By Papri Das

The resonating beats of ?dhak,? the clear blue skies of autumn, the alluring essence of ?shiuli? and the decked up streets with creative pandals spell out the festive fervour that the five days of Durga Puja brings to every Bengali. Be it big puja associations hatching cutting edge concepts for pandals, ladies planning weeks in advance on what to wear for the five days, or youngsters lapping up stories from the ?pujor shankha? editions of magazines -- these five days transform Kolkata as a city, and see the people of Bengal hailing Maa Durga in all her glory.

However, some don?t have the luxury of celebrating their roots in its true essence at home. They are called ?Probashi Bengalis? or Bengalis who live away from Bengal. And if you are part of the media industry, you are bound to come across quite a few of them. 

As Kolkata gears up for the five festive days, Exec Lifestyle caught up with several Bengalis in the media industry to find out how they are living it up this year. Here?s what they had to say:

Anita Kaul Basu

Durga pujo is very special to our family, Siddharth (Basu) being a hard core Bengali. We usually celebrate the festival together every year, but this year seems a bit uncertain with both of us travelling. We are a bit all over the place this year. Usually we get decked in traditional clothes and visit the pandals, including some of the biggest like Mukherjee family pandal in Andheri. The whole day goes in catching up with friends and family and other bongs within the industry. Then trying all the delicacies is part of the fun.

Pratap Bose

I am not the type of Bengali who goes overboard with Durga Pujo. I like to keep things simple and real as much as possible. For me, the Durga Pujo is not the hustle and bustle of Kolkata. It in the smaller pockets where the community is more interlocked and bonded. For example places like Midnapore and Jamshedpur, where the pandals are smaller and less but the puja is done with more passion. There aren?t too many pandals to go pandal hopping, but just the serenity of the pujas appeals to me.

Having said that, for those who want to relish the true flavour of pujo and have a sense of belonging to their roots, migration to Kolkata, which is the mecca of festivities in these few days, is a must for every Bengali. But unlike me, there are a lot of Bengalis who can?t go back to Kolkata even if they wanted to. For them, wherever they are, even outside India, there is always a community that celebrates the festival in its own unique way.

In Mumbai, my wife and I are associated with the Pujo that is organised in Goregaon East, and we take part in the planning and arrangements.

Pratik Seal

I prefer the Durga pujo in Mumbai than Kolkata. As a probashi Bengali, I have no regrets. I don?t feel Durga pujo back in Kolkata is fun any more. It is very commercialised and money minded. It doesn?t feel your own, or as if you belong there. Most big pandals are owned by some political organisation or the other. I actually miss Delhi pujo more, where all the industry guys would arrange for the pujo themselves. There is a certain beauty in it.

This year, my wife and I plan to shut down our home kitchen for starters, as Durga puja mostly means eating out all the time. There is Durga pujo that happens next to our house in Mumbai, so we plan to spend most of our time there. Then maybe pandal hop a bit to Vashi, Navi Mumbai and Powai areas. Our plan is to basically chill with family and friends, have fun and roam around. 

Nivedita Basu

The Lahiris (Bappi and Bappa Lahiri) are family friends who have been organising one of the biggest Durga pujos in Mumbai along with the Mukherjees, and we have been ardent patrons of their pandals over the last few years. Our bong gang comprising me, Shumona, Kavita Kaushik, and a few others celebrate the puja with Kajol (Devgn) and her family. It?s fun to attend all the cultural activities and programs at night. For example, they would often organise an Usha Uthup night, that totally cheers us up. The best thing is the bhog that this particular puja serves, which people lap up after standing in line for hours. All thanks to the Mukherjees and Lahiris, who bring in a Bengali cook specially for these days.

I know there is a lot riding over fashion on the last three days in Durga specially in Kolkata, where preparations start over a month before. But for us, who hardly get time from our busy schedule our stylists and designer friends come to rescue. I plan to wear a saree on at least one of the days, mostly because my friends get after my life if I skip that ritual. My friend Roshini Chopra has designed a saree for me so I will probably wear that. For another day, I will be donning an outfit designed by Sabbah Sharma.

Sumonto Chattopadhyay

For me and my family, Durga Pujo has always meant mutton curry and rice on Ashtami (eighth day of the puja). That?s like the biggest thing to look forward to. I usually end up being in Bombay most of the years, but this year, my work might actually take me to Kolkata. If I do end up in Kolkata, I will make sure to check out some of the creatively done pandals. One of our clients have been organising ?Sharad Samman,? which basically acknowledges the artisans for their creative inputs in the pandals. I feel like checking that out this year.

It is interesting to note how the Durga pratima or idols have evolved from being very traditional to topical and even edgy these days. It?s more of an expression of art and social cry in some cases than just an idol you worship. So if I make it to the city, pandal hopping is definitely on my top agendas. Otherwise, I will definitely be eating very well (chuckles).

Pradeep Guha

I was born and brought up in Mumbai, so I guess my perception of Durga Puja and the excitement around it is a bit different. It was never a huge event in my life except that as a kid I would go buy new clothes for the occasion. I see many Probashi Bangalis organise Durga puja in Mumbai, and their passion really amazes me. Most of them have been in Kolkata and came and settled in Mumbai so it's natural they want to recreate the celebration here, and I am all for it too.

Having said that, I don't go all out during Durga puja. I do go and give 'anjali' on Ashtami at Ram Krishna Mission. That is my small way of celebrating the festival.

