Report on an extension activity and outreach program

A one day Educational trip to Pingla Patachirtra Village and Birsingha was organized by Department of Bengali, The Bhawanipur Education Society College. The trip was a learning and enriching experience for the students. The tour was being planed and coordinated by all the Teachers of Bengali Department and the college management. Around 20 students and teachers were part of this tour which commenced on 8th January 2023.

Pingla is basically a flourishing hub of more than 350 artists where they have formed a cluster named Chitrataru in 2011. The reason of the formation of the village focuses on the training of the next generation in this art form and also for the better opportunities of the local people with the special ability of their innovation. Patachitra is an old form of art in Bengal. The Patuas use natural colours which they extract from leaves, flowers, seeds of various trees and they not only paint, but they also sing to describe as they unroll the painting scroll to show it to the people. These songs are specially known as Pater Gaan. The songs and paintings are basically based on the old culture, mythological tales of India and also the about the current situation of our world. They form their art works as the tool for social communication and awareness. Chitrakars have painted patachitra on Covid and have composed songs to spread awareness amongst the people of the remote villages. Each and every work there are the examples of fine art and the beauty of simple living

This trip was both an extension activity and an outreach project. We spent the entire day watching and observing their amazing works. The children of the village are very talented and dedicated as they have already started practicing for the future. As a mark of appreciation and encouragement of their work and effort we gave some art materials to 20 children of the village. We have bought some of their fine art pieces to help them and to support them.

We have met Anwar Chitrakar the Padmasree Award Winner and have seen his excellent works. We have also seen the other mesmerizing works of Bahadur Chitrakar, Rajesh Chitrakar, Swarna Chitrakar, Khukumoni Chitrakar, Karuna Chitrakar. Many of the Chitrakars have been since the age of 10 and have become accomplished artists wining the district awards for their skills. Many Chitrkars have participated in the events across India and also been to Australia and Indonesia. A decade back this art form was dying with only 20 artists but now Pingla is a hub of many talented artists. We should be aware and try to save our old culture and art form by encouraging them for all the works they have been doing till date.

We have also been to Birsingha the birth place of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Vidyasagar Janmotsav Committee has renovated the home of Vidyasagar and have made a library. We have learnt the historical background about the place and also about the amazing works of Vidyasagar.

From this project we have gathered knowledge about the culture and the historical sides of Bengal. This project has been a tremendous learning experience of the students creating an awareness for the cultural preservation and substance of the Bengal Culture and Art.