The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) in Shimla hosted the prestigious 9th Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Lecture (RTML) on November 5, 2024, focusing on the evolving cultural relationship between India and Europe. This year’s lecture was delivered by Dr. Oscar Pujol Riembau, the Director of Instituto Cervantes, New Delhi, under the theme “India and Europe: Facing Mirrors, Merging Reflections.”
Dr. Oscar Pujol’s insightful lecture examined the historical interactions and ongoing dialogue between India and Europe, tracing the journey from their forced encounter during colonialism to a more collaborative and mutually enriching relationship. He emphasized how both regions have moved past colonial legacies, opening the door for deeper intellectual and cultural exchanges.
Key Takeaways from the 9th Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Lecture:
- Historical Connections: Dr. Pujol highlighted how the relationship between India and Europe has evolved from the colonial period to a partnership of mutual learning and collaboration.
- Philosophy of Non-Dualism: The lecture delved into how India’s non-dualism philosophy offers a pathway to transcending dichotomies like tradition vs. modernity and North vs. South.
- Cultural Exchange: The event reflected on the rich history of literary exchanges between India and Europe, citing the Kashmiri translation of Don Quixote, and the contributions of scholars like Pandit Nityanand Shastri in 1936.
- Future Dialogue: Dr. Pujol suggested that both India and Europe have the potential to further strengthen their cultural ties, emphasizing a future built on respect and shared philosophical dialogues.
The Role of Non-Dualism in India-Europe Relations:
Dr. Pujol stressed the importance of non-dualism in overcoming historical divides. Drawing from the works of thinkers like Rabindranath Tagore and Dr. Karan Singh, he illustrated how both societies can move beyond traditional confrontations to build a new paradigm of intercultural cooperation.
IIAS Shimla’s Commitment to Intellectual Discourse:
The 9th Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Lecture was not just a reflection on the past but a call for continued dialogue between India and Europe in today’s globalized world. The event emphasized the Institute’s commitment to intellectual exchange and fostering deeper cultural understanding, aligning with Tagore’s vision of embracing diversity and unity in the quest for knowledge.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary of IIAS, and a networking session over tea, where attendees engaged in informal discussions about the future of India-Europe relations.
About Dr. Oscar Pujol Riembau:
Dr. Oscar Pujol Riembau is a renowned Sanskrit scholar and the Director of Instituto Cervantes, New Delhi. He has made significant contributions to Sanskrit literature, including translations of ancient texts like the Hymn to the Earth from the Atharvaveda and The Yogasutra of Patanjali. His work in fostering Indo-Spanish relations has been instrumental in promoting cultural and academic exchanges between India and Spain.
