CIO Association Kolkata Chapter Marks 6 Years with AI Adda 2025, Pioneering Digital Innovation in India
Prominent IT companies participating in AI Adda 2025 included PwC, SAP, Aumento Technologies, Acceleron, Canon, Manage Engine, Field Assist, DataRobot, Workmates, and Aeonx. Notably, DataRobot launched its Indian operations during the event.
News Mania Desk/11th January 2025
The CIO Association Kolkata Chapter celebrated its 6th anniversary with the grand event AI Adda 2025, celebrating the ongoing digital transformation across India. The event, held on January 11, 2025, at Taj Taal Kutir, New Town, Kolkata, gathered over 150 CIOs from various regions to discuss and explore the future of technology, particularly the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (Gen AI).
The inauguration of AI Adda 2025 saw distinguished leaders such as Mr. Umesh Mehta, National President of the CIO Association; Dr. Sandip Pradhan, President of the CIOA Kolkata Chapter and CIO of Exide Industries; and Mr. Debashis Sen, IAS Addl Chief Secy IT (retd).
Other notable figures included Sanjeev Sinha, Treasurer and President – IT & D at India Power; Sanjay Goswami, Secretary and IT Head at Maithan Alloys; Samrat Banerjee, Vice President and CIO at Emami; Pampa Basu, Joint Secretary and Senior Director at ITC Infotech; Rajesh Dutta, MC Member and CIO at Usha Martin; Avaneesh Kumar, MC Member and Senior GM & Head – IT at Eveready Industries; Mitali Biswas, MC Member and CIO at CK Birla Hospitals; Sanghamitra Pyne, MC Member and Head – IT, Generation at CESC; and Rishikesh Kr Singh, MC Member and VP – IT at Grasim Industries.
Dr. Sandip Pradhan highlighted the association’s mission to foster technological transformation across industries, with over 2000 CIOs in its membership. The event’s focus on AI and Gen AI underscored their transformative potential in business efficiency, automation, and innovation. Discussions covered recent AI trends, their business applications, and the desire of many CIOs to adopt these technologies within their organizations.
The CIO Association plans to continue its initiatives by hosting more sessions on AI, Gen AI, Data Protection Laws, and Standards in India, ensuring members stay abreast of the latest technological advancements. These efforts are part of the association’s broader goal to support India’s digital economy and national initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
With chapters in 16 locations across India and internationally, including Dubai and Bangladesh, the CIO Association is expanding its reach with planned chapters in Singapore, Colombo, and the Philippines. 
The Kolkata Chapter, covering eastern India, plays a pivotal role in AI adoption, smart city development, startup incubation, and cybersecurity awareness, driving regional technological growth.
Prominent IT companies participating in AI Adda 2025 included PwC, SAP, Aumento Technologies, Acceleron, Canon, Manage Engine, Field Assist, DataRobot, Workmates, and Aeonx. Notably, DataRobot launched its Indian operations during the event.
The day concluded with an entertaining musical performance by Bollywood singer and Honorable Minister of IT&E and PE&IR, Mr. Babul Supriyo, adding a cultural touch to the technological discussions.
