In 2024 our community enthusiastically came together for virtual and in-person events in Cambridge, New Delhi, and beyond, on a diverse array of topics: a deep dive into the impacts of heat, a symposium on science and technology’s role in South Asia, an exploration of Bangladesh’s history and future, and much more. View our curated list of some not-to-be-missed events, and please visit our YouTube page for more.
TOP EVENT VIDEOS FROM THE CAMBRIDGE OFFICE
The Transition in Bangladesh and its Implications
Following weeks of public protests and social unrest culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is in a tumultuous and pivotal transition. This panel of scholars discussed the lead-up to this moment, its foreign policy implications in the region and around the world, and what comes next for Bangladesh.
George Michell on “Unveiling Hampi Vijayanagara: An Illustrated Lecture on India’s Ancient Capital”
Dr. George Michell, a world authority on South Asian architecture, has made the study of Deccani architecture and archaeology his life’s work. He shared how he got started in the field and his work at the medieval Hindu ruins of Hampi Vijayanagara in a discussion with Jinah Kim, George P. Bickford Professor of Indian and South Asian Art and Professor of South Asian Studies at Harvard Universit and Rahul Mehrotra, John T. Dunlop Professor in Housing and Urbanization at Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Annual Cambridge Symposium: Science and Technology – The Future of Asia
In the Mittal Institute’s spring flagship event, panelists explored such topics as the role of AI in South Asia; the changing landscape of genetics and medicine; navigating the impacts of climate change; and the role of empathy in social medicine. The symposium was followed by this year’s Harish C. Mahindra lecture by WHO expert Soumya Swaminathan on global health lessons from the pandemic. The event was held in Cambridge and live-streamed on Zoom.
Diana Eck on “Teaching India in a Changing World”
In her Honorary Lecture, Diana L. Eck, Professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard Divinity School, reflected on her long trajectory of teaching in relation to her life and work in India and the changes and challenges of India over these decades. She spoke to a crowd of more than 150 colleagues, students, faculty, alumni, and Mittal Institute affiliates in Cambridge.
TOP EVENT VIDEOS FROM THE NEW DELHI OFFICE
Asia After Europe Book Discussion with Sugata Bose
Sugata Bose, Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs at Harvard University and an expert on Modern South Asia and Indian Ocean history, shared his new book, Asia After Europe: Imagining a Continent in the Long Twentieth Century, in New Delhi.
Indian Elections and After
Were India’s 18th national elections historic, simply a return to the normal, or both? A panel of leading experts known for their insights, reflections and arguments on the politics of India explored the current and future implications of India’s elections.
Navigating Change and Innovation in Indian Higher Education
This panel explored the multifaceted transformations occurring in Indian higher education system. By examining historical contexts, philanthropic models, and global collaborations, the session sought to understand how institutions adapt to changing paradigms. The discussion spotlighted innovative educational models, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and holistic learning. Through engaging conversations, the session sought to inspire actionable strategies for shaping the future of higher education in India.
Heatwaves 101
“Heatwaves 101,” a comprehensive 2-part series moderated by Satchit Balsari, Associate Professor in Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Mittal Institute Climate Platform, Harvard University, delved into the science of extreme heat and understanding its impact.
Lancet Webinars 2024
Lancet Citizens’ Commission on Reimagining India’s Health System, an ambitious, cross-sectoral endeavor to lay out the roadmap to achieving universal health coverage for the people of India, hosted two webinars: “The Purchaser-Provider Split and The Public Sector” and “Private Sector in Primary Health: Catalyst for Progress or Cause for Concern?”
Revisiting Shastraic Reasoning: The Contribution of Mimamsa and Vedanta to a Contemporary Hindu Ethics
The paper, “Mīmāṃsā, Vedānta, and the Case of Śūdras: Is there a Role for Śāstraic Reasoning in Contemporary Hindu Ethics?” written by Prof. Francis Clooney, questions the view that śāstraic reasoning is outdated. During the session, Prof. Clooney discussed that the rigorous interpretation of śruti, smṛti, and sūtras offers valuable insights for modern ethical discourse, even on challenging topics such as varṇan and jāti.