July 21, 2026
Special Session on "AI for Business: From Awareness to" Action
The AI Advantage: Rewriting the Rules of Modern Business
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Srish Agarwal, Managing Director & Chairman, A1 Future Technologies, an eminent industry leader with extensive experience in technology and digital transformation. The session featured distinguished speakers Shri Jai Prasad, Cluster Head – Branch Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank, and Shri Aaditya Vikram Jhunjhunwala, Partner, Multitech Solutions.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant trend—it has become a cornerstone of modern business strategy. Recognizing this transformative shift, the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce (CCC) organized a special session on July 21, 2026, aimed at spreading awareness about integrating AI across various business verticals.
The session focused heavily on boosting business efficiency within Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enhancing predictive forecasting, and streamlining daily operations. Prominent AI specialists Srirish Agarwal, Aaditya Vikram Jhunjhunwala, and banker Jai Prasad addressed CCC members, offering crucial insights on navigating and effectively utilizing highly dynamic, continuously evolving AI models in today’s fast-paced corporate environment. At the heart of this technological revolution are Large Language Models (LLMs), which are fundamentally reshaping how enterprises create content, analyze data, and innovate. Unlocking the true potential of these tools hinges on the art of prompt engineering.
Precise, well-structured prompts act as the guiding compass for LLMs, steering them away from vague responses and toward context-rich, highly actionable business solutions. However, integrating AI into business workflows is not without its pitfalls. A major challenge facing organizations is the tendency of AI to commit errors or "hallucinate"—generating plausible and confident yet entirely inaccurate content. Because these mistakes can lead to costly operational errors or damage brand reputation, human oversight, rigorous fact-checking, and clear domain boundaries remain essential safety checks in any AI-driven enterprise strategy. To mitigate these risks while maintaining top-tier performance, businesses increasingly rely on subscription-based models offered by platforms like ChatGPT Enterprise and Microsoft Copilot.
These premium frameworks grant companies scalable access to powerful tools, advanced security protocols, and prioritize data privacy. Crucially, subscription models ensure seamless integration with continuous LLM upgrades, automatically providing organizations with cutting-edge improvements in reasoning depth, processing speed, and multimodal capabilities. As the experts at the CCC session highlighted, businesses that master prompt precision, enforce human oversight, and adapt to evolving LLMs will gain a lasting competitive edge in the modern marketplace.
July 17, 2026
Special Session on "Labour Codes: Common Pitfalls and Safeguards"
The session was addressed by CA Vivek Agarwal, an expert in labour laws.
Transforming India’s Human Resource Management Landscape Kolkata
India’s employment landscape underwent a historic transformation when four landmark New Labour Codes officially came into force across the country in November 2025. Replacing 29 outdated, colonial-era laws, these unified codes strike a progressive balance between employee welfare and ease of doing business. 4 New Wage Definition and Enhanced Welfare: The cornerstone of this reform is a transparent, uniform definition of "wages", which mandates that basic pay must account for at least 50% of an employee’s total Cost to Company (CTC). While this structural shift increases long-term gratuity and retirement security for employees, it simultaneously reduces litigation and simplifies compliance for employers through a single national framework. Furthermore, the codes legally institutionalize the importance of formal employment, making appointment letters mandatory for every single worker to prevent exploitation and informal hiring.
Prioritizing inclusivity, the updated laws also protect robust maternity leave and mandate the provision of ‘crèche facilities for working women, aligning India with global workforce standards.’ Digital-First Compliance: Driving this modernized employer-employee relationship is a digital ecosystem. All statutory registrations, compliance returns, and inspections are now conducted via centralized online portals, fostering a transparent, paperless-free environment. Expert Insights on Implementation: To decode these changes, Calcutta Chamber of Commerce organized a special session titled "Labour Laws, Common Pitfalls and Safeguards" on July 17, 2026, in Kolkata. The session featured an analytical presentation by CA Vivek Agarwal, a leading expert on labour laws, who detailed various aspects of the new codes and their implementation strategies. Agarwal illustrated urged employers to strictly follow the new regulations to avoid future litigation and hefty financial penalties. He emphasised that the New Labour Codes bring unprecedented transparency to the workplace, ultimately strengthening the formal PR entity and driving India closer to its Vksit Bharat @ 2047 vision.
