The Calcutta Chamber of Commerce successfully hosted an insightful panel discussion titled “AI for Business: From Awareness to Action” at The Park Hotel, Kolkata, on July 21, 2026. The event brought together industry leaders, financial experts, and technology pioneers to deliberate on how businesses can effectively harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen digital security, and accelerate sustainable growth.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Anant Saharia, President of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that knowledge-sharing and collaboration remain central to the Chamber’s mission of helping its members stay competitive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Saharia said, “AI is no longer a technology of the future—it is a business imperative of the present. Across industries, AI is transforming the way organisations operate, engage with customers, optimise processes, and make strategic decisions. The question today is no longer whether businesses should adopt AI, but rather how they can do so effectively, responsibly, and in ways that create sustainable value.”
Shri Srish Agarwal, Managing Director & Chairman, A1 Future Technologies, highlighted AI’s transformative role in reshaping business workflows. He noted that AI has evolved from being a competitive advantage to becoming a business necessity for organisations seeking sustainable growth and scalability. He also demonstrated how automation and generative AI can significantly improve productivity, streamline operations, and reduce costs for businesses of all sizes.
Shri Jai Prasad, Cluster Head – Branch Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank, spoke about the financial and security dimensions of AI adoption. He highlighted how the banking and financial services sector is leveraging machine learning for fraud detection, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and enhanced customer experiences. He further reassured participants that robust cybersecurity and governance frameworks are enabling secure and reliable digital transformation across the banking ecosystem.
Shri Aaditya Vikram Jhunjhunwala, Partner, Multitech Solutions, addressed the practical challenges organisations encounter while implementing AI solutions. He presented a clear roadmap for enterprises to adopt affordable and scalable AI technologies, emphasizing that successful AI adoption depends on strong data readiness, employee upskilling, and a phased implementation strategy aligned with business objectives.
The panel discussion was followed by an engaging interactive Q&A session, during which participants raised questions on data privacy, AI infrastructure costs, workforce transformation, and the evolving regulatory landscape.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Annurag Jhunjhunwala, Senior Vice President of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, who reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to empowering businesses with the knowledge, resources, and strategic direction needed to thrive in the digital era.
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