A city-based international travel consultant has lodged a complaint against former tourism minister Indranil Sen and functionaries of the Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society (MassArt), accusing them of falsely claiming to be official partners of Unesco to promote Durga Puja in Bengal. The consultant, Jaydeep Mukherjee, alleged that the group sold tickets for preview shows at 24 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata under the guise of a Unesco partnership. MassArt functionaries have denied the allegations.
Details of the Complaint
The complaint was filed with the Kolkata Police commissioner, the state Director General of Police, and the Officer-in-Charge of Bowbazar Police Station. Mukherjee stated that he has been promoting Durga Puja abroad since 2010 and had organized 66 roadshows across Europe, North America, and South America over a decade before Unesco inscribed Kolkata's Durga Puja as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' in 2021.
Allegations Against the Accused
According to Mukherjee, former tourism minister Indranil Sen, his wife Madhuchhanda, along with Dhruvajyoti Bose, Sayantan Maitra, and Rajana Chatterjee, incorporated the Mahanirban Road Mass Art Society on June 24, 2022. The organization allegedly falsely claimed to be an official partner of Unesco and cheated the public by selling tickets for preview shows at 24 Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. Mukherjee emphasized that no Unesco delegation ever visited these pandals.
Mukherjee further alleged that this racket was supported by the former Trinamool Congress government, which converted Durga Puja pandals into private zones. He claimed that the tourism department was involved in the scheme.
Denials and Responses
Indranil Sen dismissed any involvement of the tourism department in the initiative. He stated, "The allegations are baseless. Only those with whom the complainants dealt will be able to furnish the documents." Dhruvajyoti Bose of MassArt also refuted the allegations, asserting that he possesses all documents proving Unesco's involvement in the preview show and that financial assistance was provided to Durga Puja committees and artists.
Background
Kolkata's Durga Puja was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2021, recognizing its cultural significance. The festival involves elaborate pandals (temporary structures), artistic decorations, and community celebrations. The complaint raises questions about the misuse of Unesco's name for commercial gain.
Further Investigation
The police have not yet commented on the complaint. Further investigation is expected to determine the validity of the allegations. The case highlights the need for transparency in cultural promotions and partnerships with international organizations.