May 15, 2026
Special Session on Distribution of Property through Will, Succession, and Trust etc.
Eminent lawyer and tax consultant Dr. Paras Kochar delivered a highly insightful talk on inheritance planning. The session underscored practical strategies for modern families facing these transitions and more.
Several legal documents facilitate effective planning. A "Will" is the foundational instrument allowing a person to declare asset distribution after their demise. Importantly, a Will can be made by any person of sound mind, regardless of age (above 18 years), provided they possess testamentary capacity and mental clarity at the time of execution. A "Codicil" enables amendments to an existing Will without redrafting. A "Trust Deed" establishes a separate legal entity for asset management, offering privacy, professional oversight, and protection against hasty claims. Meanwhile, a "Deed of Family Settlement" promotes amicable division through mutual consensus, often executed during the lifetime to minimise future conflicts.
Central to a Will is the 'appointment of an Executor'; by the testator. The Executor acts as the legal representative, responsible for locating assets, settling debts, paying taxes, and distributing property as per the testator's wishes. A trustworthy and competent Executor ensures smooth execution and reduces family burden.
"Probate" — the court validation of a Will — historically added layers of time and cost, particularly in certain jurisdictions. However, the Repealing and Amending Act, 2025 (effective late 2025) deleted Section 213 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, making probate no longer mandatory across India. This reform simplifies estate administration significantly, though parties may still seek it voluntarily for clarity in disputed cases.
Gender equality in inheritance has advanced notably for communities governed by the "Hindu Succession Act, 1956" - Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. The 2005 Amendment granted daughters equal coparcenary rights in ancestral property by birth, aligning them with sons irrespective of marital status. This constitutional progress demands clearer documentation to prevent disputes arising from evolving family structures.
In an era of fragmented families, consulting professionals to draft these instruments ensures tax efficiency, minimises litigation, and honours personal wishes. Inheritance planning is ultimately an act of foresight, responsibility, and enduring love for future generations.
March 18, 2026
Special Session on India-Us Trade Deal 2026 & Other FTAS: Opportunities and Strategic Outlook
Dr. Krishna Gupta, IAS, Hon’ble Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Cooperation and Department of Irrigation and Waterways ( Additional Charge), Govt. of West Bengal was the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour was Shri Sanjeev Nandwani, Former – Additional DGFT and Zonal Development Commissioner, SEZ’s for East and North-East India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India
Highlighting recent milestones, Dr. Gupta noted India’s rapid expansion of trade pacts, including the UAE CEPA (2022), Australia ECTA (2022), EFTA TEPA (implemented 2025), UK CETA (2025), Oman CEPA (December 2025), New Zealand FTA (December 2025), the concluded EU FTA (January 2026), and the US interim trade framework (February 2026), which lays the groundwork for a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
Krishna Gupta said India and the United States should continue working towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), despite current challenges, to tap one of the world's largest markets in line with India's Vision 2047 and its 30 trillion dollar GDP target. Dr. Gupta, however, struck a cautious note on the immediate feasibility of such a pact. "I don't think an FTA is a realistic objective at this moment, but we need to engage with China as it is a big market': he said. Referring to noted American economist and UN advisor Jeffrey Sachs, Gupta added that China is emerging as a leader in technology, the green sector and artificial intelligence. "We can benefit from their excess capacities in various sectors.
He said that for India to pursue FTAs with the US and the European Union, it must identify new sectors that can drive additional growth. He said sectors such as textiles, leather products, and gems and jewellery have been identified for the EU market, while fanning and IT services have been earmarked for the US. He emphasised the need to identify suitable trading partners and boost exports to sustain growth. He further said that the newly announced India-US Interim Trade Agreement framework, along with India's broader FTA agenda, provides zero-duty access for over $1 billion worth of Indian agricultural exports, including spices, tea and processed foods, while safeguarding sensitive sectors such as dairy and poultry.
