A decade of Celebration – Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata honours Spirit, Service, and Sporting Excellence
Ambar Bhattacharya, Takmaa News, Kolkata, 12th August 2025 : East India’s largest participatory sporting event, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, has symbolised the city’s pride and prestige for over a decade. The World Athletics Gold Label 25K is now set to celebrate its 10th historic edition on Sunday, 14th December 2025.
The Indian Army has played a vital role in the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata’s journey since its inception, with the Red Road serving as the race’s starting point. In honour of the partnership, Procam International, in collaboration with the Indian Army and the Family Welfare Fund, Bengal Sub Area, Indian Army, organised a special Art Camp at the Marco Hall, of Raj Bhavan, Kolkata.
The Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, attended the event, along with distinguished members of the Indian Army, partners, and creative luminaries. He said, “Kolkata, the cradle of the Bengal School of Painting, has always been a city where creativity runs as deep as its history. Today, as the Art Camp of Tata Steel World 25k Kolkata 2025 unfolds, we celebrate two powerful forces—art and endurance. Just as a soldier in the army stands guard with unwavering discipline, the artist stands for truth and beauty with equal resolve. Tata Steel World 25k is not merely a run; it is a test of persistence, just as creating great art is a pursuit of perfection. From the brushstroke to the finish line, from the canvas to the open road, both journeys demand vision, patience, and courage. Let this event remind us that in both art and the army, as in the Tata Steel World 25K, it is not only about starting strong—it is about finishing with purpose, dignity, and excellence.”
In a tribute that beautifully intertwined art, sport, and service, 25 young and emerging painters from Bengal’s leading art institutions — including Visva-Bharati University, Rabindra Bharati University, Government College of Art & Craft, Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Indian Art College, and Montmartre — came together to create evocative pieces inspired by the themes of courage, resilience, and national pride.
Acclaimed artist Shri Debasish Mallick Choudhury will curate these artworks into a public exhibition at Indian council of cultural Relation, Ministry of External Affairs, later this year. In a powerful testament to art’s ability to give back, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Army Welfare Fund, Bengal Sub Area, Indian Army, with the support of Impact360 Foundation, the event’s philanthropy partner.
Ashish Anupam, Vice President, Long Products, Tata Steel, shared during the event, “As title sponsors of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, we are proud to celebrate its remarkable 10th anniversary. This journey reflects our unwavering commitment to community spirit and shared values. More than just a race, it serves as a powerful celebration of resilience and teamwork that captures the vibrant essence of Kolkata and its passionate people. We are honoured to support an initiative that promotes health and fitness while paying tribute to our brave armed forces and nurturing the artistic aspirations of our youth. As we commemorate this significant milestone, we look forward to furthering our commitment to uplifting the community and inspiring future generations. Here’s to the success of many more races!”.
Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, remarked, Procam’s single-minded mission to bring running to the East, in 2014, has been a boon for all stakeholders. “As we step into the 10th year of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, we do so with immense gratitude and pride. The unwavering support of the Govt. of West Bengal, the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal and the Indian Army have been the backbone of this event since its inception. Their courage inspires us, and their presence elevates us. This unique art initiative is not just a tribute to their service, it is a celebration of what this event stands for: unity, resilience, harmony and collective purpose.”
