To commemorate World Environment Day, the exhibition “Contours of Climate Action: Our Planet, Our Lens” was inaugurated in Kolkata yesterday bringing together powerful visual narratives on conservation and climate action.
The exhibition has been jointly organised by the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata and the Indo-British Scholars’ Association (IBSA). Hosted at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), the showcase features selected photographs from an international contest that invited photographers and visual storytellers to capture compelling images highlighting environmental conservation and climate action.
The photography competition was judged by an eminent panel comprising internationally acclaimed nature and conservation photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee, Haimanti Poddar, Senior Climate and Energy Advisor at the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, and award-winning wildlife and natural history filmmaker Ashwika Kapur.
The initiative underscores the shared commitment of the United Kingdom and India towards addressing climate and environmental challenges through collaboration, public engagement and people-to-people partnerships under the framework of the India-UK Vision 2035. By spotlighting community-led climate initiatives and innovative solutions, the contest contributes to both countries’ broader goals of advancing sustainable development and fostering a resilient, low-carbon future.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, said: “I am delighted so many of the partnerships the British Deputy High Commission has forged to drive the Climate and Energy pillar of our UK-India Vision 2035 came together to deliver this photography exhibition. I am impressed by the quality and diversity of images exhibited which capture so well all four themes of our photography contest. 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.’’
The exhibition showcases photographs by finalists, who were felicitated during the opening ceremony, alongside notable entries from other participants. Visitors can also view a special presentation of nature and habitat imagery by Dhritiman Mukherjee and a dedicated conservation segment curated by Ashwika Kapur.
Featuring a diverse blend of photographs and installations, the exhibition explores the intricate and evolving relationship between people, nature and habitats. The works on display focus on themes including biodiversity, natural habitats, clean energy and pollution, offering visitors a thought-provoking perspective on environmental stewardship.
The selected photographs will remain on display at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity until June 13, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., as part of World Environment Day observances aimed at encouraging dialogue and inspiring collective climate action