The session was conducted by Sanjeev Nandwani, retired Indian Trade Service officer and former Additional DGFT and Zonal Development Commissioner for SEZs. In his welcome address, Chamber president Anant Saharia said the proposed India-EU agreement would open access to one of the world's largest and most advanced markets, strengthen India's global economic engagement, and reduce dependence on any single trading partner.
February 23, 2026
TRANSFORMING LEGACY INTO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
Sriji Huzur Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, 77th Custodian of the House of Mewar and Chairman and Managing Director of HRH Group of Hotels was the Guest of Honour
Kolkata witnessed a rare and candid sharing of thoughts by Shriji Huzur Dr Lakshyaraj Singhji Mewar, the 77th custodian of the House of Mewar and direct descendant of Maharana Pratap, at a special session on "Transforming Legacy into Sustainable Business Enterprises".
Dr Lakshyaraj Singhji Mewar, Chairman and Managing Director of the HRH Group of Hotels, has successfully transformed royal heritage properties into dynamic, sustainable business entities. While preserving local arts, crafts and culture, the group has generated significant employment and contributed meaningfully to India's economy. The HRH Group and the Taj Group of Hotels share a strong 54-year business relationship in the hospitality sector.
Celebrating the spirit of "Swatantrata" — the core value symbolised by the House of Mewar — Dr Mewar addressed members of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce and guests. He emphasised that blending simplicity with elegance, honouring business commitments, showing deep commitment to people, respecting the dignity of the workforce, practising humbleness, staying grounded in cultural roots, and pursuing long-term strategic planning are the key factors for building sustainable business enterprises.
Highlighting the historical commitment of the House of Mewar to animal welfare — including the protection of tigers — and the maintenance of a healthy biosphere, Dr Mewar stressed the importance of intergenerational interaction and care to prevent "generation-racism". He urged focus on truth while solving problems and overcoming challenges, noting that challenges are an integral part of both personal and professional life every day. Overcoming them truthfully and with empathy, he said, is the real key to scripting a success story.
Dr Mewar recalled that the first girls' school in Mewar was opened in 1854. He also paid homage to the late lawyer-hotelier Lalit Suri by lighting candles at the hotel lobby.
He further stressed the need for intergenerational bonding with freedom and care for all family members of every age to ensure sustainable growth. Referring to the abolition of the Privy Purse for royal families in 1971, Dr Mewar noted that while it had hurt the House of Mewar, the challenges were overcome through strategic thinking, careful planning and effective implementation of policies.
"The socio-economic-cultural-political landscape is continuously evolving and throws up new challenges every day," he said. "One has to be brave and strong enough to overcome these challenges daily to create and script new success stories and a rich history."
Earlier, Shri Anant Saharia welcomed Dr Lakshyaraj Singhji Mewar and introduced the distinguished guest. Past President of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, Shri Manoj Mohanka, moderated the special session with insightful queries and observations.
February 20, 2026
Special Session on Commodity as an Asset Class
Shri Sanjay Gakhar, Vice President (Business Development), Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. was the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour were Shri Anuj Gupta, Commodity Market Expert and Shri Rahul Gupta, Chief Business Officer, Ashika Group.
Keynote speaker Shri Sanjay Gakhar of MCX along with others underscored the rising prominence of ‘gold and silver in physical form’ as the preferred commodity asset class. Speakers highlighted that gold possesses universal value as a high quality asset, setting itself as the global standard over all other commodities and currencies, while silver complements it as an industrial and monetary metal.
Shri Anuj Gupta, Commodity Market Expert, said that Commodities are no longer seen as just tactical trades but as crucial, strategic components of a diversified investment portfolio. They offer returns that are largely independent of traditional stocks and bonds, providing a hedge against inflation and market volatility.
Rahul Gupta, Chief Business Officer at Ashika Group, highlighted that commodities have evolved from mere trades into strategic asset classes. He emphasized their growing importance for wealth creation, alongside the MCX in the Indian financial landscape. The commodity derivatives market in India is expanding, offering significant opportunities for wealth management and risk management.
