A three-day international seminar and performance series exploring the Indian Knowledge Tradition and its reflection in contemporary classical arts began at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, on Wednesday. The event, being held from May 21 to 23, brings together eminent scholars, artists, and researchers from India and abroad to deliberate on the enduring relevance of India’s cultural, philosophical, and artistic heritage.
The seminar, titled “Abhijātakalākalāpeṣu Bhāratīya-Jñāna-Paramparā (Sadyovṛttāntaḥ),” focuses on tracing the roots of Indian knowledge systems within modern artistic practices and contemporary cultural expressions. The inaugural session at the Pool Theatre commenced with a Manglacharan by Dr. Shikha Samaiya and an invocation by Dr. Manoj Verma and his team, followed by the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, IIAS Director Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi said Indian classical arts represent far more than performance traditions, describing them as living embodiments of Indian philosophy, spirituality, collective consciousness, and cultural memory. He emphasized that literature, music, theatre, architecture, sculpture, and spirituality together form the foundation of the Indian Knowledge Tradition.
Seminar Convener and IIAS Fellow Dr. Uma Anantani highlighted the deep roots of Indian classical arts in the guru-shishya tradition, rasa theory, dramaturgy, and Indian philosophical thought. She noted that in the era of rapid globalization and digital influence, younger generations are increasingly moving away from the original essence of Indian artistic traditions, making such academic engagements highly relevant.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA and Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Heritage, Noida, underlined the continued relevance of Indian artistic traditions in shaping cultural awareness and spiritual understanding in modern society. He remarked that the Indian Knowledge System is unique for its inclusive and multidimensional worldview where art, philosophy, and daily life remain deeply interconnected.
In her virtual presidential address, IIAS Chairperson Prof. Shashiprabha Kumar described Indian classical arts as the cultural soul of Indian civilization and stressed the need for an interdisciplinary approach to better understand the links between art, history, literature, philosophy, and society.
The inaugural proceedings were conducted by Prof. Uma C. Vaidya, Tagore Fellow at IIAS, who emphasized that Indian artistic traditions are carriers of the country’s spiritual consciousness and cultural heritage. The first academic session featured Prof. Mahesh Champaklal speaking on the contemporary staging of Sanskrit plays in the Natyashastra tradition, while Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. R. Ganesh delivered an online lecture titled “From Rasa to Rasika.”
The seminar also included lecture-demonstrations on classical dance, yoga, music, and performing arts by noted scholars and practitioners, including Praveen Kumar, Dr. Veena Londhe, and Dr. Malati Agneswaran. Upcoming sessions will focus on themes such as Indian dance, music, architecture, Bhakti traditions, aesthetics, Natyashastra, Devadasi traditions, National Education Policy, and the role of Indian Knowledge Systems in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
