The scene of the burning of Kamadeva by Siva, with verses from Kalidasa’s  Kumarasambhavam. Presented by Margi Madhu, son and disciple of Guru Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakyar, who was the torch bearer of the Ammannoor style of acting with artists of Nepathya – Centre for Excellence in Kutiyattam

Kutiyattam is one of India’s oldest living theatrical traditions. In 2003, it was proclaimed Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO

Birds in flight

Translated by Rashmi Govind (Penguin, 2025)

Discussants: Prof. Sukrita Paul, Guest Editor, Indian Literature, Poet, Academic & Critic; Chandana Dutta, Author, Editor, and Translator; Anisur Rahman, Former Professor, Department of English, JMI; Rashmi Govind, translator of the book

Moderator: Moutushi Mukherjee, Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House

A Billion Butterflies: A life in Climate and Chaos Theory

By Dr Jagadish Shukla (St Martins Press, 2025)

Discussants: Sh. Shyam Saran, President, IIC; Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Former Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India; Ajit Seth, Former Cabinet Secretary; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary to Government of India Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. Jagadish Shukla, Author of the book

The war that started in February 2022 shows no clear sign of ending despite the enormously huge number of civilian and military casualties . NATO has pumped in a considerable amount of weapons , not to mention the financial support. President Trump has reversed Biden's policy of total support to Ukraine and has held talks with Putin, to the chagrin of the Europeans.Are there any prospects for an early end to this unfolding tragedy? These and related issues will be discussed.

Speaker: Ambassador Gitesh Sarma, former Ambassador to Ukraine and former Secretary (West), MEA.

Chair: Ambassador K P Fabian, Professor, Symbiosis, and World Peace University, Pune.

Featuring Snezhana Zagorodnyaya (bassoon) and Zakhar Atamanenko (piano), two gifted scholarship recipients and laureates of major international competitions. Both have performed with leading orchestras across Russia and the CIS, and participated in renowned programmes such as Sirius, Artek, and Moscow Meets Friends.

(Collaboration: Russian Cultural Centre, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India)

By Shatavisha Mukherjee from Kolkata, disciple of Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar

Accompanists: Durjay Bhaumik (tabla); Vinay Mishra (harmonium)

(Collaboration: ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata)

The Classical Compositions of Hazrat Amir Khusrau

An illustrated presentation by Madhumita Ray

A presentation of noted classical compositions created by the Sufi saint known primarily as the father of Kheyal and Qawwali, Hazrat Amir Khusrau. This lecture based on rare ragas will demonstrate his works based on some recordings by eminent artists.

Madhumita Ray is an eminent Hindustani Classical (Khayal) and semi classical (Thumri-Dadra) vocalist performing and teaching nationally and internationally for over 30 years.

A unique performance and reflective talk that explores the profound connections between art, peace, and womanhood. Through her innovative choreographies, music, and narratives, Vijayalakshmi traces her journey as a dancer while honouring the artistic legacy of her mother, and Guru Bharati Shivaji.

Vijayalakshmi is an internationally acclaimed exponent of Mohiniyattam. Daughter and disciple of Bharati Shivaji. A recipient of several prestigious awards, including from the Kerala Sangeet Natak Academy and the Regents Lecturer from UCLA. She has performed in India and the world, sponsored by The Government of India, including the Bolshoi Theatre, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Lincoln Centre. Her prominent productions include Unniarcha, inspired from Kalaripayattu; Swan Lake, etc.

(Collaboration: The Raza Foundation and WISCOMP)

Charismatic Chiaroscuro: Poetry and Art

By Meena Chopra (2025)

Discussants: Prof. Sukrita Paul Kumar, Scholar, Poet, Academician, Prof Sudeep Sen, Poet, Literary Editor, Photographer, Ms. Meena Chopra, Author, Poet & Artist

Chair: Prof. Malashri Lal, Scholar, Poet, Academician

India and Israel have built a unique strategic partnership focused on defence, economic cooperation, and cultural ties. This panel discussion examines how their evolving relationship impacts global politics and future collaboration

Panelists: Prabhat Jawla, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Political Studies; Shiven Nath, Irwin Cotler Fellow, with a Masters in Political Science, Security and Diplomacy from Tel Aviv University

Chair: Sripathi Narayanan Ph.D, Security and Foreign Policy Analyst. Presently a Research Fellow with the 'Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)