IIAS Inaugurates Seminar on Historical and Philosophical Roots of India’s Strategic Culture
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, today inaugurated its two-day national seminar titled “Historical and Philosophical Roots of India’s Strategic Culture: From Antiquity to the Present.”
The ceremony began with a traditional lamp-lighting, invoking insights from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Kautilya’s Arthashastra on war, peace, and diplomacy. Shri Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary of IIAS, delivered the welcome address, followed by Dr. Sumit Kumar (University of Delhi), who outlined the seminar’s objectives. The keynote address by Dr. Sheshadri Chari (Emeritus Professor, Savitribai Phule University) highlighted how India’s philosophical traditions continue to inform contemporary strategic choices. The inaugural session was expertly moderated by Akhilesh Pathak, Public Relations Officer, IIAS.
Upcoming Highlights:
Session 1: “Evolution of India’s Strategic Culture” featuring Prof. Arvind Kumar (JNU), Prof. Sanjeev Kumar (DU), and Prof. K. Gopinathan Pillai (IIAS).
Session 2: “Domestic Imperatives of India’s Strategic Culture” with Dr. Bhuwan Kumar Jha (DU) and Prof. D. Purushothaman (Pondicherry University).
Session 3: “India and Regional Cooperation,” featuring both online and in-person presentations.
On July 24, sessions on “The Roots of India’s Strategic Culture” and “India’s Soft Power Diplomacy” will convene leading global experts. The seminar will conclude with a valedictory session and presentation of the two-day report.