By Papri Das

If you are active on social media or have been following the news, you must be familiar with how Tamil born and IIT Kharagpur alumni Sundar Pichai risen to the position of Google CEO. No sooner did the news hit the intetnet than netizens poured in with praises for him to celebrate this proud moment for India.

Pichai isn?t the only one who has done the country proud when it comes to putting India?s name amongst world leaders in technology. Previously, Indian American business executive Satya Nadella grabbed headlines when he took over as CEO of another technology giant, Microsoft Corp.

In fact, according to a recent media report, India is the current leader in startup and entrepreneurship in the Silicon valley. ?Rise of Indians and Indian-Americans in the US tech world appears to be at its peak with as many as 15 per cent of startups in Silicon Valley being founded by Indians, according to a 2014 study by Professor Vivek Wadhwa,? the article reads.

IT isn?t the only front where India has garnered faith internationally. Indian Navy earned several accolades from nations worldwide for its efficient rescue operation ?Operation Rahat? in Yemen that saved over 5000 lives, which included a 1000 foreign nationals as well. Almost 23 countries requested assistance from India to help their citizens out of the war torn Yemen to safety.

As India steps into its 69th year of Independence, Exec Lifestyle ponders over several such reasons of taking pride as an Indian. We caught up with leading journalists, CEOs, writers and creative heads in the media to find out what they take pride in as an Indian.

Balaji Telefilms creative director Nivedita Basu shares that she finds it hard to choose from the many success stories of Indians that have made her proud to be an Indian. An avid follower of sports, if Basu had to pick, she would certainly go with 17 year old Tennis champion, Sumit Nagal who won the boys? doubles title at the Wimbledon.

Basu says, ?I also rejoiced when India announced that a missile will be named after the late president APJ Abdul Kalam. It was disheartening that his last rites were marred by the entire controversy over Yakub Memon?s hanging. Naturally media covered that more. But it?s good to see that our missile man isn't forgotten and has been given due respect through the decision to rename a missile after him.?

When it comes to patriotic songs, Basu?s favourite is AR Rahman's Vande Mataram. And although they are not patriotic movies, Chak De! India and Bhag Milkha Bhag instils a powerful feeling within her.

Known as a fearless and celebrated journalist, India Today Group consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai shared that India is the best place to work as a journalist. ?I take pride in the fact that India is the most mobile and diverse country. Young kids from different parts of the country are travelling across cities and finding their destinies. And not just nationally, Indians are shining throughout the world,? he says.

?What disappoints me is that a lot of its potential is curbed because of the inequality of opportunities that still exists,? Sardesai adds after a thought.  When asked if he worries that this very cultural diversity might be at stake after the many bans that were brought upon by the State, Sardesai confidently says that the ban culture won't go on for long. ?I have faith in the current generation that will respect India?s cultural diversity and put a stop to the arbitrary banning,? he adds.

Ask him his favorite part of Independence Day and he says with a smile, ?On every Independence Day I come early to office and start my day by revealing the Prime Minister?s speech from Delhi in the news. Can you find me a better way to celebrate the day?? For Discovery Network Asia Pacific executive vice president and general manager Rahul Johri, taking pride as an Indian is an inherent feeling that is not changed by any events. ?I believe that taking pride as an Indian-ness is a lifelong feeling,? he adds.

A great campaigner for knowledge and learning amongst the youth, Johri is satisfied with the fact that Indians are pushing their boundaries and learning new ways to bring pride to the nation.

?As a media professional, I take pride in the young Indian population who have an immense appetite for knowledge, which is why you see them exploring beyond their comfort zones and bringing accolades to the nation. I pay an ode to the true spirit of an Indian, which is being manifested in the current mood of the country - thriving entrepreneurship. I love my country and take pride in being an Indian,? shares Johri wishing more power to every Indian to make a difference to this world.

Moreover, Sardesai isn?t the only one banking on India?s youth and its talent. Grey Advertising India chief strategy officer Dheeraj Sinha too trusts in the young and skilled Indian population. ?China as a country succeeded thanks to its policies. But when you look at India, its success lies in its people and their skills. The achievement of Indians worldwide is what gives India its stature,? he quips. Well informed and keeping up with India?s global position in the financial market, Sinha?s recent column on Independence Day in a leading daily discusses marketers and their approach to the Indian consumer.

Shedding more light on the topic, Sinha adds that he has high hopes from the Indian startup scene. ?In my village, a catering guy, who started with a small vendor then moved on to do business in three villages. Now he can afford to send his kids to IIT. It?s this very attitude to push through boundaries and fight against odds that makes Indians good entrepreneurs. And it shows internationally as well since India is a world leader in start ups. When people have such talents it starts mattering less, which government rules and what policies they make, as the source of power are the people, and when they shine, they make us proud,? explains Sinha.

While Sinha looks at India?s success irrespective of government policies, Doordarshan Mumbai additional director general Mukesh Sharma can?t help but appreciate the opportunities today?s youth have at their disposal. ?At times I feel envious of today?s youth for having born during such a good time. I wish I was born in independent India, specially now, when there are so many opportunities. I am proud that they are making the most these opportunities and putting them to good use. I am also happy that I can see the good times for the country during my lifetime,? Sharma adds with a smile.

While our media executives enumerate reasons for taking pride as an Indian, Exec Lifestyle observes that collectively they place immense faith in the current generation of Indians to reach newer heights and make India shine brighter. On that note, exec Life style wishes you a very happy 69th Independence Day hoping that our readers too find countless reasons to take pride as an Indian.