Step into the 1st BILS Rockland Retreat and Book Fair Archive and revisit the unforgettable moments from our 2023 event. From inspiring literary sessions to cultural performances, serene hikes, and heartfelt connections, this archive is a treasure trove of memories.
Explore photos, videos, and highlights that capture the essence of creativity, community, and collaboration. The journey may have ended, but the stories live on!
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Yoga with Ora. Make life Bora Bora. Enjoy transcendental meditation in groups on the green grass surrounded by shrubs and trees under the blue sky.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Body tuning and stretches with Gyana. Relieve stress, get into shape, and enjoy the program with greater energy and concentration. Groups of 2 to 4.
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM: Farm tour. Stroll through the farm to see grazing cows, horses, goats, and sheep. Occasionally catch a glimpse of flying birds or grazing deer.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Swimming. Bring your bathing suits and towels to enjoy swimming in the modernized pond with a man-made beach. Experience the ambiance of sun and shade.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Set up tents or designated rooms for registered participants to get ready for the main event.
Saturday, July 29, 2023
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Welcome address by Dr. Dhanonjoy Saha and Mou Modhubontee. Inauguration by Jeanette Rodriguez. Opening remarks by Mohammad Nurul Huda (via Zoom). Bangladesh and US National Anthems by Galilee Damiano, Daphna Stern, John Damiano, Jeni Toth, Natalie Hagay, and Jeanette Rodriguez.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Authors’ introduction and reception by BILS Committee. Led by Bimal Sarkar.
4:35 PM – 5:25 PM: Opening of authors’ bookstalls and local crafts stalls. Ribbon cutting by Dr. Shelley Mubdi. Introduction by Dr. Md. Mohsin Ali.
5:30 PM – 6:10 PM: Short story and selected poetry readings. Led by Vidya Murlidhar.
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner and social at Threefold Café. Enjoy organic food grown on a biodynamic farm.
7:05 PM – 7:25 PM: “How to eat, run, and rest to increase energy to write” by Mohammad Nasir Sikder. Introduced by Benojir Sikder.
7:30 PM – 8:15 PM: Poetry slam. Led by Sudipta Buya Chattopadhyay.
8:15 PM – 8:25 PM: Talk by Dr. Howard Rankin: “I think therefore I am wrong – How not to think and write effectively.” Introduced by Dr. Dhanonjoy Saha.
8:30 PM – 9:15 PM: Recitation, song, and music. Led by Ahmed Mozumder and Gautam Saha.
9:15 PM – 10:00 PM: Open mic and adda (social mingling). Led by Munmun Saha and Manosi Saha.
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Welcome by Mou Modhubontee. Welcome address by Poet Sobodh Sarkar (via Zoom). Welcome message by Eric Silber. Special address by Dr. Md. Mohsin Ali. Bangladesh and US National Anthems by Asmita Das, Pratham Chakraborty, Jeanette Rodriguez, and others.
10:05 AM – 10:20 AM: “Body, mind, and spirit – Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy” by Swami Sumanasananda Maharaj. Introduced by Prakash Chakraborty.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Tea break.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Poetry and rhymes. Led by Mou Modhubontee.
12:05 PM – 12:30 PM: Bookstalls and crafts store re-open. Social and photo session. Led by Kulsum Akter Sumi and Bonani Sinha.
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch and social hours. Enjoy organic American food grown on a biodynamic farm.
1:20 PM – 2:10 PM: Poetry, stories, and songs from special needs talents (Endeavor21+ and Music for Life). Led by Galilee Damiano and Jeanette Rodriguez.
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM: Discussions on books displayed in authors’ stalls. Led by Benojir Sikder, Bimal Sarker, and others.
2:50 PM – 3:00 PM: Introduction of Global Village Welfare Group by Bimal Sarkar.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Articles, essays, and humor. Led by Mizanur Rahman.
3:35 PM – 4:00 PM: Award ceremony.
4:05 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing ceremony: song, dance, music, and recitation. Led by Sobita Das and Galilee Damiano.
4:05 PM – 5:00 PM: Vote of Thanks by Mou Modhubontee
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Strolling through the woods, farmhouse, and neighborhood.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Barbecue with fine WJ wine, cheese, and more at 1 Ulman Terrace, Monsey, NY.