Immigration & Multiculturalism: Europe’s new challenge
Speaker: Roberto Tottoli, Rector, University of Naples “L’Orientale”, scholar of Islamic studies. He has held academic appointments at Princeton Institute of Advanced Study, Harvard, Princeton University, University of Tokyo, Paris EHESS and the University of Pennsylvania

Moderator: Dipanjan Roy Choudhury, Diplomatic Editor, Economic Times

As global mobility accelerates and migration corridors increasingly shape geopolitics, Europe stands at a critical juncture in managing immigration and redefining multiculturalism. In this lecture, drawing on his extensive work on Islam in Europe, Tottoli examines how the growing presence of Muslim communities has transformed debates around integration, secularism, citizenship, and social cohesion, balancing openness with security, rights with responsibilities, and diversity with shared civic frameworks.
 

Whispers of The Sky
By Abhishek Kumar, a wildlife photographer focusing on birds and their relationship with natural habitats, grounded in patience, close observation, and an ethical, field-based practice.

The exhibition presents photographs made in quiet moments — early mornings, long pauses, and stretches of waiting where nothing seemed to happen. Standing still, watching a bird settle into a branch, listening to the wind, and noticing how light slowly changed the sky, these images are drawn to moments of rest and watchfulness. The act of waiting becomes a way of seeing and learning patience, sharing a sense of calm, attention, and connection where the boundary between earth and sky briefly dissolves.

The exhibition will remain open daily from 31st March to 6th April from 11:00 to 19:00 hrs
 

Book Discussion Group

Rising Ambition: Carving New Pathways- India’s Energy Transition

By Ajay Shankar (The Energy and Resources Institute, TERI, 2024)

Discussants:Amitabh Kant, Former sherpa G20 and CEO,Niti Ayog;Dr Sanjaya Baru, Former Media Advisor to PMO,Commentary and Policy Analyst; Ajay Shankar, Distinguished fellow, TERI and Author of the book.

Chair: Shyam Saran,President, IIC

Moderator: Dr Ipshita Mitra, Manager, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Vasant Utsav: A festival of Folk Arts – 19 and 20 March 2026

A two-day festival of folk music,dance and art, celebrating contemporary narratives in traditional folk art. The festival includes performances, exhibition and demonstration.  

On 19 and 20 March 2026 from 11:00 to 17:30

Phulkari Embroidery Demonstration and Exhibition

An exhibition by the women artisans from Nabha, Punjab will exhibit traditional Phulkari embroidered textiles and conduct live-demonstrations and workshops. The Nabha Foundation launched the ‘Nabha Phulkari,’ the Foundation supports over 300 women artisans through the Nabha Phulkari Mahila Industrial Cooperative Society Limited.

The artist will continue to demonstrate and sing on the second day of the festival also.

On 19 March 2026 at 18:00 in the Fountain Lawns

Basant in the Land of Five Rivers: Dance and Songs from Punjab

By the artists of Universal Art and Culture Welfare Society, Mohali, who shall be performing Jundua, Gidha, Bhangra ; Folk singing by Garry Gill and Sukhbeer Pal Kaur.

On 20 March 2026 at 18:00 in the Fountain Lawns

Rhythms of Chhattisgarh: Folk Dances of the Heartland

By the artists of Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh performing Gedi Dance, Karma Dance, Sarhul Dance and many more from the region.

(Collaboration: NCZCC, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

Mindfulness for All

An immersive mindfulness programme with cross-sector panel discussion with experiential practice, exploring stress, emotional balance in life. The session offers practical tools to cultivate mindful awareness in everyday living.
The programme will begin with a flute recital by Pankaj Mishra, flutist-vocalist, direct disciple of late Jagannath Ghoshal and bansuri-shehnai maestro Pandit Rajendra Prasanna followed by a panel discussion. 
Discussants: Dr. Sanjiv Saigal, Principal Director & Head of Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket; Anuradha Joshi, senior educationist, National Teacher Awardee (2015); Pallavi Singh, Vice President–Human Resources at a global multinational bank; Narender Singh Rawat, Vice President and Chairman of the Umpire Committee, Taekwondo Association of India; Debika Mitra, Co-Founder, Escapades for the Soul, and a Certified Mindfulness Coach. 
Moderator: Nidhi Jarwal, faculty at Miranda House, University of Delhi, and Program Coordinator at the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR)