Global Consuls gather in Kolkata to celebrate the sacred feminine

As Kolkata readies itself for the grandeur of Durga Puja, the Consular Corps Luncheon at a city five star became the stage for an exchange of ideas on India’s timeless spiritual philosophy. Organized under the vision of Pradeep Khemka, Honorary Consul General of Brazil, the event welcomed Consul Generals from across the world to explore the universality of the sacred feminine.Danseuse and cultural ambassador Sohini Roychowdhury delivered a stirring address on the Mother Goddesses. “Durga is every woman’s strength to create and protect, and Kali is the unstoppable fire that destroys fear and illusion,” she said. “They are not goddesses of the past, they live in us — reminding the world that the feminine is not just sacred, it is essential.” Her words presented the deities as archetypes of courage, resilience, and renewal.

Complementing her insights, Rishi Dasgupta reflected on Shiva as the cosmic force of balance. “Shiva is the great equalizer,” he remarked. “In him, the ascetic and the householder, the destroyer and the nurturer, co-exist. He shows us that inclusivity is not a modern idea — it is the very architecture of the universe.”The session concluded with French Consul General Thierry Morel felicitating Sohini and Rishi, a gesture that underscored the spirit of cultural dialogue. More than a luncheon, the gathering became a symbolic bridge between Bengal’s rich traditions and the world, reaffirming that the sacred feminine and the philosophy of balance transcend borders.