The Classical Compositions of Hazrat Amir Khusrau

An illustrated presentation by Madhumita Ray

A presentation of noted classical compositions created by the Sufi saint known primarily as the father of Kheyal and Qawwali, Hazrat Amir Khusrau. This lecture based on rare ragas will demonstrate his works based on some recordings by eminent artists.

Madhumita Ray is an eminent Hindustani Classical (Khayal) and semi classical (Thumri-Dadra) vocalist performing and teaching nationally and internationally for over 30 years.

Charismatic Chiaroscuro: Poetry and Art

By Meena Chopra (2025)

Discussants: Prof. Malashri Lal, Scholar, Poet, Academician; Prof. Sukrita Paul Kumar, Scholar, Poet, Academician, Sudeep Sen, Poet, Literary Editor, Photographer, Ms. Meena Chopra, Author, Poet & Artist

By Uditha Devapriya

The talk explores the multifaceted legacy of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated writer, critic, and thinker. Examining how Wickramasinghe — through his novels, essays, and cultural writings — became a bridge between indigenous traditions and modern thought.

Uditha Devapriya is a Sri Lankan researcher, author, and analyst whose work spans culture, politics, and international relations. A former Chief Analyst at Factum think tank and IVLP fellow, he writes extensively on South Asian art, history, and geopolitics

An international conference bringing together eminent historians from Portugal and India to examine the multifaceted Indo-Portuguese encounters through history — from early modern exchanges to intellectual and cultural networks.

Speakers: João Paulo Oliveira e Costa (NOVA University Lisbon), Ernestine Carreira (Aix-Marseille University), Lakshmi Subramanian (BITS Pilani), Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi (Aligarh Muslim University), Anirudh Deshpande, Amar Farooqui and Farhat Hassan (University of Delhi), and Najaf Haider (Jawaharlal Nehru University).

(Collaboration: Embassy of Portugal, Cultural Centre)

A tribute to Jasleen Dhamija, renowned textile art historian and craft expert through a one-day scholarly seminar on crafts, textiles and policy reflecting her interest in Indian crafts and policies.

For detailed schedule please click here

An evening of poetry and reflection by Neelesh Raghuvanshi (Bhopal); Sandhya Nivodita (Delhi); Utpal Banerjee (Indore); Javed Alam Khan (Delhi)

(Collaboration: Raza Foundation)

Sounds of Mesopotamia: An Introduction to Kurdish Music

Illustrated talk by Hakan Çifçi

Kurdish music is a rich and diverse tradition deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Kurdish people of ancient Mesopotamia. Encompassing a variety of styles ranging from ancient folk traditions to more modern forms, it is characterised by unique melodies, scales and instruments. Themes of love and nature are common in Kurdish music, which plays a vital role in preserving Kurdish identity and culture. Traditional songs are often passed down through an oral tradition, with bards (called “Dengbêj”) playing a crucial role in transmitting stories, epic tales and lyrical poems. Join us to learn more about Kurdish music.

Hakan Çifçi represents Commission of Foreign Relations of Kurdistan National Congress – KNK

Welcome Address and Introductory Remarks: Shri Prabhat Kumar, President, IC Centre for Governance.

Keynote Speaker: Shri Sunil Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Ideafarms. He is a breakthrough practitioner of Design Thinking, a serial entrepreneur, and a thought leader in Design Strategy.

Followed by interactive Q& A with the audience

Vote of Thanks: Brig Rajendra Kumar, Director, IC Centre for Governance.

(Collaboration: IC Centre for Governance)

Rajendra Dhodapkar, Devyani Bharadwaj (Delhi); Parwati Tirkey (Gumla-Jharkhand) and Parag Pawan (Varanasi) will read their original works in Hindi.

(Collaboration: The Raza Foundation)

Discussants: Amb. Harsh V. Shringla, Member of Parliament, Former Foreign Secretary and High Commissioner of Dhaka; Sreeradha Datta, Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University; and Dr Rishi Gupta, Assistant Director, Asia Society Policy Institute

Chair: Shri Jawhar Sircar, Public intellectual and Former Secretary Culture and CEO, Prasar Bharti