Archival Echoes of a Folk Lute in the Indian Himalaya

Speaker: Dr. Katherine Freeze Wolf, Independent scholar, with PhD in Musicology and Ethnomusicology, Brown University

Moderator: Shubha Chaudhuri, Associate Director General (Academic), Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology, American Institute of Indian Studies

The speaker will share their experience studying the Western Tibetan folk lute gowo (called ko-phongs in Ladakhi) in Ladakh, and the repatriation of musical recordings made between the 1930s and 1970s. The talk will explore the significance of these recordings in understanding the instrument's diverse performance styles, song ecologies and heritage narratives.

(Collaboration: American Institute of Indian Studies, Center for Art and Archaeology)

 

Nar-Hari: 6 Verses from Shri Guru Granth Sahib & Panchvani

An Inclusive Sankirtan where Music, Mysticism & Spirituality Meet Science

Performers: Ayush Jha, vocalist and/or on Harmonium; Kanha Trehan, vocalist & with khartaal; Rajat Kanungo, vocalist and/or on harmonium; Sanvi Katoch, vocalist and/or on harmonium; Dr Sangeeta, vocalist and/or on harmonium; Satvik on Tabla; Amar on Guitar; Pragshu on Cajun; Anya Katoch, chorus singer

Guest of Honour & Patron: Prof. Charanjit Singh Shah, Chairman & Founder, Creative Group LLP

Performance inspired by the teachings of the 15th-century Bhakti saint Ravidas, whose compositions are enshrined in both the Shri Guru Granth Sahib and Panchvani. Blending devotional music, participatory Sankirtan and narration, the programme explores the dialogue between spirituality and contemporary scientific thought, offering a reflective experience that celebrates joy, inclusivity and inner transformation.

3rd All India Conference of East Asian Studies

Dissonances in the World Order: Implications for Indo-Pacific & East Asia

Keynote Address by Prof. Kan Kimura, Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University

Followed by Thematic discussions and a Special Lecture by eminent academicians, policy experts and researchers on contemporary issues in East Asian Studies, international politics, regional security, technology, economics and the environment.

The conference will examine the evolving geopolitical, economic and strategic landscape of East Asia and the Indo-Pacific, with a particular focus on Japan's role in shaping a free, open and rules-based regional order. Discussions will explore regional security, economic resilience, technology, climate and multilateral cooperation.

For the detailed programme, please click here

(Collaboration: Institute of Chinese Studies and Japan Foundation)

Book Discussion Group

Illustrated Abhidhamma: Buddhist Inputs for Artificial Intelligence

By Chandra B Verma

Guest of Honour: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon'ble Minister of Culture and Tourism, Govt. of India

Chair: K. N. Shrivastava, Director, IIC

Discussants: Prof. Sangit Kumar Ragi, Professor & Former Head, University of Delhi; Dr. Ravindra Singh Bisht, Former Joint Director General & Archaeologist, ASI; Dr V. N. Ojha; Former Chief Scientist (G) & Division Head, CSIR-NPL; Prof. C. B. Varma, Author of the book

The eligibility criteria for submitting applications are as follows: 

a)    Qualification

Graduate with 1 year Diploma / Certificate course in Kitchen Management/ kitchen Stewarding/ Food Service Management

b)    Responsibilities

•    Supervision, monitoring and training of kitchen stewards / utility staff including yearly FSSAI and other periodical trainings.
•    Cleanliness & Sanitation: Maintain cleanliness and sanitization of all kitchens, storage, and waste areas in compliance with the food safety regulations.
•    Kitchen hygiene: To ensure high level of hygiene in all kitchen areas.
•    Equipment & Dishwashing: Proper cleaning of all kitchen equipment’s and ensure that it is well maintained. Daily temperature recording of all cold storage.
•    Inventory Management: Manage Inventory of Kitchen cleaning supplies and equipments..
•    Waste Management: Oversee the proper segregation, storage, and timely disposal of kitchen garbage in compliance with the instructions of municipal authorities.
•    Pest Control and Fumigation: Keep a weekly/ regular track of fumigation and ensure all cooking areas are pest free.
•    Cross Department Coordination: Liaise with the other departments for implementation of mandatory compliances.
•    Ensure COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and safe handling of commercial cleaning chemicals is done properly.

c)    Experience

3 to 5 years of experience in stewarding section of a reputed hotel/resort/restaurant with at least 1 year in a supervisory capacity.

d)    Age

25 – 35 Years*

e)    Remuneration     

Monthly remuneration Rs.50,000/- 

*Relaxable in case of deserving candidates

All applications along with CV/supporting documents and a passport size photograph are to be submitted by hand, email or by post to: Administration Department, India International Centre, 40 Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi – 110003 (E-mail – careers@iicdelhi.in) latest by 03.08.2026.

The Democracy to Come

Ambedkar, Fanon, and the Time of Counter-Revolution  

Speaker: Dr Aishwary Kumar, Professor of History of Political Thought and Institutions, and Director of The Democracy Institute at Cal Poly Pomona, Chair, The GIFT Project and the American Institutions Common Core

Chair: Dr Mujibur Rehman, faculty, Jamia Millia Central University, New Delhi

Introductory Remarks: Dr Usha Munshi, Chief Librarian, IIC

The concept of “counter-revolution” occupies a galvanizing place in B. R. Ambedkar’s political thought and moral psychology. Unlike nationalists of his time, Ambedkar rarely speaks of extreme violence and exploitation as a function simply of modern colonial bondage. Instead, for him, “inequality” is force, a spectrum of compulsions, a desire even. Which is why its cruelty can be grasped only as a counter-revolutionary form that alters our very relationship to time and authority. Counter-revolution as a neo-democratic form: this singular insight—what I call "the caste contract"—puts Ambedkar in an exemplary constellation of abolitionist thinkers on human freedom and moral judgment who return to us today with a dark urgency.

Climate Change and Sustainability

Speaker: Shyam Saran, President, IIC

Inaugural Remarks: Anil Rajput, Chairman, Bharat Ki Soch

Closing Remarks: RK Pachnanda, Director Bharat Ki Soch

The talk will examine the evolving challenges of climate change and sustainable development, with a focus on environmental diplomacy, ecological resilience, and policy responses. It will consider how governments and institutions can work towards balancing development with environmental stewardship.

This session is a part of the flagship discussion series, 'Mantraṇā'. Derived from the ancient Sanskrit lexicon, Mantraṇā signifies strategic, high-level deliberation and institutional counsel aimed at addressing contemporary governance and security imperatives. Serving as a dedicated platform where policymakers, academics, and domain experts converge to distill complex global challenges into actionable policy pathways.

(Collaboration: Bharat Ki Soch (BKS)