It is time for all Kolkatans to prepare for the grand event— ‘Bangaliana Telethon’, a programme designed to celebrate TV9 Bangla’s first anniversary.

To be aired live from 2pm onwards on February 6, 2022, it will celebrate the achievements of Bengalis across the globe as well as conduct a serious soul-search, leading to a candid discussion on the glorious past and present of the race.

According to a press release issued by TV9 Thursday, the unique show will be a freewheeling discussion in which eminent and accomplished Bengalis from various walks of life such as literature, culture, music, films, theatre, politics, business, industry, and women empowerment will participate.

Hosted by TV9 Network CEO Barun Das, this telethon will be co-hosted by celebrities such as filmmaker Gautam Ghosh, and actors Arpita Chatterjee, Anirban Bhattacharya and Ritabhari Chakraborty.

The discussion will begin with broad- spectrum sessions divided into 11 segments on the significance of the past, present and future of the Bengalis. The Bengal Renaissance, the period of awakening and arguably the golden period of achievements of Bengalis, would be a reference point of the discussions.

Das asserted that TV9 Bangla would “mobilise and sensitise about 10 crore (100 million) Bengalis” in the quest for glory.

“We intend to set up an advisory board consisting of eminent personalities who are legends in their respective fields. The exclusive board would enrich the endeavor and guide us through this journey for our mission seeking rejuvenation of Bangaliana,” he added.

Some of the deliberations will focus on whether the lack of entrepreneurial spirit of Bengalis or their quest for a safe and secure life as an employee, doing a job, is an impediment to entrepreneurial activities, which has held back the Bengal industries — from culture to media to infrastructure.

The concept of this grand telethon, a first-of-its-kind on a Bengali TV news channel, has its root in reviving Bangaliana.