From the Idea of the Motherland to National Consciousness — Special Lecture at the IIAS
Shri Akhilesh Jha reflects on the historical background, literary significance and symbolic representation of the motherland in ‘Vande Mataram’
Shimla, 13 October 2026: Some songs in the national life of a country transcend their literary origins to become symbols of its collective memory, cultural consciousness and aspirations. A special lecture focusing on the historical journey and literary significance of Vande Mataram was organised on the third day of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla. Shri Akhilesh Jha of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, New Delhi, delivered the lecture, sharing his insights into the background of the composition, its underlying ideas and the conception of the motherland expressed through it.
In his lecture, Shri Jha explored how Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Vande Mataram can be understood within its literary and historical contexts. He discussed the circumstances surrounding its composition, the public and cultural environment of the period, and the literary vision through which the motherland was presented as a powerful symbol. He also emphasised the importance of understanding a poem or song as a complete composition, taking into account its imagery, symbolism and emotional progression, rather than interpreting it solely through selected lines.
Shri Jha particularly highlighted the portrayal of the motherland in Vande Mataram. His discussion focused on the expression of strength, prosperity and knowledge through symbols such as Durga, Kamala and Vani. Explaining these symbols as literary expressions of the motherland’s strength and potential, he connected this imagery with a sense of confidence in the country’s own capabilities, resources and knowledge traditions.
The concluding sentiment of the song also received particular attention, especially its vision of the motherland’s prosperity and the collective potential of her children. From this perspective, the composition was presented not merely as an emotional expression but as a literary work articulating the aspiration for a prosperous and capable nation. The lecture offered an opportunity to reflect on the interconnections between history, literature and cultural symbolism.
At the beginning of the programme, Dr. Anuradha Raturi, Fellow at IIAS, introduced the speaker. This was followed by the felicitation of Shri Akhilesh Jha by Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director of the Institute. Prof. Chaturvedi subsequently delivered the presidential address. Dr. Rajeev Kumar Mishra, Librarian and Academic Resource Officer at IIAS, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the National Song and the National Anthem.
Book on Academic Writing in English Released
As part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, the book Academic Writing in English: Enhancing Skill and Using Language as a Resource, authored by Dr. Jasmine Anand, Associate Researcher at IIAS, was also released. The book has been published by the Panjab University Publication Bureau, Chandigarh.
Aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the book focuses on developing academic writing, research skills, critical thinking and effective communication. It presents language as an important resource for the clear expression of knowledge and ideas and offers useful guidance to students and research scholars across academic disciplines seeking to strengthen their academic writing skills.
The book was released in the presence of Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, IIAS; Shri Akhilesh Jha, Chief Controller of Accounts, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India; Prof. Vasant Shinde, former Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College, Pune; and eminent artist Prof. Nisha Jaiswal. Academicians, administrative dignitaries, Fellows and research associates of the Institute attended the occasion.
Promoting Knowledge and Dialogue through Art and Books
The art exhibition ‘Bharatiya Forms, Expressions and Consciousness’, organised as part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, features artworks by artist Nisha Jaiswal. The exhibition was inaugurated on 11 October by Padma Shri awardee and renowned Kathak exponent Smt. Shovana Narayan. It is open to visitors until 15 October, daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Rabindranath Tagore Art Gallery near the Pool Theatre.
A book fair is also being organised on the Institute’s premises during the same period, featuring books from reputed national and international publishers. The fair will remain open until 15 October, daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Entry to both the art exhibition and the book fair is free, and visitors are exempt from the Institute’s regular entry ticket.
Through its Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, being held from 11 to 15 October 2026, the Indian Institute of Advanced Study is encouraging dialogue on diverse subjects relating to history, literature, culture, art and academic discourse. The special lectures and other activities provide an opportunity to bring the Institute’s intellectual and cultural engagements to a wider audience.
Permanent Gallery on Kangra Miniatures to Be Inaugurated on 15 October
On the concluding day of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, 15 October 2026, a permanent gallery dedicated to Kangra miniature paintings and designed for visitors will be inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, by the Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Kavinder Gupta. The gallery, titled Folk and Rural Imagery in Kangra Miniatures: An Indigenous Indian Art Perspective, will introduce tourists and art enthusiasts to Himachal Pradesh’s rich miniature painting tradition and its distinctive visual culture. Through this initiative, the Institute seeks to preserve the region’s artistic heritage, bring its significance to a wider audience, and foster greater appreciation of Indian art and culture.