About IndiSetu Curtain Raiser

IndiSetu Curtain Raiser was held on August 22, 2025 at Taj Bengal, Kolkata

The IndiSetu Curtain Raiser, organized by the Global Collaboration Forum (GCF), was successfully held on August 22, 2025, at the prestigious Taj Bengal, Kolkata. The event brought together innovators, policymakers, academics, and creators from diverse fields to deliberate on pressing global challenges, foster enduring partnerships, and celebrate cultural diplomacy, with a special focus on India-UK synergies.

The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. Amit Ghose, Founding Director of the Global Collaboration Forum. Dr. Ghose opened the evening by presenting the mission and vision of IndiSetu. The Chief Guest, Rev. Dr. Felix Raj, SJ, Founder-Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, delivered an inspiring Keynote Address. He emphasized the importance of values, education, and global cooperation in shaping a better future. Mr. Bhaarat Dave, Acting British Deputy High Commissioner for East and North-East India, addressed the gathering. A significant milestone of the evening was the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta, and the Global Collaboration Forum (GCF). This collaboration aims to promote research, innovation, and international exchange. An insightful panel discussion on "Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare" featured Mr. Joydeep Roy, Ex-PwC Leader, FS Advisory India, Dr. Swagatam Das, Professor, ECSU & CSD, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. This session was moderated by Dr. Amit Ghose. The panel explored AI's transformative role in diagnostics, medical research, and patient care. An Open Forum provided an opportunity for guests to engage with speakers, share insights, and raise thoughtful questions. A presentation on "Project Tiger" was delivered by Mr. Randhir Bittu Sahgal, a leading conservationist and Founding Editor of Sanctuary Asia magazine. His talk highlighted the critical importance of wildlife conservation. The second panel focused on urban resilience, innovation, and social equity in Kolkata's development. Panelists included: Rev. Dr. Felix Raj, SJ, Founder-Vice-Chancellor, St. Xavier's University, Mr. Paul Walsh MBE, Founder, Jungle Crows, Ms. Madhuparna Seemany, CEO, Pathfinder Educational Institute, Mr. Yashoroop Dey, Co-founder, Citizen Research Foundation, Moderator by Ms. Sujata Sen, CEO, Future Hope Foundation. Discussions centered on community empowerment, education, youth engagement, and civic innovation to build a resilient and inclusive Kolkata. The event also marked the launch of the inaugural edition of the IndiSetu Magazine. A vibrant Musical Programme followed by some eminent musicians, celebrating the cultural richness of Bengal. The event concluded with a Networking Dinner with an engaging interactive discussion was led by Mr. Amit Sengupta, Head of Media and Communications, East and North-East India, British Deputy High Commission.