Powering Bengal 2026 Celebrates Bengal’s Excellence in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Social Impact
News Mania Desk/ 10th August 2026
Kolkata, August 8, 2026: Bengal’s growing strength in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and social impact came into focus at the inaugural Powering Bengal 2026 – Business Conclave and Business Excellence Awards, organised by the Onkar Group at Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Kolkata.
The conclave brought together prominent personalities from industry, technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, social development and media to recognise the achievements of entrepreneurs and changemakers contributing to Bengal’s economic and social development.
The programme was inaugurated by Smt Agnimitra Paul, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal. In her welcome address, Paul spoke about her own entrepreneurial journey and emphasised the importance of leadership, particularly the role of women in driving enterprise and social transformation.
The event was attended by several eminent personalities, including Shri Prahlad Roy Goenka, Chairman, Onkar Group; Smt Debasree Roy Sarkar, Managing Director, Peerless Hotels; Dr Sonali Roy, COO, RISE Foundation, IISER Kolkata; Shri Ravindra Chamaria, CMD, Infinity Group; Shri Manjit Nayak, Director, STPI-Kolkata; Shri Kaushik Bhattacharya, CEO, Ranjhiya Digital, and journalists Shri Arkaprava Sarkar and Shri Arup Kali.
Three distinguished personalities received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to their respective fields. The honours were presented to Shri Shekhar Chakraborty, Chairman, Conveyor & Ropeway Services Pvt Ltd; Dr Tapan Misra, Founder, Sisir Radar; and Dr Nandan Gupta, Chancellor, Swami Vivekananda University.
The Business Excellence Awards also recognised achievers across a wide range of sectors. Biplab Jana, Founder & CEO, Reason Analytics Softech Pvt Ltd, received the Best Innovation in Healthcare Award, while Sushobhan Mukherjee, CEO, Prime Infoserv, was honoured with the Excellence in Technology Entrepreneurship Award.
Abheek Kar, Sashi Bhushan Kar & Grandsons received recognition for continuing a 121-year legacy in the manufacture of biodegradable natural fibre goods. Dr Dhiresh Choudhary, Founder, Banchbo Healing Touch Foundation, was recognised as Best Social Entrepreneur, while architect Ayan Sen received the Best in Urban Development Award.
The awards also celebrated women-led enterprise and traditional businesses. Chanda Chakraborty, Director, Spices & Sauces, was named Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year, while Lakshmi Nayar, Director, Chandrani Pearls, received recognition for establishing the first pearl jewellery brand of Bengal.
Among the other awardees were Dr Arijit Banerjee and Arpita Banerjee, Directors, Ramaesis, who received The Power Couple Award; Suparna Das, Founder, Bengal Rehabilitation Group, recognised as Start-up of the Year in Rehabilitation; and Souvenir Koley, Founder, Adivasi Sainik Krishi Vikash Shilpa Kendra, honoured as Social Worker of the Year.
A key highlight of the conclave was the discussion on Bengal’s potential in the IT and electronics sector and its prospects on the global stage. The deliberations underlined the need for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia, entrepreneurs and civil society to create an ecosystem conducive to innovation and investment.
The diverse range of awardees reflected Bengal’s continuing tradition of enterprise, creativity and social responsibility while highlighting contemporary success stories from across sectors.
Powering Bengal 2026 concluded with a renewed emphasis on collaborative growth, innovation and entrepreneurship, with stakeholders calling for concerted efforts to strengthen Bengal’s position as a competitive destination for business, technology and social innovation in India and on the global stage.
