Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh inaugurated the annual United Kingdom Bengali Convention (UKBC) in London. The 2-day event on September 9-10 brings together renowned Bengali artists including Rupankar Bagchi and Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya as special guests. Organized by the UKBC, a non-profit charity, the convention unites over 60 UK-based community organizations to celebrate Bengali culture through music, drama, food and more. Now in its 15th edition, the UKBC aims to celebrate the diaspora and foster Bengal's arts and heritage. Supported by dozens of groups, it has emerged as the largest annual gathering of Bengalis in the UK. The inauguration kicked off the festivities that will continue over the weekend.

In a shocking event, a peaceful yoga class was mistaken for a "ritual mass murder" scene. ‘Concerned members’ of the public witnessed individuals lying on the floor and promptly alerted the U.K. police, triggering a dramatic response with sirens blaring. Upon arrival, the police found the yoga practitioners engaged in quiet meditation. The incident occurred at the Seaside Cafe inside the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards. The cafe clarified on social media that it hosts regular yoga classes and assured the public that it is not affiliated with any unusual cults or clubs. Lincolnshire police acknowledged that the emergency call was made with good intentions. [Photo: Seascape Cafe facebook page]

The Nehru Centre in London is hosting an exhibition: 'India, Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow' till September 1, 2023, commemorating the nation's 75th year of independence. The event showcases artworks reflecting India's growth and aspirations. The display features works by four Indian artists: Narendra Pal Singh's vibrant village scenes, Prof. Harsh Vardhan Sharma's emotive Indian portraits, Reena Singh's abstract explorations of Hindu Philosophy, and Dr. Sangeeta Goel's expressionistic pieces promoting inclusivity. The exhibition captures India's journey through time, reflecting on its essence and outlook. The event aligns with Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, spotlighting the nation's evolution.