The talk explores how institutions of higher education in Asia, the US, and Europe have shaped the development of Asian Studies and enabled cross-cultural understanding during periods of geopolitical tension. Highlighting influential centres such as the Royal Asiatic Society, EFEO, and the Harvard-Yenching Institute. The session will also consider current challenges, including shrinking international funding and how the future of Asian Studies can be re-imagined.

By Prof. James Robson is the James C. Kralik and Yunli Lou Professor of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University and Director of the Harvard-Yenching Institute, he has conducted extensive research across China, Taiwan, and Japan, and is the award-winning author of The Power of Place.

Chair: Sabaree Mitra, Professor Centre for Chinese and South East Asian Studies, JNU, Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, Delhi.

(Collaboration: Institute of Chinese Studies)

Conceptualized by Dr. Ashwani Kumar

Talk and Workshop from 10:00 to 13:00

Part I: CPR from 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Short Talk on: Hands to Restart Heart to Save Lives by Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques.

By Prof Rakesh Garg, A.I.I.M.S, New Delhi

This technique helps to revive persons whose heartbeat or breathing may have stopped. This session will help participants to recognize and respond to cardiac arrest and give high quality CPR. This is a repetitive extensive training on CPR techniques

Followed by Demonstration and performing of CPR techniques including Automated External Defibrillators (AED) by the participants.

Organized by Dr. Ambuj Roy, Professor of Cardiology & Head, Skill, e-Learning & Telemedicine Facility, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi. Conducted by Prof. Rakesh Garg, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi, & associates.

Part II: From 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

‘Meaningful Life Despite Arthritis, with Rehabilitation Medicine!’

Organised & conducted with a short talk by Dr Sanjay Wadhwa, Prof. & Head, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, AIIMS, New Delhi.

(Strictly for IIC members & staff members only)

At 16:00

A short talk on Freedom from Arthritis, Move Freely Again: The Gift of Joint Replacement

By Dr Vijay Kumar, Professor of Orthopaedics A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi

Joint replacement surgery is a transformative procedure that significantly reduces chronic joint pain and restores mobility for individuals with severe arthritis or joint damage. It offers a renewed chance to move freely and embrace an active, fulfilling lifestyle.

Followed by Panel Discussion on

Restoring Mobility with Conservative Treatments/Joint Replacement

Panellists: Dr Vijay Kumar, Professor of Orthopaedics A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi; Dr. Sanjay Wadhwa, Prof. & Head, Dept. of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi; Dr. Danveer Bhadu. Addl. Prof., Dept. of Rheumatology, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi

Chair: Dr Ashwani Kumar

Followed by interactive Q & A session with the audience

With climate change aggravating and leading to adverse impacts on social and economic sectors. India urgently requires investment in climate adaptation. The discussion identifies the challenges faced in implementing adaptation actions by states, the current sources of climate finance, particularly adaptation finance, the instruments and methods of current financing, and suggests possible ways of scaling adaptation finance for states.

Paper presented by: RR Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow, TERI; and Dhriti Pathak, Climate Change Researcher and Analyst.

Discussant: Ravi Shankar Prasad, Distinguished Fellow CEEW, Former Additional Secretary MOEF& CC

Moderator: C.K. Mishra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India

(Organised by the IIC’s Sectoral Policy Planning Group on Environment under the Convenorship of C.K. Mishra)

The Dark Hours of the Night

By Salma; translated by G J V Prasad (Simon and Schuster, 2025)

Discussants: Professor B Mangalam, English professor at Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi; Prof. Swati Pal, Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College (JDMC), University of Delhi; Prof. Nishat Haider, Professor of English, Jamia Millia Islamia ; Ms. Salma, Author of the Book, Member of Parliament ; Prof G J V Prasad, Translator of the Book

Moderator: Prof. Malashri Lal, Convenor, English Advisory Board, Sahitya Academy and poet

An evening dedicated to the revered Kathak Maestro, Guru Munna Shukla. Ahaetuki, a Sanskrit term meaning “that which is without cause,” is a tribute to the Guru–Shishya parampara. 

Through the film The Kettle and the Cup and the Kathak Baithak that follows, the evening celebrates not merely an art form, but the devotion, discipline, and humility at its heart. Through the film The Kettle and the Cup and the Kathak Baithak that follows, it is a celebration not merely an art form, but the spirit of devotion, discipline, and humility that lies at its heart.

At 18:00

Screening of The Kettle and the Cup

(40 mins;2025; Hindi)

Director & Producer: Ruchi Saini

The documentary is created in the loving memory of the revered Kathak Maestro, Guru Late Munna Shukla Ji of the Kalka-Bindadin Gharana. The film honours the sacred bond between Guru & Shishya, offering a rare glimpse into the Maukhik Vidya.

At 18:45

Kathak Baithak

The Baithak will feature Aranya – The Forest Within, a Kathak offering by Ruchi Saini and her students. Aranya journeys into the quiet, breathing spaces where nature and Kathak meet

By Pelva Naik

Dhrupad, the oldest Indian Classical Music genre, was a preserve of male musicians, until Asghari Bai stormed the bastion. In 2015, aged only 29years, Pelva Naik gave a brilliant performance at the prestigious Darbar festival in London. 

She has been privileged to learn Dagarvani from Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar at his Gurukul in Bombay, in the traditional guru shishya parampara. Pelva has performed at major festivals in India and in France, Italy, Spain.

Beyond the Ballot - Paradoxes of Democracy

By T. S. Krishna Murthy (White Falcon Publishing, 2025)

Discussants: Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India; Shri Prabhat Kumar, former Cabinet Secretary and Governor of Jharkhand; Prof Asha Sarangi, Professor, Centre for Political Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Justice Madan Lokur, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India; Shri T. S. Krishna Murthy, former Chief Election Commissioner of India & Author of the book

Moderator: Suhas Borker, Editor Citizens First TV (CFTV)

Presentation of Awards to young crafts persons

Chief Guest: Ms. Meenakshi Gopinath, Educationist, Political Scientist and Life Trustee, IIC

Awards will be presented to Amit Kumbhakar from West Bengal practising the craft of Terracotta, Padma Sisa from Odisha for Weaving of Kisalo Adivasi Cloth, Bhavya Soni from Rajasthan practising the craft of Meenakari, Soumya Ranjan Bariki from Odisha practising the craft of Pattachitra Painting, Rajni Kaur from Punjab for Weaving of Desi Cotton, Dildar Qureshi from Rajasthan practising the craft of Miniature Painting

(Collaboration: Delhi Crafts Council)

From Kingmaker to Bystander: Is the Media Still a Force in Indian Elections?

Panelists: Rajdeep Sardesai, Television Anchor; Pawan Khera, Congress Leader; Poornima Joshi, Resident Editor, Hindu Business Line, Delhi; Satish K Jha, Professor of Political Science, Delhi University; Jitendra Kumar. Independent Journalist

Moderator: Bharat Bhushan, Journalist and Editor

(Collaboration: The Media Foundation)

New Watercolours and Drawings

By Golak Khandual

This exhibition brings together intimate portraits of real and imagined people—friends, family, workers, and characters shaped by the artist’s encounters. Drawing from life and memory, the works explore shifting identities and the masks we wear, revealing how reality and imagination continually blur.

Golak Khandual is an architect and artist whose three-decade practice blends drawing, ecology, and community-focused architecture. His work includes landmark projects like Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park and Kishanbagh Sand Dunes, alongside numerous solo exhibitions across India.

Inauguration of the exhibition 4 December at 18:30

The Exhibition will be on view from 11:00 to 17:00 hrs