THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
KOLKATA,
MAY 4, 2026
In a celebration that
fused cultural brilliance with corporate legacy, the P.C. Chandra Group
conferred the 33rd P.C. Chandra Puraskaar upon legendary poet, lyricist, and
screenwriter Javed Akhtar, recognising his enduring contribution to Indian
cinema and literature. The prestigious honour, presented at a grand ceremony in
Kolkata, reaffirmed the Group’s longstanding commitment to celebrating
excellence across diverse fields.
Instituted in 1993 in
memory of visionary founder Purna Chandra Chandra, the Puraskaar has emerged as
one of India’s most respected recognitions, carrying a tax-free honorarium of ₹20 lakh. Awarded
annually on the founder’s birth anniversary, it has over the years acknowledged
icons whose work has shaped national and global narratives.
This year’s
recipient, Javed Akhtar, stands as a towering figure in India’s creative
landscape, whose words have defined generations of storytelling and lyrical
expression. His body of work, spanning decades, continues to resonate across
audiences, reinforcing the timeless relevance of art in society.
Speaking at the
ceremony, Suvro Chandra, Joint Managing Director of P.C. Chandra Jewellers,
said the honour reflects not just excellence but also legacy and impact. He
noted that Akhtar’s literary and cinematic contributions mirror the Group’s own
ethos of preserving stories, milestones, and moments that endure through time.
He added that it was a privilege for the organisation to recognise a
personality whose work continues to inspire generations.
The evening also
witnessed the presence of acclaimed filmmaker Goutam Ghosh as Chief Guest,
alongside key members of the Chandra family, including Managing Director Arun
Kumar Chandra and Director Prosenjit Chandra, underscoring the Group’s strong
leadership lineage and commitment to tradition.
Over the decades, the
P.C. Chandra Puraskaar has honoured luminaries such as Viswanathan Anand,
Kailash Satyarthi, Asha Bhosle, Kapil Dev, and Mary Kom, among others,
reflecting its wide-ranging recognition of excellence across disciplines.
Founded over 85 years
ago, P.C. Chandra Group has evolved into a diversified conglomerate with a
dominant presence in the jewellery sector through its flagship brand P.C.
Chandra Jewellers, which operates more than 75 showrooms across India. Beyond
jewellery, the Group has expanded into sectors including adhesives, chemicals,
hospitality, software, real estate, and environmental initiatives, building a
robust business portfolio rooted in trust and innovation.
The Group’s strong
corporate identity is complemented by its commitment to social responsibility,
with initiatives such as the J.L. Chandra Merit Scholarship, J.N. Chandra
Anuprerna, Gyandhara, Neem Banani, and #StopTheDrop focusing on education,
sustainability, and community development.
