Administration
Bengali Cultural Society, Reading is a UK registered charitable organisation managed by trustees elected by the members on an annual basis.
The composition of the current Trustees is as follows:
Archana Das
Chairperson
Sanjoy Paul
Treasurer
Rana Ray
General Secretary
Other Trustees
Arpita Talukder
Ratna Ghosh
Samik Chakraborty
Shubendu
Sudeshna Banerjee
Krishnandu Sarkar
Basumita Roy
Irana
Chandan Bhowmick
The above Trustees for 2021/22 were elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting held on 7th August 2021. All subsequent Trustees would be elected and/or confirmed at future Annual General Meetings.
The Trustees are responsible for the management of the affairs of BCS and allocates responsibilities as it sees fit. Any member may stand for election in order to become a Trustee. Such elections are decided by a simple majority of the members present at an Annual General Meeting.
The offices of the Chairman, General Secretary and Treasurer are elected at the Annual General Meeting and these office-bearers become members of the Trustees automatically.
The total number of Trustees is decided at the Annual General Meeting.
Our New Trustees
As a Bengali from Kolkata now living in London, BCS means a lot to me. It feels like having a little piece of home here in the UK. Whether it’s celebrating festivals, speaking Bangla, or simply spending time with people who share the same roots, BCS helps me stay connected to the city and culture I grew up with. It’s more than just a community—it’s a place where Kolkata never feels too far away. – Basumita Roy
As a new trustee of BCS Reading, I want to help build a stronger, more connected Bengali community across our region. My focus will be on bringing people and organisations together, encouraging collaboration, supporting new ideas and creating opportunities for people of all ages. I see BCS Reading becoming an inclusive umbrella organisation that represents the diversity of our community while preserving our shared cultural identity. At a time of significant change, I also believe we should have a stronger civic and political voice, ensuring our community’s views, concerns and aspirations are heard and represented. – Suvendu
What I value most about BCS is the sense of togetherness. From the preparations and arrangements to volunteering, everyone comes forward, contributes in their own way, and works as one united team to make the celebration successful. Being part of this journey has given me a strong sense of belonging and pride in our Bengali culture and traditions. – Samik
When I first moved to the UK, one of the things I missed most was being surrounded by people who shared my language, culture and the festivals I had grown up celebrating in Kolkata. Durga Puja, in particular, has always meant a lot to me and I remember wondering whether I would have to miss that sense of home here.That is when I discovered BCS Reading. I first came along simply to experience Durga Puja, with very little expectation but I was immediately struck by how warmly I was welcomed.From 2023 onwards, I gradually became more involved by volunteering at Durga Puja and other cultural events. Over time, BCS became much more than a place to celebrate festivals. It became a community where I made friends, felt connected to my roots and found a sense of belonging.
For me, BCS is a little piece of home away from home. – Krishnandu