A talk by K.K. Shailaja, popularly known as Shailaja Teacher, her exemplary leadership during the COVID-19 crises in Kerala earned her global recognition. Former Minister of Health, Women & Child, and Social Justice with the Govt. of Kerala, she was named as one of the most influential women in 2020 by the Financial Times and Kerala’s Acclaimed Health Minister by The Guardian. Shailaja currently serves as an MLA in the Kerala Legislative Assembly

(Collaboration: Business & Community Foundation)
 

From Eight with Art – Painting the Soul of North East India

A collection of paintings by artists who are deeply engaged with the transformation of their surroundings. The exhibition charts the shifting contours of identity, place, and expression. At the crossroads of the old and the new – drawing from ancestral stories, craft techniques, and visual traditions, while responding to contemporary realities, urbanization, technology, climate, and redefined notions of self and community.

Curated by Sentila T. Yanger

On view are works by Sujit Das from Assam; Phaibhakupar Karlukhi from Meghalaya; Millan Laishram from Manipur; Lalhming Mawii aka Amoii from Mizoram; Mrinmoy Debbarman from Tripura; Tase Vinei from Nagaland; Pill Reniya from Arunachal Pradesh; and Karma Tenrab from Sikkim

Inauguration on Thursday, 30 May 2026 at 18:30

(Collaboration: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region)

Lead presentation by Shri Asok Kumar G., IAS (retd.), Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Research and formerly Director General, the National Mission for Clean Ganga

Followed by a panel discussion

Panelists: Shri D.P. Mathuria, Chief Engineer, Central Water Commission; Shri Manu Bhatnagar, Principal Director, INTACH Natural Heritage Division; and Dr. Srinivas Chokkakula, President and Chief Executive, Centre for Policy Research

The river Yamuna or Kalindi is not only the most important tributary of the river Ganga, but also has a standing on her own. It flows almost parallel to the Ganga before merging with it at Prayagraj. Although steeped in mythology and has witnessed historical events, the river in recent years has been facing an existential crisis. Its 22 km stretch of Delhi witnesses its deadly phase – dark stagnant water for most of the year. Many attempts have been made to rejuvenate and revive it. The Yamuna Action Plan did not deliver the expected results. Shri Asok Kumar G. will engage with the idea of reviving the Yamuna building on his rich experience of leading the National Mission for Clean Ganga

(Collaboration: Centre for Policy Research)

The Great Cases series discussion no: 8

Justice, Demolitions & the Rule of Law in Peace and Conflict

Speakers: Chander Uday Singh, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court; and Vrinda Grover, Advocate, Supreme Court

Moderators: Lakshita Handa, Senior Resident Fellow, Vidhi; and Pragya Singh, Senior Resident Fellow, Vidhi

The discussion will examine the November 2024 Supreme Court directives, the role of due process, and the broader implications for democracy in India

(Collaboration: Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy)

The Great Indian Poverty Debate: Has Poverty been almost banished?

Speaker: Prof. Himanshu, Associate Professor, Centre for Economic Studies & Planning, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Discussant: Dr. Shyma Jose, Assistant Professor, Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi

Chair: Shri Siraj Hussain, former Union Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture

Speaker: Dr. Girija Borker, Economist and Gender Lead, Development Impact  (DI), The World Bank, Washington DC

Chair: Dr. Meeran Chadha Borwankar, former Director General of Police