Overview

On July 22, 2026, the Maitri Cultural Economy Samiti (MCES), a flagship national initiative of MaitriBodh Parivaar, was launched in Kolkata, West Bengal. The summit aimed to lay the foundation for a culture‑linked economic ecosystem in the state, bringing together policymakers, government leaders, academicians, industry experts, artists, cultural practitioners and thought leaders.

Key Participants and Statements

The chief guest, Union Minister for Culture & Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized that linking culture with livelihoods empowers communities and that integrating culture with the economy creates opportunities for all sections of society, especially at the grassroots. West Bengal Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari, in his message, expressed pride that the summit was hosted in the state and asserted that it would usher in a new wave of cultural awareness, economic empowerment and public participation. Dr. Shankar Ghosh, Minister of Tourism and Parliamentary Affairs, highlighted the need to connect the state’s rich cultural, spiritual and intellectual heritage with development and livelihoods. Minister of State Purnima Chakraborty reiterated that the state’s “Sanskriti” is its greatest strength and an investment in a progressive, culturally rooted society. The gathering also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Maitreya Dadashreeji for promoting spirituality, Indian values and cultural consciousness alongside social and economic progress.

Themes Discussed

Deliberations covered several critical themes:

  • Governance and policy frameworks for the cultural economy.
  • The role of spiritual traditions and the temple economy in West Bengal.
  • The cultural‑economic significance of Eastern India and the historic Anga‑Banga‑Kalinga civilisational connect for regional prosperity.
  • Leveraging artificial intelligence, heritage documentation and intellectual property rights to preserve India’s cultural legacy in the digital age.

Outcomes

The summit established a strong foundation for advancing culture‑linked economic governance in West Bengal, signalling collaborative action to transform the state’s rich cultural heritage into a sustainable engine for inclusive growth, livelihoods and long‑term prosperity.