August 18, 2025
On 18th August, 2025, the air at iLEAD Kolkata buzzed with creativity and the silent symphony of shutter clicks as the campus transformed into a gallery for Meraki '25. This dynamic photography festival is in association with Fujifilm India and timed to celebrate World Photography Day. The three-day event brought together over 250 stunning photographs, expert master classes, and an award-winning ceremony to honor the city's emerging photographic talent. The festival served as a bridge between academic learning and real-world practice. It was a journey into the heart of visual storytelling.
The event began with a vibrant inauguration ceremony on day 1 (18th August) led by Mr. Pradip Chopra (Chairman), Ms. Deepali Singhi (Principal), and Ms. Pragya Chopra (Executive Director). The exhibition halls came alive with a diverse collection of photographs spanning themes such as landscape, portraiture, travel, street photography, and abstract art. Live student performances, such as singing and dance performances, added to the festive atmosphere. The highlight of the day was an engaging master class on Travel Photography conducted by acclaimed documentary photographer Ms. Lopamudra Talukdar. She offered rare insights into capturing the essence of a journey. Following her session, Fujifilm India hosted an exclusive workshop, providing students with a hands-on look at the latest imaging technology and professional gear.
More than a festival, Meraki '25 was a convergence of passion and purpose. The second day focused on the power of visual storytelling, where Mr. Soumya Sankar Ghoshal (Kolkata-based Street & Documentary photographer) conducted an insightful session on Visual Storytelling and Street Photography, teaching participants how to capture authentic moments in everyday life, unscripted moments hidden in plain sight. His insights turned the streets of Kolkata into a living canvas, where every person and every corner conveyed a potential story. Following this, Mr. Punit Sabnani (Smartphone Camera R&D Expert at Vivo India and World record holder in Photography) took the stage for a dynamic master class on Content Creation. He bridged the gap between artistry and application, providing a roadmap for leveraging striking visuals in the digital era. Participants learned that a powerful photograph is not just seen but shared, and its reach extends far beyond the lens through the session.
The day reinforced the central philosophy of the event that a photograph is not merely a record of an event, it is a window into a moment, a feeling, and a truth. It was a day to be reminded to slow down, observe the world with intention, and capture the small, profound stories that unfold around us every day.
The final day of Meraki '25 culminated in an award ceremony celebrating the fearless spirit and creativity of young creators. The festival recognized exceptional talent across both school and college categories, with participants from various institutions being honored for their outstanding work.
The top three winners in the school category were:
1. First Place: Disha Ghosh (Ashok Hall Girls' School)
2. Second Place: Souptik Mitra (The Assembly of God Church School)
3. Third Place: Aradhana Ghosh (Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar)
The top three winners in the College category were:
1. First Place: Swarnab Guha (SNU)
2. Second Place: Debopriya Das (iLEAD)
3. Third Place: Ayshi Roy (The Heritage Academy)
Meraki '25 was a movement fueled by the very heart of the community, a place where passion became the lens and photography the language. The event successfully showcased the diverse visions of young photographers and reaffirmed iLEAD's commitment to fostering artistic expression and real-world skills. The team looks forward to an even more magical "Meraki" in 2026.
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