Past History
(1962 – )

Murshidabad, a district of West Bengal, located on the bank of river Bhagirathi (part of river Ganga) has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Since the time of Nawab Murshid Kuli Khan to last Nawab Mirjafar many beautiful sculptures, architecture of appealing nature have been built which attract the tourists, even from abroad. The people of Murshidabad are also interested in various forms of art, ranging from visual, performing to literature. On this wealthy and strong cultural background as well as continuous encouragement of Mr. Barin Roy, Station Manager of Kashimbazar Railway Station and founder member of Photographic Association of Dum Dum, Kolkata, in the year 1962, the Photographic Society of Murshidabad (PSM) was established by a group of enthusiast photographer under the leadership of Mr. Mrinal Gupta. Mr. Rajballav Dhar was another key photo artist of the society, who had allowed his state-of-the-art darkroom for photographic practice of the members.At that time, this was the only photographic organisation in the District level of West Bengal. The vision & mission of the society was to promote and practice photographic art in the district. The society flourished with ample support of Photographic Association of Dum Dum (PAD), Kolkata since its inception. It successfully conducted consecutive six nos. of All India salon in print as well as slide format from 1963 to 1968. Notable photo artists Mr. P. N. Mehra, Mr. Benu Sen and Mr. Subroto Roy were the honourable judges for those salons. Mr. Dilip Kumar Bhattacharya of Manindra Chandra Bidyapith was the main architect for these success. But unfortunately with the time, activities of the society gradually reduced to a minimal due to subsequent losses of the key members.

Revival of the society
(2014 – till date)

In recent times, like phoenix bird, PSM has resumed its glorious past through several activities and awareness program. Now, the society is working hard under the leadership of Mr. Shibu Bhusan Das, Senior Government Officer with advice/support of advisory board as well as renowned photographic personnels. It is our pride that members of the society are grabbing National as well as International (FIAP, PSA etc.) awards regularly with the ample help of Mr. Partha Sarathi Dhar, a true photo-artist and achieve their photographic honour/distinction. Dr. Suniti Kumar Mandal retired Associate Professor and popular science writer has been doing photography since 1970 and wrote articles on photography including Photomicrography published in 2010 in Jubilee Viewfinder volume as part of Golden Jubilee celebration of FIP (1953-2003). The society has now organised members exhibition to celebrate World Photography Day every year in the month of August, conducted photgraphic training/workshop, hosted international photographic salon to aware, educate and promote photographic art among the enthusiast and photo loving people of the district.

Photographic Distinction/Honour Holders of the society

  1. Mr. Sunitikumar Mandal, AFIAP, EFIP, LIIPC, Hon.PESGSPC, GPA.PESGSPC.
  2. Mr. Partha Sarathi Dhar, EFIAP, FFIP, AIIPC, Hon.PESGSPC, GPA.PESGSPC, Hon.CPE, Hon.FICS, ES.CPE.
  3. Mr. Shibu Bhusan Das, APSA, EFIAP, Hon.PESGSPC.
  4. Mr. Susavan Das, AFIP (2017), AFIAP.
  5. Mr. Pradip Mallick AFIP, AFIAP.
  6. Mr. Krishnendu Singha Roy, AFIAP, EFIP, Hon.PESGSPC, GPA.PESGSPC. Hon.CPE.
  7. Mr. Arunava Dey, AFIAP, EFIP.
  8. Mr. Subrata Pal, AFIAP, AFIP.
  9. Mr. Sayantan Ghosh, AFIP.
  10. Mr. Soumik Chattopadhyay, AFIAP, AFIP.
  11. Mr. Arijit Acharya, AFIAP, AFIP.

Advisory Board

  1. Mr. Malay Sengupta, Retired Chief Justice, Sikkim High Court
  2. Prof. Biswatosh Sengupta, Founder member & Joint Secretary, Photographic Association of Dum Dum
  3. Mr. Mrinal Gupta, Retired Joint Director, Information & Cultural Affairs Dept., Govt. of W.B. and Founder member of the society

Executive Committee

(2021-2022)
  1. President : Prof. Dr. Suniti Kumar Mandal, AFIAP, EFIP, LIIPC, Hon. PESGSPC, GPA.PESGSPC
  2. Vice President : Mr. Partha Sarathi Dhar, EFIAP, FFIP, AIIPC, Hon. PESGSPC, GPA.PESGSPC, Hon.CPE, Hon.FICS, ES.CPE
  3. General Secretary : Mr. Shibu Bhusan Das, APSA, EFIAP, Hon.PESGSPC
  4. Joint Secretary : Mr. Palash Banerjee and Mr. Krishnendu Singha Roy, AFIAP, EFIP, Hon. PESGSPC, GPA.PESGSPC, Hon.CPE
  5. Treasurer : Mr. Subrata Pal, AFIAP, AFIP
  6. Executive Members : Prof. Dr. Subhendu Biswas Mr. Sudipta Ghosh and Mr. Susavan Das, AFIAP, AFIP
  7. Co-opted Members : Mr. Amit Roy and Mr. Arunava Dey, AFIAP, EFIP