Origin of Pragati – A Social Cultural Organisation

In the early 1960s, Mohan Studio on Andheri Kuria Road became a cultural hub for young, culture-conscious Bengalis in Mumbai. This was largely due to the presence of late filmmaker Shri Bimal Roy’s production house and late music director Shri Salil Chowdhury’s music room. At that time, very few Bengali families lived in Andheri, and they were scattered across the vast eastern and western suburbs.
Seeking to build social bonds within the community, a group of enthusiastic youngsters decided to organize a Bengali New Year (Poila Boisakh) celebration in 1962 at the M.A. High School hall on S.V. Road.

 The event was presided over by Shri Nabendu Ghosh.

 The chief guest was eminent filmmaker Shri Phani Majumdar.

 Smt. Manobina Roy took active interest and extended full support.

The celebration was a grand success. Encouraged, the group soon organized Rabindra Jayanti (Panchishe Boisakh, 1962) on the terrace of Dr. J.S. Nandi’s bungalow at the junction of Andheri Kuria Road and Suren Road. Presided over by Smt. Manobina Roy, the evening featured soulful Rabindra Sangeet and recitations of Kabiguru’s poetry. The joy and response convinced the youngsters to give a more permanent form to their activities.

Birth of Pragati

The key organizers - Shri Sukhendu Ghosh, Shri Dulal Sen, Shri Amal Sengupta, Shri Tarun Halder, and Shri Mintu Bose (elected the first General Secretary)-stook the lead in mobilizing the community.

A well-attended meeting was held at Dr. J.S. Nandi’s premises, presided over by Shri D. Banerjee, eldest son of the renowned Bengali author Shri Saradindu Bandyopadhyay. The gathering unanimously resolved to form an organization, which came to be known as Pragati – A Social Cultural Organisation.

Graphic artist Shri Himadri Dasgupta designed a beautiful logo, depicting three saplings symbolizing literature, music, and fine arts-the three pillars of Bengali culture.

Early Activities

With the patronage of Shri Bimal Roy, Saraswati Puja (1963) was celebrated on a shooting floor of Mohan Studio. The cultural programme was curated by music director Shri Kanu Ghosh and attracted a large gathering.

Encouraged by the enthusiasm, the members resolved to celebrate Durga Puja. With Bimalda’s support, the outer compound of K. Asif Studio (part of Mohan Studio) was chosen as the venue. Thus, in 1963, Pragati’s first Durga Puja was held.

 Donations were collected not only by members but also by Essabhai Suratwala, a prominent sound recordist at Mohan Studio, who continued supporting Pragati even after moving to Sunil Dutt’s “Ajanta Arts.”

 Cultural evenings were vibrant, featuring performances by leading singers of the time.

 One highlight was a play staged by the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), “Africa Jawan Pareshan”, starring Shri Sanjeev Kumar and Shri A.K. Hangal.

The Journey Begins...

Thus began the glorious journey of Pragati, nurtured by the vision of young Bengali enthusiasts, the patronage of cultural stalwarts, and the wholehearted support of the community. Today, under the auspices of Pragati Club, various social and cultural activities are organized.