DIALOGUES IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Conceptualised by Dr.Ashwani Kumar

Talk & Workshop from 10:00 to 13:00
    Practical Spine Care. 
    Mobility training for Healthy Aging.  
1. Posture Assessment: Stooping, sagittal imbalance, walking pattern.
2. Balance Testing: Single-leg stance, chair rise test, gait observation.
3. Guided Demonstrations: Getting out of bed safely, lifting techniques, sitting posture, walking posture.
4. Simple Spine Exercises: Chair exercises, core activation, stretching, balance drills.
5. Fall Prevention Tips: Footwear, bathroom safety, lighting, muscle strengthening.

Open to IIC members and staff members of IIC

At 16:00
Short Talk on The Aging Spine: How to Stay Upright, Active & Pain-Free
Aging of the spine is one of the common causes of pain, stooping posture, imbalance, reduced walking capacity, and loss of independence in senior citizens. However, many problems associated with the aging spine can be prevented, delayed, or effectively managed with timely awareness and appropriate lifestyle measures.
This interactive public lecture will discuss the common spinal problems seen after the age of 60, including back pain, cervical and lumbar degeneration, osteoporosis, spinal deformity, and balance-related issues.  Practical guidance will be provided regarding posture, spine-friendly daily habits, exercise, fall prevention, bone health, and maintaining mobility in later life.

Speaker: Dr. Bhavuk Garg, Prof., Department of Orthopedics  

Followed by a panel discussion on ‘Spine Care made Simple’

Moderator: Dr. Bhavuk Garg, Prof., Department of Orthopedics  

Panelists: Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, Former Prof. & Head, Department of Orthopedics, A.I.I.M.S., New. Delhi; Dr. Achal K. Srivastava, Prof., Department of Neurology, A.I.I.M.S, New Delhi; Dr. Puneet Khanna, Prof. of Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine & Critical Care, A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi.
                      
Followed by interactive Q & A session with the audience

Chair: Dr. Ashwani Kumar
 

AUTHORLESS HORIZONS: AI, AUTHORSHIP, AND THE EMERGING CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM

Chief Guest: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Culture and Tourism, Govt. of India 
Introductory remarks: Dr. Usha Mujoo Munshi, IIC 
Welcome Address: Dr. Varun Gulati, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi 
Opening Remarks: Shyam Saran, President, IIC 
Creative & Literary Reflections – Prof. Malashri Lal, Convener, English Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi 
Keynote Address: Prof. Girish Nath Jha, Eminent Scholar 
Concluding Remarks: K. N. Shrivastava, Director, IIC 

For details click here:- 

(Collaboration: Ministry of Culture, Govt of India and  Sahitya Akademi )
 

AUTHORLESS HORIZONS: AI, AUTHORSHIP, AND THE EMERGING CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM

Chief Guest: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Culture and Tourism, Govt. of India 
Presided by : Shri Shyam Saran, President, IIC  
Introductory Remarks: Dr. Usha Mujoo Munshi, IIC 
Welcome Address: Dr. Varun Gulati, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi 
Creative & Literary Reflections – Prof. Malashri Lal, Convener, English Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi 
Keynote Address: Prof. Girish Nath Jha, Eminent Scholar 
Concluding Remarks: Shri K. N. Shrivastava, Director, IIC

For details click here:- 

(Collaboration: Sahitya Akademi,  Ministry of Culture, Govt of India )

Australia, India and The New World Disorder 
Speaker: Peter Varghese AO, distinguished Australian diplomat, former Australian High Commissioner to India (2009-2012) and Australian Foreign Secretary (2012-2016), currently Chancellor of The University of Queensland and Chair, Australian Public Policy Institute

Moderator : Indrani Bagchi, CEO Ananta Aspen Centre


Discussants:  Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Dean, School of International Studies, Professor and Chair, Centre for International Politics, Jawaharlal Nehru University Gopal Baglay, former Indian High Commissioner to Australia

Release of the IIC Quarterly (Winter 2025–Spring 2026)

Syncretic Traditions of the Indian Subcontinent Varied Voices

Chair: Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman, IIC Editorial Board

Discussants: Dr Uma Chakravarti; Dr Jonathan Koshy Varghese; Anirudh Kanisetti

Edited by Dr Jyotsna Singh and K. E. Priyamvada

India is home to a rich plurality of religions, faiths, and belief systems, where a deeply syncretic ethos has long shaped the lives of mystics, intellectuals, ordinary people, and even non-believers. This volume draws upon a seminar held at the India International Centre on the theme “Syncretic Traditions of the Indian Subcontinent.”

