02/08/2026
đī¸ Event Report | Graduation Ceremony & 2nd Kolkata Screening of the 7th IMF Mountain Film Festival
The Himalayan Club, Kolkata Section, in collaboration with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) â East Zone, successfully organised the Graduation Ceremony of its Rock Climbing Course and Adventure Camp, the felicitation of Kuari Pass trekkers, and the 2nd Kolkata Screening of the 7th IMF Mountain Film Festival at RamMohun Hall, Kolkata, on 1 August 2026.
The event was attended by over 190 participants including mountaineering enthusiasts from various clubs across the region. The evening commenced with a minute's silence in memory of Mr. Nirmal Purja and the nine members of the Broad Peak Expedition who tragically lost their lives in an avalanche.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Kallol Das, Vice President of The Himalayan Club. The graduation ceremony, conducted under the supervision of Chitrarpita Das, while participants of the Kuari Pass Trek were also acknowledged. Certificates were presented by distinguished guests, including Wg Cdr (Retd.) Amit Chowdhury (General Secretary, UIAA), Debraj Dutta (Chairman, IMF East Zone), Debdas Nandy (AdvisorâMountaineering, WBMASF).
The Late Goutam Kanjilal Memorial Best Trainee Award was presented to Suman Mondal, along with an inspirational scholarship handed over by Karabi Kanjilal. Instructors Partha Dutta, Arindam Bramha, David Naskar, and Debabrata Mukherjee glorified the event and Debabrata Mukherjee on behalf of the instructors inspired the audience by sharing a talk on the the importance of rock climbing as the foundation of mountaineering.
Following refreshments, the 7th IMF Mountain Film Festival commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Smt. Dipali Sinha, veteran mountaineer, in the presence of eminent guests. Six acclaimed filmsâPapsura â Peak of Evil, Why Revealed by Dark, Stepping Stone, Drenmo â Himalayan Bear, Changabang â Return to the Shining Mountain, and Duchess â Highland Gatheringâwere screened. Each film was introduced by the young mountaineers Koushani and Swargarohini, adding valuable context for the audience.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sri Nilay Chakraborty, Honorary Local Secretary, The Himalayan Club, Kolkata, bringing to a close an inspiring evening celebrating mountaineering, adventure, and mountain culture. He also announced the forthcoming Centenary year of The Himalayan Club, in February, 2027 and invited all mountaineers and mountain lovers to partipate in various events to be undertaken in next year long.
Nilay Chakraborty, Hony. Local Secretary, The Himalayan Club, Kolkata Section