National Seminar on ‘The Quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Inaugurated at IIAS
Two-day academic deliberation on Atmanirbhar Bharat in the context of past experiences, contemporary challenges and future possibilities
Shimla, 24 September 2026: The two-day National Seminar on “The Quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat: From the Past, Through the Present, to the Future” commenced today at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla. Being held on 24 and 25 September, the seminar focuses on the idea of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the broader context of the Indian knowledge tradition, Swaraj, Swadeshi, Integral Humanism and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The inaugural session began with the National Song. This was followed by the welcome address and introduction to the theme by Dr Aayushi Ketkar, Assistant Professor, Special Centre for National Security Studies (SCNSS), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, who is also the Convener of the seminar. She outlined the broader academic context and objectives of the seminar.
This was followed by the Chair’s Address by Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The session concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr Rajeev Kumar Mishra, Librarian and Academic Resource Officer, IIAS, Shimla.
According to the conceptual framework of the seminar, the question of Atmanirbhar Bharat is not confined merely to economic or technological self-reliance; it also needs to be understood in relation to India’s intellectual and cultural traditions, its developmental vision and contemporary global circumstances. The central discourse of the seminar focuses on examining the journey from Swaraj and Swadeshi during the colonial period to Atmanirbhar Bharat@2047 through diverse interdisciplinary perspectives.
The concept note also emphasises an attempt to revisit Integral Humanism in the context of the changing post-globalisation world order and to examine an Indian perspective on development. Discussions are being focused on the relationship between nature and culture, national consciousness, sustainable and inclusive development, and the possibilities offered by Indian perspectives in addressing contemporary challenges.
Academic Deliberations on Diverse Themes
The first academic session of the seminar featured presentations on themes including “Indian Knowledge Tradition: The Foundation of Viksit Bharat,” “Integral Humanism, Education and Atmanirbhar Bharat,” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat Led by Chiti.” The subsequent session included discussions on Integral Humanism, holistic humanism, the foundational spirit of the Indian Constitution, and the journey from self-reliance to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
The seminar seeks to examine self-reliance in relation to contemporary economic, social, technological and global challenges. The concept note identifies several themes for deliberation, including Viksit Bharat and self-reliance, Integral Humanism, technological advancement, education and healthcare, disparities in development, women-led development, and the interrelationship between Swaraj, Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The seminar forms part of the academic tradition of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, which seeks to examine contemporary national and global questions through diverse disciplines and perspectives. The Institute’s official website has also listed the National Seminar scheduled for 24–25 September 2026 as an upcoming event.
Hon’ble Governor to Preside over Valedictory Session Tomorrow
The valedictory session of the seminar will be held on 25 September 2026, with Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shri Kavinder Gupta presiding over the session. The programme will include the felicitation of the Hon’ble Governor and other distinguished guests, the release of four books, presentation of the seminar report and academic addresses.
Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, Asiatic Society, Mumbai, will deliver the valedictory address online. This will be followed by remarks by Shri Prafulla Ketkar, Editor and Organiser, Bharat Prakashan, Delhi, and the Chair’s Address by Hon’ble Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta.
