Kolkata
Kolkata
About Kolkata
Kolkata, formerly known as ‘Calcutta’, is the capital of West Bengal, and the former capital (1772–1911) of British India. The city is centred on the east bank of the Hooghly River, about 96 miles (154 km) upstream from the head of the Bay of Bengal. A city of commerce, transport, and manufacture, Kolkata is the dominant urban centre of Eastern India.
Fashioned by the colonial British in the manner of a grand European capital, Kolkata has had to assimilate strong European influences and overcome the limitations of its colonial legacy in order to find its own unique identity.
Kolkata is a cosmopolitan city: More than four-fifths of the population is Hindu. Muslims and Christians constitute the largest minorities, but there are some Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. The dominant language is Bengali, but Urdu, Oriya, Tamil, Punjabi, and other languages also are spoken.
Kolkata’s position as one of India’s pre-eminent economic centres is rooted in its manufacturing industries, its financial and trade activities, and its role as a major port; it is also a major centre for printing, publishing, and newspaper circulation, as well as, for recreation and entertainment. The city is quite frequently referred to as the ‘Cultural Capital of India’. Among the products of Kolkata’s hinterland have been coal, iron, manganese, mica, petroleum, tea, and jute.
For all we know, there seems to be some surprising facts which very few people know about, yet they represent something to be proud of. Given below are a few lesser known facts about Kolkata
- The Largest Tree in The World
The Great Banyan Tree at Botanical Gardens, Kolkata, is over 250 years old.
- The Oldest Zoo In The Country
The Alipore Zoo is literally the oldest zoo in the country, entertaining everyone since 1875!
- The Oldest Polo Club in The World
The world’s first Polo club was established by the British in Calcutta in 1858.
- Second Oldest Cricket & Football Club
In terms of the seating area, Eden Gardens is the third largest cricket ground in the world.
The Calcutta Cricket and Football Club is the second oldest cricket and football club in the world, after the most popular MCC.
Calcutta Football League is the oldest football championship held in the country since 1898 and second oldest in the world.
Salt Lake Stadium is the second largest football ground in the world in terms of the seating area.
- Largest Second-Hand Book Market
The city houses the country’s largest second-hand book market and world’s second largest. Also, The National Library is the country’s largest and oldest public library.
- Largest Planetarium in Asia
Kolkata has always promoted science and technology, and houses Asia’s largest planetarium known as ‘Birla Planetarium’ which also happens to be the second largest in the world.
- Oldest and The Only Riverine Port
The country’s only riverine port is at Hooghly called the Khidderpore Port which also happens to be the oldest port in India.
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Message from Regional President
Respected Members,
It is both an honour and a privilege to assume the role of Regional President for the East India Council (EIC) of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC). I am committed to upholding the values of the Chamber with diligence and foresight as we move forward together.
Despite ongoing geopolitical disruptions, the bilateral trade relationship between India and the USA continues to grow stronger. I am excited to foster and consolidate ventures in strategic and sustainable areas of business, always mindful of their social implications. My hope is that this will help our council members stay well-informed about the latest developments in Indo-US trade, both regionally and nationally.
My primary objective as Regional President will be to promote profitable business alliances between the two largest global economies by expanding trade relations. In this crucial time for Indo-US relations, I seek your full cooperation, insights, and support. Together with the elected members of the Chamber, I will work to strengthen commercial and economic ties with the USA, guided by the leadership of IACC at both the regional and national levels.
In the coming year, I propose that the Eastern region place special focus on promoting the MSME sector, an area where Eastern India excels. I warmly welcome any ideas or suggestions from esteemed members and well-wishers that will help further our region’s progress. With the collective faith and cooperation of all members, I am confident that we can elevate both the Eastern region and the IACC brand to new heights.
Thank you for your trust in me. I look forward to working with each of you to achieve our shared goals.
Warm regards,
Arijit Basu
Regional President,
East India Council
Managing Director, Veedol Corporation Limited
Committee Members
| Regional President | Mr. Arijit Basu | MD, Veedol Corp Ltd |
| 1st Vice President | Mr. Abhishek Kankaria | Executive Director, Ballyfabs International |
| 2nd Vice President | ||
| Members | Ms. Anjana Dikshit | Director, Bluebeaks Solutions LLP |
| Mr. Jagdish Kamal Gulati | MD, Maagnum International | |
| Mr. Yogesh Gupta | MD, Megaa Moda | |
| Mr Rajendra Khandelwal | Owner, Dhanwantary Medicare | |
| Ms Shyamashree Sen | Founding Partner, Connections PR | |
| Mr. Satyabrata Mukhopadhyay | MD, Relexions Narayani Impex Pvt Ltd | |
| Mr. Yogesh Kankaria | Director, Kankaria Group | |
| Mrs. Anupama Sureka | Director, Hartex Rubber Pvt Ltd | |
| Mr. Shiv Karnani | MD, Toshbro Medicals | |
| Mr. Ramphal Nehra – Jamshedpur | Plant Manager-Director, Tata Cummins |
