“Some dreams wait patiently until the right moment to introduce themselves.”

The year 2020 began with energy, enthusiasm, and new possibilities.

On 5th January 2020, we organised a Self Defence Workshop. Looking back, it may seem different from everything that followed, but it reflected something that has always been part of Khamkheyal—the desire to create meaningful experiences that empower and bring people together.

Then came a milestone that changed everything. On 29th February and 1st March 2020, our dream finally received its identity. For the very first time, our exhibition was organised under one name—Khamkheyal.

The exhibition brought together lifestyle brands, photography, paintings, and open mic performances under one roof. It wasn’t the biggest exhibition, nor did it aim to be. It simply celebrated creativity, conversations, and community. None of us realised that we were witnessing the birth of something that would continue to grow year after year.

Just a few months later, the world came to a standstill.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

Exhibitions paused. Gatherings disappeared. Plans were postponed indefinitely.

But while the events stopped, the spirit of Khamkheyal did not.

There was a time when we walked hand in hand with so many artists in the spirit of raising funds. Each collaboration became a little story of its own—where art met empathy, creativity met purpose, and together, we tried to turn every brushstroke, every performance, and every gesture into something meaningful for someone in need.

Instead of waiting for normal life to return, we found new ways to stay connected. We organised online webinars on environmental awareness, theatre, photography, storytelling, and audio stories. Even from different homes, we continued sharing ideas, learning together, and reminding ourselves that creativity doesn’t need a stage—it simply needs people who are willing to create.

When restrictions slowly eased, we cautiously returned with a small exhibition at our Sealdah home. Only a handful of homegrown brands participated. It was simple, intimate, and filled with hope.

The scale didn’t matter.

What mattered was that people had started coming together again.

Looking back today, 2020 wasn’t only the year Khamkheyal found its name.

It was the year we discovered our resilience.

Because even when the world stood still, our dream quietly kept moving forward.

And little did we know, the years ahead would help that dream grow into something far bigger than we had ever imagined.