KOLKATA : The Greatest Show on Earth (GSOE) has announced a ground- breaking initiative in conjunction with its GSOE Awards 2024. In light of recent events related to the tragic incident at RG Kar Hospital, GSOE is collaborating with Puja organizing committees to form local ‘Army’ or associations named as GSOE Tilottama Durga Team dedicated to the safety and security of women in their respective areas. These GSOE Tilottama Durga Team will serve as First Rapid Response volunteers, working actively towards the protection and guidance of women during the festive season.
GSOE Co-Founder, Dr. Arnab Basu emphasized the critical need for such initiatives, stating, ‘The safety and security of women is of paramount importance, especially during large-scale public events like Durga Puja. By empowering local communities and creating a network of support, we aim to address issues promptly and effectively, ensuring a safe environment for all. While the initiative is being launched in conjunction with Durga Puja, its scope extends far beyond the festival. The program includes ongoing social awareness campaigns designed to foster a culture of respect, gender equality, safety & women empowerment. Our aim is to make women’s safety and empowerment a way of life, deeply ingrained in our community’s values.’
The initiative has already garnered interest from several prominent Puja committees, including Kashi Bose Lane, Badamtala Ashar Sangha, Falguni Sangha, Ekbalpore Sarbojanin, and 66 Pally. These committees are eager to take on the responsibility of forming local help centres, which will work in tandem with the community and local authorities to ensure women’s safety.
In addition to this vital initiative, in association with Heritage Bengal Global & Global Connect, the GSOE Awards 2024 will recognize and honor 60 outstanding Durga Puja celebrations across the globe, highlighting the international appeal and cultural significance of this festival. Eight of these global participants were present at the 2024 award unveiling event held at ICCR, Kolkata to receive their awards, representing diverse countries such as Australia, Russia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Brazil, Hong Kong, England, and the United States of America.
‘The GSOE Awards are not just about celebrating the grandeur of Durga Puja; they are about acknowledging the spirit of community and cultural heritage that this festival embodies,’ said the GSOE Co-Founder Mr. Bodhisattva Banerjee. ‘Through these awards and our collaboration with local Durga Puja committees, we aim to create a safer, more inclusive celebration for everyone truly portraying Durga Puja as the Greatest Show on Earth,’ he added.
This year, the Domestic Awards have been categorized under the ‘Sherar Shera’ section, focusing on areas such as New Town, Howrah, Kalyani, Kolkata, and Baruipur. Each area will see a top winner receiving a prize of ₹80,000. In Kolkata, there will be broader categories including Best Theme, Art and Ambience, and Best Idol, each carrying a prize of ₹50,000.
This initiative underscores GSOE’s commitment to promoting not only the cultural vibrancy of Durga Puja but also ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, especially women. By partnering with local Puja committees, GSOE hopes to set a precedent for community-driven safety measures during large public gatherings and not just as festival-time measure; it’s a step towards long- term societal change.
