Kolkata

Kolkata

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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

  1. The Largest Tree in The World
    The Great Banyan Tree at Botanical Gardens, Kolkata, is over 250 years old.
  1. The Oldest Zoo In The Country
    The Alipore Zoo is literally the oldest zoo in the country, entertaining everyone since 1875!
  1. The Oldest Polo Club in The World
    The world’s first Polo club was established by the British in Calcutta in 1858.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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 serves me a great deal of honor to take charge to lead the East India Council of Indo American Chamber of Commerce (IACC).

Through the responsibilities bestowed on me as the Regional President, I look forward to upholding and applying the values of the Chamber with due diligence. It would be an honor to initiate and consolidate ventures in many areas of strategic and sustainable business, keeping in mind their social implications. This shall further help our council members to stay apprised and aware about the latest happenings with regards to the Indo – US trade in the region, as well as on a national level.

Despite the ongoing geopolitical disruptions at the global level and the looming danger of worldwide recession once again, the bilateral trade relations between India and the USA are closer and stronger than ever. My primary aim during my term as Regional President will include – the promotion of all forms and formats of profitable business alliances with our partners in the USA by increasing trade relations between the two largest world economies. Along with this, my keen focus would also be converged towards promotion of the MSME sector.

In this crucial time of Indo – US relationship, I do look forward for complete co-operation, essential enlightening and proper data dissemination as I join hands with the elected members of the chamber in beseeching guidance and support from the Regional and National leaders of IACC in all my endeavours towards facilitating commercial and economic relations with the USA. I look forward to avail this opportunity in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted in me with full faith and co-operation from my fellow council members!

War regards,

Raj Kumar Chajjer
Regional President – EIC
Chairman, ArcVac Forgecast Pvt Ltd

Committee Members
Regional President Mr. R.K. Chhajer Chairman & Co-Founder, ArcVac ForgeCast Pvt. Ltd.
Regional Vice-President Mr Abhishek Kankaria Executive Director, Ballyfabs International  
Regional Vice-President Mrs. Shailaja Mehta Executive Director, Jardine Henderson Ltd.
Members Mr. Arijit Basu Managing Director, Tide Water Oil Co. (INDIA) Ltd.
Ms. Anjana Dikshit Director, BlueBeaks SolutionS LLP
Mr. Jagdish Kamal Gulati Director, MAAGNUMM INTL.
Mr. Yogesh Gupta Managing Director, Megaa Moda Pvt. Ltd.
Mr Rajendra Khandelwal CEO,Dhanwantry Medicare
Ms Shyamoshri  Sen Entepreneur, Individual Member
Mr Pulak Chamaria Executive Director, Infinity Infotek Parks Ltd.
Mr. Satyabrata Mukhopadhyay CEO & MD, Reflexions Narayani Impex Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Nakul Kamani Chairman & Co-Founder, Kamani Group

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