Programmes with Prof. Priyamvada Natarajan

Prof. Priyamvada Natarajan is Joseph S. and Sophia S. Fruton Professor of Astronomy and Professor of Physics; Chair Astronomy; Chair Women Faculty Forum, Department of Physics, Yale University

An informal interaction with Prof. Priyamvada Natarajan

Chair: Dr. Pratibha Jolly, physicist and Principal Investigator, GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions)

Amidst an intellectual revolution in cosmology and astrophysics, the interplay of powerful ideas and innovative instruments is radically reshaping our understanding of the universe. As part of Her Voice: Engendering the Discourse, internationally acclaimed astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan will be in conversation with Pratibha Jolly, Indian physicist and Principal Investigator, GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions). This special conversation will explore their personal trajectories, glass ceilings breached, the opportunities and challenges for women navigating the discursive terrain of science.

(Collaboration: Wiscomp)
 

A conversation between Madhu Tandan and Richa Vadini Singh on whether dreams are a wasteland or a secret garden

Madhu Tandan, the acclaimed author of Dreams & Beyond: Finding Your Way in the Dark and The Logic of Dreams, brings four decades of experience in researching and interpreting dreams.

Richa Vadini Singh is a writer who explores the fascinating realm of dreams and has studied psychodynamic dreamwork.

Together, they will explore what our dreams might be trying to tell us, unravel why they often seem so bizarre, and ponder their true significance. They will also welcome any dreams shared by the audience for discussion.
 

By Vishwas Hari (mandolin); and Charulatha Chandrasekar (veena)
With Abhishek Avadani on mridangam and Ujith Udaya Kumar on tabla

(Collaboration: Shanmukhananda Sangeetha Sabha)

Leonard Bernstein
Composer, Conductor, Teacher, Humanist
Illustrated lecture by Dr. Punita G. Singh

A charismatic conductor, creative composer, prodigious pianist and erudite educator, Leonard Bernstein was a towering figure in music through the 20th century. Besides composing for the classical concert stage, he wrote for Broadway and Film, the diversity of styles evident in music for ‘West Side Story’, ‘Candide’, ‘Chichester Psalms’ and ‘On the Waterfront’. As a conductor, he championed the music of his contemporaries while also breathing life into traditional compositions, especially the music of Mahler. In addition to leading the New York Philharmonic, he frequently conducted major international orchestras. This presentation celebrates the life and legacy of ‘Lenny’—as he was lovingly called. His artistry, intellect and humanism continue to inspire and educate, demonstrating the transformative power of music in shaping a more compassionate world.

Punita is a musicologist, linguist, acoustician, editor and educator based in New Delhi 
 

An evening of Mindfulness, with Sitting, Walking and Tea Meditation
Led by Brother Phap Dung and other Teachers and Monastics in the Plum Village tradition

The programme includes release of a book ‘The Mindfulness Survival Kit: Five Essential Practices’ by Thich Nhat Hanh, published by Aleph Book Company

Chair: Dharmacharya Shantum Seth

(Collaboration: Ahimsa Trust)
 

At the Heart of Power: The Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh
By Shyamlal Yadav (Rupa Publications, 2024)

Guest of Honour: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, Govt. of India

Discussants: Prof. Sushma Yadav, Member, Justice K.G. Balakrishnan Commission, former Vice Chancellor, BPS Mahila Vishwavidyalaya and former Pro Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Haryana; Shri Qamar Wahid Naqvi, former News Director, TV Today Network; and Shri Shyamlal Yadav, journalist and author of the book

Chair: Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts

Poetry Readings
 

By Amarjeet Kaunke (Patiala); Vinay Vishwas, Raki Garg and Anil Analhatu (Delhi NCR)

(Collaboration: The Raza Foundation)
 

Keynote Address: Shri Anurag Goel, former Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India and Futurist & Governance Architect

Welcome Address: Shri Prabhat Kumar, President, IC Centre for Governance

(Collaboration: IC Centre for Governance)
 

Ramayana in World Art and Thought
Edited by Shovana Narayan (Shubhi Publications, 2024)

Chief Guest: Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, former Union Minister
Chair: Dr. Karan Singh, statesman, philosopher and thinker 

Discussants: Dr. Yatindra Mishra, poet, cinema and music scholar; and Dr. Shovana Narayan, well-known Kathak artist/Guru and author of the book

Speaker: Mr. Bruno Maçães, Senior Advisor, Flint Global, columnist for the New Statesman, Member of the European Council on Foreign Relations and former Secretary of State for European Affairs, Portugal

Chair: Amb. Shivshankar Menon, former Foreign Secretary and former National Security Advisor