 fiercely feminist poems designed to give authentic, unyielding shape to the complex identity of women. The panelists praised Banerjee for her rare ability to distill profound human experiences into just a few visceral, carefully crafted words, leveraging intense and striking female imagery to explore raw themes of despair, systemic discrimination, betrayal, dislocation, and the fragile struggle to preserve sanity. A significant portion of the discourse focused on how societal structures consistently suppress women across all dimensions—emotionally, mentally, and intimately—pointing out how rarely a woman’s genuine desires and agency are acknowledged in her physical or sensual relationships. Through non-linear storytelling influenced by the raw, unbridled intensity of Sylvia Plath and showcased in evocative pieces like The Kali and Dancing in the Rain, Banerjee captures both the emotional weight of 18 years of togetherness and the terrifying sensation of being out of control, alongside the transcendent hope embodied by children dancing amid life’s sudden storms.

Audience at the event

Ultimately, the event brought into sharp focus the reality that this collection was created not for commercial gain or mass consumption, but rather for a niche audience—for literary scholars, women's studies enthusiasts, and the starving artist within who continually returns to poetry for personal salvation. The dynamic arc of the poems functions like a prism of light, wherein dark imagery of blackness, thunder, lightning, and rain undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis into the fertile, reborn essence of caustic breath, fresh blood, and renewed vitality. The influence of travel and venturing into unknown places was highlighted as a critical catalyst that expands an author's knowledge without severing ties to the places and values already known. The evening concluded with a shared reverence for the transformative weight of language, leaving no doubt that through Banerjee's courageous writing, even the most isolated and suppressed corners of female existence can find a lasting voice, a place of belonging, and ultimate liberation.

 

‘Jago Maa’ Book Launch Celebrates the Spiritual Power of Matri Shakti in Kolkata

Report

Sohini Bhattacharya

Photographs

Nilanjana Chattaraj

BAJMC Sem 3

Mentor

Prof. Moumita De Das

From L-R: Shri Ravi Singh Choudhary, Swami Paramatmanandaji Maharaj, Shri Kushal Choudhury and Shri Ashish Giri

Kolkata, 25 August 2026: The book launch of Jago Maa, authored by Shri Ravi Singh Choudhary, was held at the ICCR Library Hall in Kolkata in the presence of eminent dignitaries, authors and spiritual personalities. Organised jointly by Bharat Ekatvam Foundation and Boi Bondhu Publishers, the event unfolded in a deeply spiritual and reverential atmosphere, bringing together discussions on Matri Shakti, Devi Upasana and the cultural traditions surrounding the worship of the Divine Feminine. 

The programme commenced with the anchor invoking the significance of “Matri Shakti”, describing it as the “extreme protective and powerful creation of the world.” She then welcomed and addressed the distinguished guests. Although Smt. Sarbori Mukherjee and Shri Ashish Giri were unable to attend, the presence of Chief Guest Swami Paramatmanandaji Maharaj, Shri Kushal Choudhury and author Shri Ravi Singh Choudhary enriched the occasion with their reflections. 

 

     Author Shri Ravi Singh Choudhary

Speaking about Jago Maa, author Ravi Singh Choudhary shared that the book emerged from a deeply personal intellectual and spiritual journey. He revealed that he had initially begun writing in English but stopped after four years, eventually realising that certain emotions and experiences could not be expressed without “bhaav”. He subsequently wrote the book during the period between Durga Puja and Kali Puja. Explaining the inspiration behind the book, Choudhary spoke about his experiences in the Middle East and his growing curiosity about Tantra and why people often perceive it with fear. Questions surrounding deities such as Maa Chhinnamasta and Maa Tara further motivated him to explore the subject. He said that the book was an attempt to understand these questions, gather knowledge and move beyond curiosity. Having roots in Jharkhand, he has also incorporated references to temples and traditions of the region. From a pan-Indian perspective, the book seeks to present Bengal, its spiritual traditions and Devi Upasana, bringing diverse forms of worship together through a common thread. Following his address, Jago Ma was formally launched amid applause and smiles from the audience. 

Packed with audience at ICCR Library Hall

The spiritual discourse continued with Swami Paramatmanandaji Maharaj, who began his address with the chanting of the mantra “Om Sahana Vavatu.” He reflected on the deep and ancient roots of Shakti Sadhana, describing it as a force that has flowed through human civilisation for generations. He explained how humanity’s search for answers to the mysteries of creation gradually led people towards the divine and the worship of nature, rivers, trees, stones, crops and, eventually, the feminine principle. He emphasised that human beings gradually recognised that the seed of creation lies within the feminine, perhaps explaining the cultural idea of calling the nation “Desh Mata.” He further stated that the end of Pitri Paksha marks the beginning of Matri Paksha and elaborated on the hidden meanings and rituals associated with Durga Puja. According to him, while every worship is sacred, Durga Puja is not merely a puja but a “Mahapuja”, celebrating the all-encompassing presence of the Mother. 

Shri Kushal Choudhury expressed appreciation for Choudhary’s effort to awaken awareness of the Mother while living in Jharkhand. He highlighted his own long association with Matri Shakti, a publication he has been bringing out for 25 years, and spoke of his faith in real-life embodiments of feminine power, including Rani Lakshmibai and Rani Rashmoni. He concluded by saying that the true success of Choudhary’s work would lie in readers absorbing the essence of Jago Ma and applying its message in their own lives. The programme concluded successfully with closing remarks from members of the Bharat Ekatvam Foundation. 

L-R: Sohini and Nilanjana along with Author at the book launch