Opening Ceremony of the FIAP Exhibition Centre, Kolkata – Photographic Association of Dum Dum (PAD), India and Inauguration of the FIAP-Recognised 6th IRIS International Salon 2026
The Opening Ceremony of the FIAP Exhibition Centre, Kolkata – Photographic Association of Dum Dum (PAD), India, along with the inauguration of the FIAP-Recognised 6th IRIS International Salon 2026, was held on 17 July 2026 at Pankajbasini Study Centre, 100/65 Jessore Road, Bhagabati Park, Kolkata – 700074. The programme commenced at 6:00 p.m.
The function was conducted by Prof. Biswatosh Sengupta, Secretary, Photographic Association of Dum Dum (PAD).Prof. Anupam Basu, Vice-Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University, graced the occasion as the Guest-in-Chief, while Shri Ashim Kumar Banerjee, Chairman, WBCERC and Former Judge of the Calcutta High Court, attended as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished dignitaries present included Dr. Abhoy Nath Ganguly, President, PAD, and Shri Suman De, President, IRIS Photography Foundation.
The dignitaries were warmly felicitated with ceremonial stoles, followed by the presentation of flower bouquets and commemorative mementoes.
In his welcome address, Dr. Abhoy Nath Ganguly highlighted the long and distinguished history of the Photographic Association of Dum Dum and its continued commitment to the promotion of photography and voluntary service to society. He traced the journey leading to the establishment of the FIAP Exhibition Centre, Kolkata – PAD, India, the first FIAP Exhibition Centre in the country, and expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all PAD members whose dedication made this achievement possible.
Thereafter, Shri Shibu Bhusan Das, Director, FIAP Exhibition Centre, Kolkata, spoke on the objectives of the newly established Centre, its significance as the first FIAP Exhibition Centre in India, and its expected role in promoting photographic art, international cultural exchange, and educational activities in the years to come. He informed the audience that, owing to the FIAP Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, no member of the FIAP Board could be present at the ceremony. Accordingly, in consultation with FIAP and following the advice of the Secretary General, the Centre was formally opened to commence its activities, while the official inauguration in the presence of FIAP representatives will be held on a future date. He also conveyed sincere gratitude to the FIAP Board, particularly President Riccardo Busi, Vice President and Director of FIAP Exhibition Centres Joan Burgués Martisella, Secretary General Ioannis Lykouris, and all FIAP officials for their confidence in PAD.
Shri Suman De, President, IRIS Photography Foundation, then presented the report on the FIAP-Recognised 6th IRIS International Salon 2026. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the FIAP Exhibition Centre, Kolkata – PAD, India, for providing the venue to exhibit the 44 award-winning photographs from the Salon.
On this auspicious occasion, a commemorative booklet containing blessing messages, including a message from Mr. Ioannis Lykouris, Secretary General of FIAP, was formally released by the dignitaries.
Delivering his address as the Guest-in-Chief, Prof. Anupam Basu highly appreciated PAD's significant contribution to the promotion of photography. Emphasising the educational, cultural, and social importance of photography, he suggested several avenues through which the medium could contribute to the betterment of society. He also shared his personal experiences of creating images using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and discussed its growing influence on contemporary creative practices.
In his address, Shri Ashim Kumar Banerjee reflected on the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence in almost every sphere of modern life. While acknowledging its immense potential, he observed that AI can never replace the creativity, imagination, sensitivity, and human thought that lie at the heart of true photographic art.
The ceremony reached its most significant moment with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries, symbolically marking the opening of the FIAP Exhibition Centre, Kolkata – Photographic Association of Dum Dum (PAD), India, and the inauguration of the FIAP-Recognised 6th IRIS International Salon 2026.
The programme concluded with the presentation of awards to the winners of the FIAP-Recognised 6th IRIS International Salon 2026, bringing the memorable evening to a successful and fitting close.