They noted that returns on physical gold and silver have shown steady year-on-year growth making tangible bullion holdings increasingly attractive as a safe haven asset that preserves wealth across generation and economic cycles as well as across national boundaries. In modern portfolio management, allocation to physical gold and silver is steadily gaining preference over equity investments in individual companies, offering unmatched liquidity, portability, intrinsic value that no paper instrument can replicate. In highly volatile global scenario, investment in gold as commodity can ensure steadily increasing return.
Experts further emphasized that both physical bullion ownership and commodity derivatives in gold and silver together with the rapidly emerging role of electricity as a critical future commodity in the commodity markets - driven by the energy transition, renewable integration and growing power trading – will play a vital role in wealth creation and accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
February 03, 2026
Relative Performance of Indian States - India’s Eastern Problems
Shri Sanjeev Sanyal, Hon’ble Member, Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister shared insights on the geographic, demographic, investment and market fitness of the States and on the Budget 2026-27.
Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Sanjeev Sanyal, on Tuesday flagged growth disparities in some states, and said eastern India continues to lag, due to the "long-term decline" of Kolkata as an industrial hub and slower infrastructure development. Addressing members of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce here, Sanyal said the benefits of economic reforms have been uneven in regions.
Sanual said, "There is absolute consciousness about the fact that something needs to be done about eastern India,... Begin to think Kolkata again as a growth generator..." He explained, "At least as the maths stands today, the only credible one that you can get into a high growth zone is Kolkata. It just is by some margin much bigger than any other existing economic cluster in eastern India. So reviving Kolkata, as I keep saying is critical in getting eastern India going again because as Kolkata generates growth, it will not just generate growth for West Bengal..."
Shri Sanjeev Sanyal advocated for focused modernization and the establishment of high-growth, advanced, and modern industrial complexes in Kolkata and its catchment areas to spur high-growth economic development in West Bengal and the eastern states of India. He stated that such development in Kolkata would create a ripple effect, contributing to the growth of neighboring states including Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim, and the North Eastern states. It will create more employment opportunities in West Bengal
Sanyal noted that West Bengal was the third-highest contributor to India's GDP, at 10.5%, in 1960-61. However, he pointed out that West Bengal's GDP contribution has been steadily declining since the mid-1960s. Sanyal emphasized that high-growth urban clusters are key to economic progress. He also highlighted India's economy shifting from an agricultural base to one driven by manufacturing and services.
He called for reforms in municipal management, including the effective implementation of the Swachh Bharat program, as well as the introduction of high-technology-based transformations to convert municipal waste into wealth, such as through energy generation like bio-gas. He stressed that each state must capitalize on its available resources and utilize them for economic development. Every state needs to focus on targeted industrial growth, he added, noting that the future of any state's economic development will depend on its ability to fast-track industrial progress with an emphasis on manufacturing industries.
January 24, 2026
Sharp Mind, Strong Heart. Empowering the Inner Core for Outer Success
Dr. Anjan Siotia, Director, Cardiology Department, TAVI, CRT and ICD Pacemaker Surgery, B.M. Birla Hospital, Kolkata, served as the eminent speaker.
Dr. Siotia delivered a keynote address on calorie management, gender specific approaches, ethnic implications, and heart attack protocols. Shri Anant Saharia, President, highlighted the link between heart health and effective business leadership in his welcome address.
Dr. Siotia stressed preventive care through balanced calorie intake, diets low in saturated fats and high in fiber, and avoidance of high calorie foods that stiffen blood vessels and raise cholesterol. He flagged tobacco and smoking as major risks and recommended at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. He highlighted gender differences in heart attack symptoms and noted ethnic, socio economic, and genetic factors.
He warned of a rising incidence of heart attacks among people in their 30s and 40s and advocated stress reduction through nature walks, jogging, and sunlight exposure. He emphasized early symptom recognition and prompt medical action, including aspirin use and CPR when required. The session called for greater awareness to address India’s growing cardiovascular disease burden.
July 21, 2026