MAHARASHTRA SANSKRITIK DIWAS 2026

Dr Prakash Baba Amte - The Real Hero
(2014;137 minutes; Marathi with English subtitles)
Director: Samruddhi Porey
With Nana Patekar, Sonali Kulkarni, Mohan Agashe

Introduction: Suhas Borker, Co-Convener, Maharashtra Sanskrtik ani Rannaniti Adhyayan Samiti

Young Prakash graduates with a Bachelor of Medicine degree. Instead of settling down to a comfortable city life along with his wife Manda they both move to a most backward area of Maharashtra. From government apathy to Naxal threats, from a US Visa refusal due to financial issues to returning his civilian honour, the Padmashri. The film is an incredible true story of hope, courage and compassion.

(Collaboration: Maharashtra Sanskritik ani Rannaniti Adhyayan Samiti)
 

Curandera: The Path from Tragedy to Truth
(2025; 37 minutes; English and Spanish with English Subtitles)
Director: Alexia Kraft de la Saulx

A powerful journey of healing, transformation and reconnection—following one woman’s extraordinary path from personal trauma to becoming a traditional Amazonian healer.

(Collaboration: Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness The Dalai Lama)
 

Kriya Yoga and Peace of Individual and Planet Earth
Speaker: Nayaswami Jyotish (John Novak) and Nayaswami Devi Novak, Spiritual Directors, Ananda Worldwide, Nevada, USA
A talk exploring the philosophy and practice of Kriya Yoga, its spiritual lineage, and its relevance for contemporary life. The speakers will reflect on the teachings of Mahavatar Babaji and Paramahansa Yogananda, whose Autobiography of a Yogi introduced generations across the world to India’s yogic traditions, and explore Kriya Yoga as a path to meditation and self-realisation. 
 

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP 
Rabindranath Tagore: The Myriad Minded Man.
By Krishna Dutta and Andrew Robinson (Rupa Publications, 2026)

Chair: Ashok Vajpeyi, hindi poet, critic and art lover

Discussants: Prof Irfan Habib, historian and former Abdul Kalam Azad Chair, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration; Reba Som, writer, academic, historian; Ananya Vajpeyi, writer and academician.

Connected Histories, Shared Present: Cross-Cultural Experiences between Latin America, the Caribbean and India
Release of the book edited by Sonya Surabhi Gupta (New Delhi: Tulika Books, 2026)

The book will be released by Shri N.N. Vohra, Life Trustee, IIC

Followed by a discussion with Ambassador R. Viswanathan, Latin America expert and former Ambassador to Latin American countries; H.E. Juan Angulo Monsalve, Ambassador of Chile to India (TBC); Prof. Sonya Surabhi Gupta, former Professor of Latin American Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia; and Prof. Carlos Frederico Pereira da Silva Gama, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence

(Organised by IIC-International Research Division)
 

4TH KAPILA VATSYAYAN MEMORIAL LECTURE 2026
Speaker: T. M. Krishna, eminent Carnatic vocalist, writer, activist, author and Ramon Magsaysay awardee
Opening Remarks: Suhas Borker, Convener, Kapila Vatsyayan Memorial Committee and Editor Citizens First TV (CFTV)
Closing Remarks: Dr Aditya Malik, Member, Kapila Vatsyayan Memorial Committee and Founding Professor in Humanities and Social Sciences, Plaksha University
Chair: Prof Ashis Nandy, eminent political psychologist, social theorist, futurist and critic

(Collaboration: Kapila Vatsyayan Memorial Committee)

Phulkari: A Lingering Presence
By Sunaina Suneja

Phulkari, the vibrant embroidery tradition of Punjab, evokes nostalgic memories of color, music, dance and poetry. The exhibition traces the journey of reviving the thread-counted Phulkari embroidery and its iconic Pehchaan motif, celebrating Punjabi womanhood through a rich collection of vintage heirlooms alongside contemporary works.

The exhibition will be inaugurated on Wednesday 16 September at 11:30 hrs

A walkthrough by Sunaina Suneja will be conducted on Friday, September 18 & 25, Saturday, September 19 & 26 at 16:00 hrs. 
A session titled “We Are All Daughters” inviting participants to bring a treasured object associated with a mother, grandmother or another significant woman in their lives, and share the memories it holds will be on Wednesday, 23 September at 16:00 hrs.
The exhibition will remain open daily from 11:00 to 19:00 hrs
 

IIC DOUBLE BILL: MUSIC & DANCE RECITALS

Sitar Recital
By Srijanee Banerjee from Kolkata, disciple of Guru Pandit Partha Chatterjee
Accompanists: Zaheen Khan (Tabla)
At 19:00 
Hindustani Vocal recital
By Vaibhav Sakshi from Patiala, Disciple of Guru Dr. Soma Singh
Accompanists: Lalit Sisodia (Harmonium); and Mridul Pareek (Tabla)

DIALOGUES IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Conceptualised by Dr. Ashwani Kumar

Talk & Workshop from 10:00 to 13:00
Short Talk: Recognition of Stress, Anxiety & Depression!

By Dr. Rajesh Sagar, Professor of Psychiatry, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi

Followed by Registration, Assessment through Standardized Questionnaire and providing Stress Management Techniques

(Strictly for IIC members and staff members only)

At 16:00
Short Talk on Depression: The Invisible Burden- Making it Visible & Restoring Hope!
Speaker: Dr. Rajesh Sagar, Professor of Psychiatry, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi
Depression is an important public health issue. It is a common and serious mental health condition, yet often misunderstood. Emphasis will be laid on how it can impact physical health, relationships and day-to-day functioning. The session will discuss the difference between normal sadness and clinical depression, early recognition of symptoms and warning signs, and common misconceptions. It can be effectively taken care of through psychological interventions, lifestyle measures, social support and medication, wherever required. A key message will be the importance of empathy, encouraging professional help and creating supportive families, workplaces, schools and communities.
Followed by a panel discussion on Mind, Brain and Behavior: An Integrated Approach to Mental Health!
Discussants: Dr. Rajesh Sagar, Prof. of Psychiatry & Moderator of the session; Dr. Achal K. Srivastava, Prof., Dept. of Neurology, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi; Dr. Sujata Satapathy, Prof. of Clinical Psychology, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi.  
        
Followed by interactive Q & A session with the audience

Chair: Dr. Ashwani Kumar
 

IIC Double Bill: Music & Dance Recitals  

Lok Gayan “Kajri”

By Dr Mannu Yadav, Anshika Singh & group from Banaras, Disciple of Pinglacharya Guru Ramdhari Singh Yadav

Ram Janam Yadav, and Shashi Bhushan Singh (Chorus); Bijendra Kumar (Harmonium); Suraj Kumar (Dholak) ;Changur Singh (Kartal)

At 19:00

Kathak Recital

By Prerna Rana from Lucknow, disciple of Guru Dr Kumkum Dhar

Accompanists: Arif Khan (Vocal & Harmonium); Pt.Vikas Mishra (Tabla & Padhant); Shubhankar Sharma(Sitar); and Divya Rawal (Padhant)