Illustrated lecture by Prof. Himanshu Prabha Ray, author and historian, currently Research Fellow, Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, Oxford and Routledge Series Editor, Archaeology and Religion in South Asia

The search for relics of the Buddha is a fascinating story of irretrievable transformation of an ancient religious practice dating from the 3rd century BCE Mauryan period in the 19th and 20th centuries as brick mounds indicating ancient stupas yielded their treasures of gems, gold and coins to indiscriminate diggers and adventurers. The talk will provide a context and the background to the IIC photo exhibition in the Quadrangle Garden
 

India’s E.V. Transition

Driving towards a Greener Future: Assessing the Environmental Benefits and Challenges of Electric Vehicles

Speakers: Shri Prashant K. Banerjee, Chief Executive Director, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM); and Shri Subhomoy Bhattacharjee, Consulting Editor, The Business Standard

Moderator: Shri Satish Sinha, Associate Director, Toxics Link

Looking at the positive environmental impacts of EVs, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, while also addressing potential challenges and considerations, such as battery production and disposal, energy sources for charging, and infrastructure development. Thus, it provides a comprehensive view of the environmental implications of EV adoption, guiding us towards informed decision-making and strategic planning for a more sustainable future

(Collaboration: Toxics Link)

Speakers: Philippe Le Corre, Senior Fellow, Center for China Analysis, Asia Society Policy Institute, Senior Advisor (Geopolitics), Asia Society, France; Dr. Sriparna Pathak, Associate Professor, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University; and Dr. Swasti Rao, Associate Fellow, Europe and Eurasia Centre, MP-Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis

Moderator: Amb. Ashok Kantha, former Ambassador of India to China and Distinguished Fellow, Vivekananda International Foundation

Europe finds itself navigating the complexities of the Indo-Pacific landscape. Amidst fierce Sino-American competition, as well as recently held elections in Taiwan and the forthcoming elections in 30-plus countries around the world, Brussels, Paris, and Berlin must define their positions and strategies in this strategically significant region. The panel will discuss the implications of the ongoing geopolitical shifts on world politics

(Collaboration: Asia Society Policy Institute, Delhi)
 

Speaker: Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Stockholm University; Honorary Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. His latest publications include, Jinnah: His Successes, Failures and Role in History (New Delhi: Penguin Viking, 2020); Pakistan: The Garrison State, Origins, Evolution, Consequences (Karachi: Oxford University Press, 2013); among others

Chair: Dr. Sanjeev Chopra

The partition of India into two separate states was accompanied by unprecedented violence and the greatest forced migration in history. It bequeathed a sordid legacy of ideological and territorial disputes and conflicts and concomitant suspicions and fears which worsened over time. Yet, all along efforts to build trust and peace were also made. An argument to continue to argue for peace will be advanced in the talk.

Illustrated lecture by Naresh Fernandes, Editor, scroll.in and author of Taj Mahal Foxtrot: The Story of Bombay’s Jazz Age (2017)

Introduction: Dr. Shubha Chaudhuri, Associate Director General (Academic) at Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology, AIIS

In the 1950s and '60s, as the US and USSR battled for global supremacy, India was turned into a musical battleground. The US decided to deploy a most unusual weapon in Asia and Africa: jazz. In an attempt to win hearts and minds, the State Department dispatched some of America's best musicians around the Third World. Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Red Nichols and others performed the subcontinent to demonstrate through their music the openness and dialogue that was at the heart of the American way of life.  

This presentation, with photos and musical clips, will retrace those swinging journeys

(Collaboration: Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology, American Institute of Indian Studies)

Illustrated lecture by Edric Ong, President of the Atelier Society, Kuching, trained architect and artist. Ong is the author of Pua-Iban Weavings of Sarawak and Woven Dreams – two seminal books on the warp-ikat weaving. He is also the Hon. Secretary, World Batik Council and a consultant to UNESCO in its Award for Excellence for Handicrafts program

Speaker: Dr. Swapna Liddle, historian who works to popularise history and the cause of heritage protection through talks, heritage walks, and social and mainstream media. Her most recent books are The Broken Script: Delhi Under the East India Company and The Fall of the Mughal Dynasty 1803-1857; and Shahjahanabad: Mapping a Mughal City

Chair: Dr. Jutta Jain Neuebauer

Human history is intimately tied to water and its management. In a place with such a richly layered history as Delhi has, this relationship with water has manifested itself at many levels. The presence of water and waterways has determined the location of cities and localities. The management of water and construction of water works has been an important function of powerful rulers, as well as landed magnates and even religious teachers. This illustrated talk will discuss some of the ways in which the people of Delhi through history have connected to water
 

How we can materialise the vision and values of Free and Open Indo-Pacific

Welcome Address: Amb. Umemoto Kazuyoshi, President, The Japan Foundation, Tokyo

Introductory Remarks: Mr. Wakao Koike, Head, Japanese Studies and Global Partnerships Department, The Japan Foundation, Tokyo

Moderator: Mr. Koji Sato, Director General, The Japan Foundation, New Delhi

The seminar will discuss the prospects of India-Japan relationship with respect to South Asia and Free and Open Indo-Pacific

(Collaboration: The Japan Foundation, New Delhi)

Panelists: Shri Kallol Bhattacherjee, Senior Assistant Editor, The Hindu and author of The Great Game in Afghanistan; and Shri Frank Rausan Pereira, founder of Bharat First, Consultant Anchor with Doordarshan and former Anchor, Rajya Sabha TV

Chair: Amb. K.P. Fabian, Professor, Symbiosis University, Pune and Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi

The newly elected Maldivian President Mohammad Muizzi has asked India to withdraw its military personnel from Maldives. India proposed a joint committee to sort out the matter which Maldives agreed to but President Muizzi’s on his return from a state visit to China, has publicly put a deadline of 15 March 2024 for the withdrawal. Both Maldives and Sri Lanka fall within the security perimeter of India. The panelists will address the maritime security of India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, and the options available to India

Speaker: Prof. Surya Deva, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development

Chair: Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator, India

Climate change poses a significant threat to the realization of all human rights, including the right to development. People in all world regions, especially in developing countries, have a legitimate aspiration to harness their capabilities and realise development goals. At the same time, pursuing economic development without respecting planetary boundaries will destroy the current ecological system. What development pathway should then states and individuals follow? In this public lecture, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development will argue that since intergenerational equity is a key principle of the right to development, it is possible to achieve inclusive and sustainable development by embracing a model of “planet-centred participatory development”.

(Collaboration: United Nations India)