Solo Piano Recital 

By Vikram Rajan a Vienna-based concert pianist, trained at the University at Buffalo (New York), Mannes College of Music (New York City), and the University of Music and Performing Arts (Vienna). Rajan has performed extensively across renowned venues such as the Vienna Musikverein and Bösendorfer Hall.

(Collaboration: Delhi Music Society)
 

Still Exceptional? India's Democracy in Comparative and Historical Perspective

Speaker: Ashutosh Varshney, leading political scientist and Sol Goldman Professor of International Studies and the Social Sciences, Professor of Political Science, Watson School of International and Public Affairs and Department of Political Science at Brown University and Columnist, The Print.

Moderator: Yamini Aiyar, Senior Visiting Fellow, Brown University; former President and Chief Executive of the Centre for Policy Research and the founder of the Accountability Initiative at CPR  

India’s democratic experiment has historically defied conventional theories by sustaining robust electoral, institutional, and civic practices despite deep diversity, economic challenges, and periodic stress. Does that democratic exceptionalism still exist? This talk situates India’s democratic evolution in global comparative history, examining its historically grounded resilience but deepening current.

An Evening of Indian Classical Music

By Shreya Chatterjee, distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist, trained under Shri Partha Sarathi Desikan and continuing her advanced training under Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty and Shri Brajeswar Mukherjee.

Accompanists: Durjay Bhaumik on Tabla, disciple of Taalyogi and Vinay Mishra on Harmonium, an ‘A’ Grade All India Radio artiste. 

(Collaboration:  ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata)
 

On Doing Theory in India

Inaugural Remarks: Dr. Manindra Nath Thakur, Associate Professor, Centre for Political Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Chair: Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty, Former Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Delhi

Discussants: Prof. Savita Singh, Professor, Gender & Development Studies, Women’s Studies and Feminist Thought, IGNOU, New Delhi; Dr. Dhananjay Rai, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies, School of Social Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gujarat; Prof. Hilal Ahmed, Professor, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), New Delhi

Drawing upon the idea of Doing Theory in India, this discussion explores how India can be understood not merely as a subject of theoretical inquiry but as a site of conceptual and intellectual production. The session will examine how lived experiences, social movements, traditions, and historical realities contribute to the creation of new ideas and frameworks for understanding society. It will introduce the concept of Creative Theory, which emphasizes dialogue, democratic knowledge-making, and human creativity as pathways towards addressing questions of justice, freedom, and social transformation in contemporary times.

(Collaboration: @Crossroads)
 

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

Wild Capital: Discovering Nature in Delhi
By Neha Sinha (Harper, 2026)

Moderator: Gargi Rawat, Author and Consulting Editor, NDTV

Discussants:  Gautam Bhatia, Science-fiction writer; Neha Sinha, Conservation Biologist and author of the book
 

Calm Waters, Rising Tide: Stability as the Foundation for Indian Ocean Growth

Speaker: Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Srilanka to India

Chair: Dr Ashok Behuria, Chairman, Centre for Peace Studies, New Delhi

The talk will explore the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean in shaping regional peace, security and cooperation, while examining the shared challenges and opportunities facing countries in the region. It will also reflect on the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and collaborative approaches in fostering a stable and peaceful neighborhood.

(Collaboration: Centre for Peace Studies)
 

B.G DESHMUKH LECTURE 2026
Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Speaker: Prabhat Kumar, Former Cabinet Secretary, First Governor of Jharkhand, President of the IC Centre for Governance, and Chancellor of Usha Martin University, Ranchi.

Chair: Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former Governor, West Bengal and Life Trustee, IIC
 

The Iran- US MOU: Implications and Complications

Chair: Amb. K.P. Fabian, Professor, Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi and Symbiosis University, Pune

Speaker: Amb Ramachandran Swaminathan, Former Ambassador to Egypt; Col Rajeev Agarwal, Senior Research Consultant, CRF,Delhi and Author of book ‘Between Tehran and Tel Aviv-Gaza’s Story of Unending war’.

The session will examine the geopolitical and economic implications of the proposed Iran–US agreement, its potential to reshape the strategic landscape of West Asia, and its impact on regional stability. It will also discuss the significance of developments such as the Strait of Hormuz, Chabahar Port, the International North–South Transport Corridor, and India's energy and strategic interests.

Democracy and Recent State Assembly Elections in India: Trends, Challenges, and Implications

Inaugural Address: K. N. Shrivastava, Director IIC

Chair: Prof. Rekha Saxena, Head, Department of Political Science, University of Delhi, Coordinator, Political Science Society

Discussants: Varghese K. George, Editor, The Hindu; Ram Bahadur Rai, President, IGNCA;  Dr. Sanjay Kumar, CSDS, New Delhi; Prof. Manisha Priyam, NIEPA, New Delhi; Kanchan Gupta, Senior Journalist

State Assembly Elections play a crucial role in shaping India’s democratic and federal framework. Recent electoral outcomes have revealed significant shifts in voter behavior, political representation, campaign strategies, and governance priorities. This discussion will examine emerging electoral trends, the role of youth and women voters, the impact of digital media and political communication, and the broader implications of these developments for democracy, federalism, and public policy in India.

(Collaboration: Political Science Society)
 

Khoyi Hui Aawazein
Saptak: A screening of poetry readings by seven deceased poets of Hindi
Kirti Chaudhary, Shriram Verma, Chandrakant Deotale, Bhagwat Rawat, Jyotsna Milan, Vinod Kumar Shukla and Mangalesh Dabral

(Collaboration: Raza Foundation)