IIC/Media Dialogues

Draft Digital Content Rules: Safeguards or Curbs?

Moderator: Prasanto K Roy. Public Policy Advisor. Former Editor-in-Chief, CyberMedia

Discussants: Nikhil Pahwa. Founder & Editor, MediaNama; Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, Journalist. President, Press Club of India; Apar Gupta, Advocate, Founder-Director, Internet Freedom Foundation; Seema Chishti, Editor, The Wire; Shreya Singhal, Advocate

(Collaboration: The Media Foundation)

 

CLEAN AIR DIALOGUES
NCR’s Road to Clean Air: Progress, Obstacles and What Lies Ahead

Moderator: Sarika Panda Bhatt, Director, Nagarro and Cofounder, Raahgiri Foundation.

Discussants:  Rajesh Verma, IAS, Chairperson CAQM; Tarun Kumar Pithode, IAS, Member Secretary, CAQM;  Nidhi Madan, Partner - Climate Policy, Energiva Ventures
 

The discussion will detail the regulatory journey to combat air pollution to date. Presentations will cover enacted policies, enforcement challenges, and measurable cross-sector progress. The discussion will highlight implementation successes alongside ongoing pressure points in the region.
This conversation marks the first in a series of dialogues exploring the multifaceted challenges of air pollution, bringing together perspectives from science, policy, health, and civil society.
(Collaboration: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Raahgiri Foundation)

IIC/MEDIA DIALOGUES

Assembly Poll Results and the Politics Ahead

Moderator: Bharat Bhushan, journalist and editor

Speakers:  Dr Ajay Gudavarthy, Associate Professor, Centre for Political Studies, JNU; Seshadri Chari, Political Analyst; Vasudha Venugopal, Editor, Politics, NDTV; Jomy Thomas, Chief of Bureau, Malayala Manorama; Jayanta Roy Chowdhury Editor, UNI; Jigeesh AM, Senior Deputy Editor, The Hindu

(Collaboration: The Media Foundation)
 

ART MATTERS
A panel discussion on a book The Idea of Persia by Ramin Jahanbegloo

Discussants: Professor Neera Chandhoke and Professor Syed Irfan Habib along with the author.

(Collaboration: Raza Foundation)
 

DIALOGUES IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Conceptualised by Dr. Ashwani Kumar

Assessment of effect of Noise Pollution on Human Health

Workshop from 10:00 to 13:00
Screening for any effect of noise pollution: any relevant history of the past, physical examination in symptomatic cases, checking of the health parameters affected by noise pollution like blood pressure (BP) and pulse, auditory (hearing) screening in selected cases of concern, on spot counselling will also be provided.  

(Strictly for IIC members and staff members only)

At 16:00
Short Talk on Noise Pollution and its effects on Human Health

Noise pollution is a preventable environmental issue and defined as excessive, unwanted, or harmful sound that has significant adverse effects on human health. It has impact on hearing, increasing risks for cardiovascular diseases, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments which is a broad term for reduced mental ability spanning from mild noticeable memory lapses to severe dysfunction in the form of Dementia. It has negative effects on community cohesion and quality of life. Effective Noise Pollution management is essential, with robust regulations, proper planning, and public awareness.

Followed by Panel Discussion with experts on Noise pollution

Moderator: Dr. Rakesh Kumar
    
Discussants: Dr. Rajesh Sagar Professor, Department of Psychiatry, A.I.I.M.S, New Delhi; Dr Achal K. Srivastava, Professor, Department of Neurology, A.I.I.M.S. New Delhi; Shivani, Chief, Audiologist, Department of E.N.T., A.I.I.M.S., New Delhi.

Followed by interactive Q & A session with the audience

Chair:  Dr Ashwani Kumar