Women have been part of Buddhism since the 5th century BCE, when they were ordained as bhikkhunis and led nunneries despite a patriarchal culture. Over time, restrictions ended full ordination in many regions, and female monastic lineages declined. However, in some countries, women continue to receive full ordination and run their own nunneries and teaching centres, preserving the spiritual legacy of early female practitioners.

Screening of two films followed by discussions

At 15:30
The Geshema is Born (56 mins; 2019, English)
Directed by Malati Rao
Followed by discussion with Dr Kaveri Gill, Senior Fellow, Centre for Excellence in Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar University

At 17:30
White Robes, Saffron Dreams (44 mins; 2013; English)
Directed by Teena Gill 
Followed by a panel discussion moderated by Teena Gill with Dr Uma Chakravarti, Historian and film maker; Shantum Seth, mindfulness teacher and peace builder; and Dr Renuka Singh, sociologist and Director, Tushita Mahayana Meditation Centre, Delhi

A Talk by Dr Isaac Mathai

Ayurveda and Naturopathy, grounded in centuries of holistic wisdom, are proving to be more relevant than ever. With scientific backing and a natural, preventive approach, these systems offer powerful tools to restore well-being and longevity- without losing touch with the rhythms of nature.

Dr Mathai, a world-renowned holistic physician explores the possibilities of this integrative healthcare in today’s world.

For Registration : www.tinyurl.com/yz4p6f49

(Collaboration: Ritinjali ; SOUKYA International Holistic Health Centre, Bengaluru)
 

Modernity, Print and Sahitya: The Making of a New Literary Culture, 1866-1919
By Sumanyu Satpathy (Routeledge India: 2023)

Discussants: Prof. Pragati Mohapatra, Associate Professor, IP College, University of Delhi; Prof. Asha Sarangi, Professor, Centre for Political Studies, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Prof. Sumanyu Satpathy, Former Professor, University of Delhi and author of the book 
 

Chair: Prof. Harish Trivedi, Former Professor, University of Delhi

 

The Crisis of Higher Education in India: Disturbing Present and Worrisome Future
 

Speaker: Deepak Nayyar, Emeritus Professor of Economics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 
Honorary Fellow, Balliol College, University of Oxford, former Chief Economic Adviser, Government of India, former Distinguished University Professor of Economics, New School for Social Research, New York and former Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi

Moderator: Dr Meenakshi Gopinath, Life Trustee, IIC 
 

Conceptualised by Dr. Ashwani Kumar

Talk & Workshop from 10:00 to 13:00

Understanding Menopause
Consultant Speaker: Dr. Garima, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Menopause, while natural, affects multiple body systems and requires proactive management. The session will cover its onset, symptoms, and long-term impacts such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular risk. Discussions will focus on screening, lifestyle adjustments, and individualized treatment options including hormone therapy, supplements, and counselling. Onsite evaluation will include symptom review, physical measurements, and lab tests (blood sugar, lipid profile, thyroid function, etc.).

(Strictly for IIC members and staff members only)

At 16:00
Women’s Health Beyond Menopause
Speaker: Dr. Neena Malhotra, MD, DNB, FRCOG (UK), FAMS, FICOG
Professor & Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi

Followed by Panel Discussion on:

Wellness in the Second Spring: A Guide to Women’s Health After Midlife
Panelists: Dr. Sonia Malik, Former President, Indian Menopause Society; Dr. S.V. Madhu, Director-Prof., Dept. of Endocrinology, UCMS & GTBH, Delhi; Dr. Ambuj Roy, Prof. of Cardiology, AIIMS, New Delhi; and Dr. Ravinder Singh, Psychologist & Psychotherapist

Moderator: Dr. Neena Malhotra, consultant

Followed by an interactive Q&A with the audience.
 

A Tribute Concert in Memory of Prof. Samaresh Chatterji
By String Quartet of the Symphony Orchestra of India

Performers : Shynar Barlykova, violin; Prayash Biswakarma, violin; Mikhail Bulgakov, viola; and Sherali Mukhanbetkali, cello

(Collaboration: Delhi Music Society)
 

Odissi Dance: Aesthetics, Therapeutics, Metaphysics

By Reela Hota (Prabhat Prakashan: 2025)

Discussants: Arvind Sharma, Birks Professor in Comparative Religion, McGill University; Sharon Lowen, performing artist, dance guru, writer and Odissi dancer; Swati Pal, Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi  and poet; Manindranath Thakur, Professor of Political Studies , JNU; Mahavir Singhvi, Joint Secretary at Ministry of External Affairs of India (Central Europe); Reela Hota, Odissi danseuse, Former Senior Fellow, Ministry of Culture, Founder Secretary, Rays of Wisdom Society & author of the book

Chair: Madhu Khanna, Former Professor, Director for the Centre for the Study of Comparative Religion and Civilizations, JMI 
 

Celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama through Children’s Art

Commemorating the 90th birthday of His Holiness, this international exhibition showcases innovative paintings and multimedia artworks by Tibetan children expressing heartfelt gratitude for his life, legacy and invaluable teachings. Their art is a powerful testament to how His Holiness continues to inspire generations.

Inauguration of the exhibition on Friday, 4 July at 18:30 hrs by Namita Gokhale—Author, Co-Founder, and Co-Director of the Jaipur Literary Festival

(Collaboration: Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Khadok: Tibetan Arts’ Collective)
 

Led by Madan Soni, Hindi Critic

Followed by Film Screening
Jayein to Jayein Kahaan (90 mins,2025,Hindi )
Directed by Amit Dutta, eminent film maker

(Collaboration: The Raza Foundation)
 

Hindustani Vocal Recital
By Sanika Kulkarni from Pune, disciple of Dr Veena Sahasrabuddhe
Accompanists: Baldev Sisodiya (tabla); and Lalit Sisodiya (Harmonium)

At 19:00
Bharatnatyam Recital
By Divya Hoskere from Bengaluru, disciple of Shri P. Praveen Kumar