Kolkata, January 29, 2026: At the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, Ambuja Neotia unveiled the second edition of Woods & Wonders, a thoughtfully curated initiative that reflects the Group’s long-standing belief that progress must coexist with nature. Rooted in the philosophy of thriving with the natural world, Woods & Wonders 2.0 seeks to nurture a like-minded community that finds meaning, creativity and belonging in the quiet rhythms of the landscape.
More than an exhibition, Woods & Wonders is an invitation to slow down and observe. To listen to what forests, rivers, living greens and open skies reveal when they are allowed to breathe. Following its first edition last year, which struck a chord with audiences at the Book Fair, the second chapter returns with greater depth, offering an immersive glimpse into the lesser-seen ecological richness of Raichak on Ganges.
Located at Stall 290 near Gate No. 5, the showcase brings together evocative photographs, films and paintings that capture the flora, fauna and living landscapes surrounding Gardenia Private Villas, Ambuja Neotia’s nature-immersed enclave at Raichak. Shaped by abundant greens, open skies and the quiet presence of the Ganges nearby, each work reflects moments of attentive observation, where nature is experienced not as a backdrop, but as a living environment to be understood and respected.
The exhibition draws from Green Gallery 2.0, a two-day creative immersion held earlier this month at Gardenia Private Villas. Artists, photographers and filmmakers engaged with the landscape in their own ways, each bringing a distinct lens, sensibility and pace to observing its biodiversity. What emerged is a layered body of work where every frame and canvas carries a different story, shaped by personal perspective rather than a singular narrative. Together, these interpretations respect nature as it exists, acknowledging its quiet fragility, enduring resilience and constant presence.
The stall was inaugurated in the presence of eminent guests from diverse walks of life, including urban planners, cultural voices, conservation advocates and artists, all of whom share a deep engagement with nature and society.
Speaking at the inauguration, Debashish Sen, Former CMD of HIDCO and Chairman of NKDA, reflected on the larger relevance of the initiative. He noted that Woods & Wonders demonstrates how thoughtful development can evolve into a living ecosystem that inspires creativity, reflection and responsibility. According to him, the initiative brings nature closer to people not as an object to be consumed, but as a shared inheritance to be understood and cared for.
The occasion also marked the release of a coffee table book documenting Green Gallery 2.0. Elaborating on the intent behind the project, Vijay Shankar Dwivedi, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Ambuja Neotia, shared that the idea was never about showcasing a property, but about revealing a relationship with place. He explained that the artists were invited to immerse themselves in Raichak’s ecology and respond organically to its biodiversity, light, silence and movement. The resulting works, he said, stand as quiet narratives of harmony between human creativity and the natural world.
Visitors to the Woods & Wonders stall will encounter images of migratory birds, native trees, reflective waters and subtle details that often go unnoticed. Together, they form a layered narrative that underscores Ambuja Neotia’s belief that communities built around nature naturally foster mindfulness, stewardship and a deeper sense of belonging.
As cities grow denser and lives grow faster, Woods & Wonders 2.0 offers a timely pause. It reminds us that living well is not about distancing ourselves from nature, but about learning to live alongside it, gently and responsibly.
