Curtain Raiser of Maitri Cultural Economy Samiti- West Bengal Summit 2026, 08.07.2026

Smt. Mitra Ghosh, First Lady of Haryana
Maitreya Dadashreeji

Distinguished guests, esteemed dignitaries, representatives of industry and culture, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen

It is a privilege to be present at the curtain-raiser of the Maitri Cultural Economy Samiti – West Bengal Summit 2026. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Maitribodh Parivar for conceiving an initiative that beautifully harmonises culture, commerce and collaboration.
West Bengal occupies a unique place in India’s civilizational journey. It is a land where history, philosophy, literature, art and spirituality have flourished for centuries. From the Bengal Renaissance to the freedom movement, from its enduring literary traditions to its pioneering contributions in science, education and social reform, Bengal has consistently enriched the intellectual and moral foundations of our nation. The story of India’s nation-building cannot be told without acknowledging Bengal’s remarkable contribution.

This remarkable legacy reminds us that culture is not merely a reflection of our past—it is a living force that shapes our future. Across the world, the creative economy has emerged as a powerful engine of development, generating employment, promoting tourism, encouraging entrepreneurship and enhancing a nation’s global standing.
The Maitri Cultural Economy Samiti embodies this forward-looking vision. It recognises that our heritage is not only to be preserved but also thoughtfully leveraged to create sustainable livelihoods, empower artisans and creative entrepreneurs, attract investment, and build resilient cultural ecosystems. By bringing together policymakers, industry, academia, cultural institutions and civil society, the Summit seeks to create meaningful partnerships that transform cultural capital into economic opportunity.
Dear Friends,
This initiative resonates deeply with the national vision of Viksit Bharat, where development is anchored in our civilizational values. It also reflects the essence of cooperative federalism, where every State contributes its unique strengths to the collective progress of our nation.
Today, as we formally unveil the vision and objectives of the West Bengal Summit, we are not merely announcing an event; we are launching a movement that celebrates the enduring power of culture as an instrument of economic transformation, social harmony and international engagement.
As I conclude, I commend the Maitribodh Parivar, partners and all stakeholders for their vision, commitment and tireless efforts in bringing this meaningful initiative to fruition. I am confident that the Summit will inspire new ideas, forge enduring partnerships and establish West Bengal as a global centre for cultural enterprise, innovation and sustainable development.
With these words, I extend my best wishes for the grand success of the Maitri Cultural Economy Samiti- West Bengal Summit and for all the deliberations and partnerships it will inspire.
Thank you. Jai Hind!