The exhibition is jointly organised by the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, Indo-British Scholars’ Association (IBSA), Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), and Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage (KSCH), with support from IEM–UEM Group, Roundglass Sustain, Heritage Bengal Global Connect, and Vedic Village Spa Resort (Vedic Wellness).
The displayed images are part of an international photography contest that invited photographers and visual storytellers to capture compelling narratives on environmental conservation and climate action.
The jury panel for the contest included internationally acclaimed nature and conservation photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee, Senior Climate and Energy Advisor at the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata Haimanti Poddar, and award-winning wildlife and natural history filmmaker Ashwika Kapur.
The initiative underscores the shared commitment of the United Kingdom and India to addressing climate and environmental challenges through collaboration, public engagement, and people-to-people partnerships, as outlined in the India–UK Vision 2035.
By amplifying community-led climate action and innovative solutions, the initiative also supports broader goals of sustainable development and a resilient, low-carbon future.
Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, said he was delighted to see multiple partnerships under the Climate and Energy pillar of the India–UK Vision 2035 come together for the exhibition.
He praised the quality and diversity of the showcased works and highlighted how effectively they reflected the four themes of the contest.
He also thanked the Kolkata Centre for Creativity for providing an inclusive platform and noted the participation of specially abled children from the Big Leap Inclusive Foundation, who also shared their artwork.
UK inaugurates exhibition on climate action to mark World Environment Day in Kolkata. Photo: British Deputy High Commission Kolkata PR Team
"I want to especially thank Kolkata Centre for Creativity for providing this inclusive and accessible space and was delighted some specially abled children from Big Leap Inclusive Foundation not only joined but also shared their amazing artwork. Do visit on or before 13th June if you can," he said.
The exhibition presents a curated selection of photographs from contest finalists, who were felicitated during the inauguration, as well as notable entries from other participants. It also features a special showcase of nature and habitat photography by Dhritiman Mukherjee, along with a dedicated conservation segment by Ashwika Kapur.
Richa Agarwal, Chairperson, KCC and CEO, Emami Art said, “It has been a privilege to host this exhibition and collaborate with partners who share a commitment to raising awareness about one of the defining challenges of our time. The photographs on display demonstrated how powerful visual storytelling can be in bringing distant realities closer, highlighting local efforts, and encouraging us to think more deeply about our relationship with the natural world. At Kolkata Centre for Creativity, we believe that art and culture can create meaningful spaces for dialogue around issues that affect our shared future. We look forward to supporting more such collaborations that connect local audiences with globally relevant conversations and inspire greater awareness and engagement.”
This exhibition showcases a visual melange of images and installation that demonstrates the fragile and interchanging relationships between our planet, its people and habitat. Images depicted themes of nature and biodiversity, habitat, clean energy and pollution.
Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, attended the exhibition. Photo: British Deputy High Commission Kolkata PR Team
Subrata Paul, Former President, IBSA, said: “On behalf of the Indo British Scholars’ Association, I want to thank all our partners who have collaborated on this project. Photography has the unique ability to inspire reflection, spark dialogue, and motivate action. This exhibition celebrates the creativity and commitment of photographers who have captured stories of nature, biodiversity, and some amazing habitats. May these visual narratives encourage us all to become more responsible stewards of our planet."
Selected photographs will be exhibited at KCC till 13 June 2026 (11 am to 6 pm) as part of World Environment Day commemorations, engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue and inspiring collective action.