The Tagore Society Singapore, a non-profit dedicated to promoting the works and ideals of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, hosted a landmark cultural event titled The Bengali Diaspora in Singapore on July 26 and 27.
Held at the Indian Heritage Centre, the two-day event was a heartfelt celebration of Bengali heritage, history and identity, bringing together members of Singapore’s Bengali community in an unprecedented display of unity and cultural pride.
The event was the brainchild of Mrs Dolly Sinha Davenport, creative director of the Tagore Society, and marked several historic firsts. It was the first large-scale cultural showcase in Singapore conceptualised, performed and curated entirely by the local Bengali community.
It also featured the premiere screening of the first documentary on the Bengali diaspora in Singapore and the launch of the first book chronicling its history.
Each evening began with the soul-stirring Bengali anthem Ami Banglay Gaan Gai (I Sing in Bengali), an emotional tribute to language as the foundation of cultural identity. With the auditorium filled to capacity, the opening number set the tone for an immersive celebration of music, dance and storytelling that followed.
One of the highlights of the event was the screening of The Bong Connection – Singapore Chapter, a documentary created by international award-winning photographer and filmmaker Mithu Chakraborty.
Introducing the film, Mrs Chakraborty spoke about the emotional journey of bringing this project to life and how documenting the diaspora’s legacy deepened her own connection with the community.
The documentary traces the Bengali migration to the Malaya Peninsula from the early 19th century and their eventual settlement in Singapore.
It captures the birth and evolution of key community institutions like the Bengali Association Singapore (BAS) and language schools, while also highlighting the rich socio-cultural practices that continue to thrive – from Durga Puja celebrations to poetry readings and classical music recitals.
Featuring interviews with respected doctors, civil servants, corporate leaders and cultural contributors, the film resonated deeply with the audience. It not only documented the Bengali experience in Singapore but also served as a visual archive of resilience, creativity and belonging.
Following the documentary, the book Echoes of Bengal in the Lion City – Glimpses of the Bengali Diaspora in Singapore was launched.
The event was graced by dignitaries including Mr Aniket Patankar, First Secretary of the Indian High Commission in Singapore, Ms Cheryl Koh, Director of Heritage Institutions at the National Heritage Board, and Mr R. Rajaram, Chairman of the Indian Heritage Centre.
The launch on July 27 was further enriched by the presence of Mr Sekhar Boron, a renowned poet from Bangladesh, and Dr Albert Tang from Taiwan.
The anthology is divided into three sections – chronicling the history, exploring lived experiences and demystifying the modern Bengali identity.
It was published to commemorate Singapore’s 60th year of independence and aims to raise awareness about the longstanding and evolving role of Bengalis in shaping Singapore’s multicultural fabric.
The book aspires to foster deeper integration and mutual understanding by offering a nuanced view of this often-overlooked community.
Interwoven through the event were a series of performances - vocal renditions, classical and contemporary dances and recitations of poetry – all drawing inspiration from or directly featuring the works of Tagore.
Selected by the performers themselves, the pieces stood as testimony to Tagore’s timeless influence and his ability to resonate with audiences even today.
Whether through haunting melodies or philosophical verse, the “Bard of Bengal” remained the spiritual guide of the evening.
The atmosphere throughout the event was filled with warmth, nostalgia and a deep sense of pride. Nearly 200 people attended over the two days, many dressed in traditional Bengali attire – saris, dhotis and kurta-pyjamas.
For many, the event was more than a cultural showcase; it was a reunion, a chance to revisit shared histories and celebrate a vibrant heritage that continues to evolve in the heart of Singapore.
