In South Kolkata’s Vidyasagar Colony, a 70-year-old tamarind tree has become a symbol of successful community-led conservation. Debalina Majumder and Samata Biswas launched “Tamarind Tunes,” a series of open-air concerts and sessions under the tree making it impossible for the developers to proceed with the felling. Renowned artists and activists performed under the canopy, including Moushumi Bhowmik, Arko Mukherjee, Satyaki Banerjee, Amanat Fakir, Akash Chakraborty and many others.

Debalina Majumder is an independent filmmaker, cinematographer, writer, photographer and curator based in Kolkata. Her practice explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, migration, displacement, citizenship and ecological crisis.

Samata teaches English at The Sanskrit College and University, Kolkata. Most of her work deals with gender and embodiment, in their various manifestations and has worked on international refugee and migrant issues as well.