The Extraordinary Science of The Ordinary World: The Legacy of Pierre-Gilles De Gennes

Speaker: Gautam Menon, Ashoka University

Moderator: Rohini Rangachari Karnik, Professor, Alliance Française de Delhi

The French Nobel prize winner in physics of 1991, Pierre-Gilles de Gennes (1932–2007), presided over the creation of a new interdisciplinary science, that of “soft matter”, studying materials as diverse as shaving foam, ink, sand, plastics and soap. But he also thought about education more broadly, emphasising that science is deeply human, intuitive, and driven by curiosity. He is not widely known to the public, a gap that will be addressed in the session. 
 

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

Wild Capital: Discovering Nature in Delhi
By Neha Sinha (Harper, 2026)

Moderator: Gargi Rawat, Author and Consulting Editor, NDTV

Discussants:  Gautam Bhatia, Science-fiction writer; Neha Sinha, Conservation Biologist and author of the book
 

Democracy and Recent State Assembly Elections in India: Trends, Challenges, and Implications

Inaugural Address: K. N. Shrivastava, Director IIC

Chair: Prof. Rekha Saxena, Head, Department of Political Science, University of Delhi, Coordinator, Political Science Society

Discussants: Varghese K. George, Editor, The Hindu; Ram Bahadur Rai, President, IGNCA;  Dr. Sanjay Kumar, CSDS, New Delhi; Prof. Manisha Priyam, NIEPA, New Delhi; Kanchan Gupta, Senior Journalist

State Assembly Elections play a crucial role in shaping India’s democratic and federal framework. Recent electoral outcomes have revealed significant shifts in voter behavior, political representation, campaign strategies, and governance priorities. This discussion will examine emerging electoral trends, the role of youth and women voters, the impact of digital media and political communication, and the broader implications of these developments for democracy, federalism, and public policy in India.

(Collaboration: Political Science Society)
 

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

The Universe Is Pranking Us: A Journey through Philosophy and Physics of a Reality That Thrives on Uncertainty
by Mrittunjoy Guha Majumdar (Hay House, 2026)

Discussants: Prof. Ajoy Ghatak, Professor (Retd), Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and Former President, National Academy of Sciences; Prof. Avinash Pandey, Director, Inter-University Accelerator Centre; Prof. Anand Ranganathan, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Prof. S. V. Eswaran, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research; Dr. Arun Sikarwar, National Council of Educational Research and Training; Dr. Sarvesh Kumar, Associate Professor, University of Delhi; Dr. Kamalika Banerjee, Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology; Dr Sumit Mishra, Senior Principal Scientist, National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Delhi; Dr. Mrittunjoy Guha Majumdar, Adjunct Professor, School of Natural Sciences and Engineering, National Institute of Advanced Studies & Author of the book
 

Planning for Tomorrow: Financial Security, Legacy & Family Succession

Moderator:-   Ashwajit Singh, Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary and Trustee, IIC

Speakers: - CA (Dr) Girish Ahuja, eminent tax expert, author of various books on Direct Taxation, would speak on tax planning and financial security for succession planning;

Justice G.S.Sistani (Retd), Former Judge of the Delhi High Court, would cover aspects of legacy, preparation of will and succession planning.

As we advance through life’s later years, thoughtful planning becomes one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves and our families. This special program is designed to help senior citizens navigate important aspects of financial security, tax efficiency, wealth preservation and succession planning. The discussion will bring together leading experts in taxation, financial planning and estate law to provide practical guidance on managing assets, preparing a Will, understanding nominations and inheritance, minimising potential family disputes, and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth across generations. The objective is to empower participants with the knowledge and tools needed to preserve their legacy, protect their loved ones and enjoy greater peace of mind for the future.
 

Book Discussion Group

Yashodhra se Samvaad: A collection of Hindi Poems

By Sangeeta Gupta (Prithvi, 2024)

Moderator: Maya Parijat, Writer

Discussants: Dr. Alka Tyagi, Poet, Researcher and Translator; Prof. Rekha Sethi, Indraprastha College for Women; Dr. Suman Kesari, Hindi Poet & Writer; Prof. Harsh Bala Sharma, Indraprastha College for Women; Dr Usha Munshi, Chief Librarian, IIC; Sangeeta Gupta, Artist, Poet, Film Maker & Author of the book

Performance by Sanya Tyagi AND Hullas Purohit

INDIAN ARCHAEOLOGY 

Puspabhuti or Vardhana of Thanesar with special reference to excavation at Harsh ka Tila, Kurukhetra, Haryana

Speaker: Dr Devki Nandan Dimri, former Joint Director of Archaeological Survey of India, authored three books and several research articles and Participated in excavations at Banawali, Dholavira, Sringaverpur, Ramapuram, Hulas, Thanesar, and other ancient sites.

Chair: K. N. Shrivastava, Director, IIC

Moderator: Pratap Bhanu Singh Sengar, former Director (Monuments) Archaeological Survey of India

Situated in district Kurukshetra, Harsh ka Tila, one of the most important political power centres in North India. It is believed that Pushyabhuti was the founder of the kingdom hence called Pushyabhuti dynasty. Harsh ka Tila No. 1 was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India for three field seasons from 1997 - 99. The site has revealed remains of successive cultural phases, starting from Kushan to late Mughal period without any gaps. The site has residential buildings, including a palace complex of post Gupta period, which was described by Banbhatta as Dhawal Gruha or white palace. Among the antiques noteworthy findings are the large number of terracotta tablets with other associated ritual objects from Rajput period.

Book Discussion Group

Jahan Ara Begum 1614-1681: A Biographical Study

By Nausheen Jaffery and Shailaja Kathuria (Tulika Books, 2025)

Chair: Rakhshanda Jalil, Translator and Literary Historian

Discussants: Meena Bhargava, Associate Professor (Retired), Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi; Raziuddin Aquil, Professor, Department of History, University of Delhi; Shailaja Kathuria, Editor of the Book
 

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

In Search of Self: Part 3. 
By Mridula Seth (Notion Press, 2026)

Moderator: Sanjula Sharma: Journalist, & Writer
 

Discussants: Sanjula Sharma: Journalist, & Writer; Prof. Swati Pal, Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi; Geeta Sahai, Co-founder of Heart & Soul Media Pvt Ltd and Founder President of Swayam Foundation; Dr Vinita Narula, Author, Poet and Academic, Ms. Deepa Shrivastava, Poet, Academic; Dr. Mridula Seth, Author of the book
 

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

How Robots stole our jobs: struggles of Suzuki Workers in the Age of AI 
by Nandita Haksar (Aakar Books, 2026)

Discussants: Dr. Madhusudhan Raman, Department of Physics, Ashoka University will be in conversation with the Author