Sundarban Tramyatra Festival of Learning Brings Climate Change Awareness to Kolkata’s Streets
Times of India | 29 March 2025
123 The Sundarban Tramyatra Festival of Learning transforms Kolkata's iconic tramways into a vibrant space for climate awareness, storytelling, and cultural exchange. It began on Friday, with a special focus on the Sundarbans, a critical climate hotspot. Co-curated by Melbourne tram conductor Roberto D'Andrea and Mick Douglas, Associate Professor at RMIT University, the festival blended art, music, discussions, and free tram rides to engage citizens in a deeper understanding of the climate crisis.
"This event continues to strengthen the bond between Kolkata and Melbourne with colourful trams, informative tickets celebrating biodiversity, and enhancing the human connection," said D'Andrea, highlighting the unique collaboration. Douglas, addressing the pressing issue of climate injustice, noted, "Communities least responsible for climate change are the most at risk. By learning from the Sundarbans and Kolkata, we hope to provoke global citizens to act justly and urgently."
From March 28 to 30, the Esplanade Tram Terminus will become a cultural hub between 4 pm and 9 pm, hosting interactive workshops, live music, and immersive soundscapes of the Sundarbans. Adding to the festival's immersive experience, trams running between Gariahat, Esplanade, and Shyambazar offered free rides from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm on March 28, 29, and 30, allowing commuters to engage with climate storytelling on the move. On March 31, the festival will culminate with a Citizens' Assembly at the ICCR Rabindranath Tagore Centre from 4:30 pm to 9 pm, where environmentalists, researchers, and community members will deliberate on solutions for the growing climate crisis in the Sundarbans and Kolkata. MSID:: 119659328 413 |
The Sundarban Tramyatra Festival of Learning transforms Kolkata's iconic tramways into a vibrant space for climate awareness, storytelling, and cultural exchange. It began on Friday, with a special focus on the Sundarbans, a critical climate hotspot. Co-curated by Melbourne tram conductor Roberto D'Andrea and Mick Douglas, Associate Professor at RMIT University, the festival blended art, music, discussions, and free tram rides to engage citizens in a deeper understanding of the climate crisis.
"This event continues to strengthen the bond between Kolkata and Melbourne with colourful trams, informative tickets celebrating biodiversity, and enhancing the human connection," said D'Andrea, highlighting the unique collaboration. Douglas, addressing the pressing issue of climate injustice, noted, "Communities least responsible for climate change are the most at risk. By learning from the Sundarbans and Kolkata, we hope to provoke global citizens to act justly and urgently."
From March 28 to 30, the Esplanade Tram Terminus will become a cultural hub between 4 pm and 9 pm, hosting interactive workshops, live music, and immersive soundscapes of the Sundarbans. Adding to the festival's immersive experience, trams running between Gariahat, Esplanade, and Shyambazar offered free rides from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm on March 28, 29, and 30, allowing commuters to engage with climate storytelling on the move. On March 31, the festival will culminate with a Citizens' Assembly at the ICCR Rabindranath Tagore Centre from 4:30 pm to 9 pm, where environmentalists, researchers, and community members will deliberate on solutions for the growing climate crisis in the Sundarbans and Kolkata. MSID:: 119659328 413 |
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