In 2024, the Mittal Institute community 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, lectures on ancient architecture and global health, an exploration of Bangladesh’s history and future, and much more. View our curated list of some not-to-be-missed events, and 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”
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 Rahul Mehrotra, John T. Dunlop Professor in Housing and Urbanization at Harvard Graduate School of Design, with an introduction by Jinah Kim, George P. Bickford Professor of Indian and South Asian Art and Professor of South Asian Studies at Harvard University.
Lessons from the Pandemic for Science and Global Health: Annual Harish C. Mahindra Lecture
Soumya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO), held the Mittal Institute’s 2024 Harish C. Mahindra lecture. She delivered a keynote address on “Lessons from the Pandemic for Science and Global Health,” in which she discussed the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of her work as Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2019-2022. After the lecture, she was in conversation with Megan Murray, Ronda Stryker and William Johnston Professor of Global Health and Director of Research, Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
The Role of Empathy in Global Health and Social Medicine: A Fireside Chat
Psychiatrist Dr. Bharat Vatwani, co-founder of the Shraddha Rehabilitation Foundation in Mumbai and recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2018, spoke at the Mittal Institute’s Annual Cambridge Symposium in May 2024 about decades of experience working with mentally ill homeless in Mumbai and beyond. The fireside chat was moderated by Vikram Patel, Paul Farmer Professor at Harvard Medical School and Mittal Institute Steering Committee member.
Prof. 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.
Three Iconic Directors: Gurinder Chadha, Deepa Mehta, and Mira Nair
This Mittal Institute co-sponsored talk in New York City brought together three iconic directors of world cinema: Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), Deepa Mehta (Water), and Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding), moderated by Aroon Shivdasani. Three filmmakers of Punjabi background, this “Bhenji Brigade,” have made significant contributions to film with their fierce creative visions and represent a larger Indian diaspora from Canada, the UK, and the United States.
TOP EVENT VIDEOS FROM THE INDIA 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. The talk was moderated by Prof. Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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. The discussion was moderated by Ashutosh Varshney, Director of the Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia, Brown University.
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 two-part series moderated by Satchit Balsari, Associate Professor in Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Co-Lead of the Mittal Institute Climate Platform, delved into the science of extreme heat and understanding its impact. Part 1 focused on “The Science of Extreme Heat”, part 2 on “Understanding the Impact of Extreme Heat”.
Lancet Webinars 2024
The 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.