Events

Bengal’s Cultural Heritage

Published

2 years ago

January 7, 2025

ihar

IHAR (Indian History Awareness & Research) West Bengal Chapter is all set to begin the New year of 2025 with its annual conference, titled “Bengal’s Cultural Heritage”. The conference would be held on 23rd February 2025 from 10:30 AM onwards at the National Library of India.

A daylong seminar on various aspects of Cultural Heritage, this conference aims to conduct 5 (five) panel discussions with eminent guest speakers who would enlighten the audience with their engaging thoughts on various subjects.

IHAR West Bengal Chapter has thus come up with a bouquet of subjects including Bengal’s Rich Economic Heritage & History; Literary Heritage; Tangible, Built and Intangible Heritage; the Art and Mission of Conserving Heritage in Bengal and the Heritage of Bengal’s Forgotten Revolutionary Movement for Independence.

15 speakers and 5 panel discussions on such unique topics will bring together academicians, researchers, scholars, heritage conservationists and authors together in one platform. The event targets to enlighten the audience with knowledge, information, joy and pride about Bengal’s rich Cultural heritage.

IHAR (Indian History Awareness & Research) West Bengal Chapter is proud to be able to make this conference happen with the support all the people who love and are proud of Bengal’s glorious legacy.

Program schedule

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Speakers

Event Report

IHAR West Bengal Chapter successfully concluded its first Annual Conclave at the iconic National Library on 23 Feb 2025 Sunday. The key theme of the conclave was centered around the glorious heritage of Bengal spanning across its language, history, freedom struggle, spirituality, maritime trade, archaeological sites, heritage corridors, art forms, tribal traditions & the fascinating era of its economic supremacy. IHAR would like to share its deepest gratitude to all its speakers / panelists who shared their research & field study with the participants, which also had 70 plus students from various schools & colleges. IHAR is also sincerely thankful to all the participants for taking time off from their busy weekends to make this event successful.

Lt. Col (Retd) Shri Anil Sinha – Director & Chief Administrator of the Royal Asiatic Society of Kolkata from where Bharat’s Conservation of Heritage & History started through the hands of the Orientalists, was the Chief Guest of event & stressed on the need for spreading awareness & knowledge about Cultural Heritage amongst the masses & congratulated IHAR on taking this initiative to drive it relentlessly.

IHAR remains thankful to all its partners for ensuring the event is a successful one & expresses its deepest gratitude towards their continued support in this regard.

Voice Of Hindustan -The Nationalists

Sangam Talks – Media Partner

Chhayanat (Kolkata)

National Library of India

IHAR would also like to extend their heartfelt appreciation for Shri GM Kapoor Head INATCH WB Chapter & Shri Bikramjit Chakraborty ICOMOS East Zone Representative for extending their scholarship specially for the student community to explain to them the true meaning of heritage & principles governing heritage conservation. In the end it was a day to celebrate through engaging presentations & interactive sessions Bengal’s rich cultural heritage in its absolute form & true essence.

Event Photographs

Events

Revisiting Bagha Jatin & Early Revolutionaries of Bengal : Event

Published

5 days ago

September 5, 2026

ihar

Indian History Awareness and Research – IHAR in partnership with Bharatiya Bhasa Parishad had organised on 22 Aug, the book launch & discussion of Prof Amitava Chatterjee ‘s book “Revisiting Bagha Jatin & Early Revolutionaries of Bengal”. The event also saw the felicitation of Sri Arka Das – the Young & supremely talented Artist of Bengal School of Art, whose invaluable contributions towards Bengals Pattachithra & Anga Raag have made a distinguished mark in revival of the Classic art form.
The event was blessed by the presence of Dr Prof Shri Swarup Ghosh – Director MAKAIS (Chief Guest), apart from the other distinguished speakers who shared new perspectives & hitherto unknown facts about the Life & Times of Bagha Jatin, coupled with his association with The Ramakrishna Mission & it’s distinguished monks & sisters of his era. An intriguing & interactive session to the core, which was appreciated by all the participants. The event also saw the declaration by IHAR to host more such events on the Life & times of other valiant revolutionaries of Bengal with focus on the Women revolutionaries.
IHAR sincerely shares its gratitude to the Bharatiya Bhasa Parishad & Primus Books for making this event a grand success & also takes this opportunity to recognize the most sincere efforts of its esteemed members Shri Samiran Chandra Banik , Smit Nabanitaa Ghosal , Smt Ronnita Mondal , Smt Mouli Roy, Prof Shri Aditya Das & Dr Prof Rohini Kar for her fascinating curation of the event without which the entire show would not have been so intriguing.

Event Photos

Events

Reclaiming Truth: Healing from Historical Distortions and the Historiography of False Narratives in Indian History

Published

3 weeks ago

August 18, 2026

ihar

Shimla, 13 August 2026: The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, organized the inaugural session of a two-day National Seminar on “Reclaiming Truth: Healing from Historical Distortions and the Historiography of False Narratives in Indian History” on 13 August 2026. The seminar, being held on 13 and 14 August 2026, brings together scholars, researchers, fellows, and academics to deliberate upon questions concerning historical interpretation, historiography, historical distortions, and the need for a critical and evidence-based understanding of Indian history.
The Keynote Address was delivered by 
Shri Surya Sarathi Roy, Cultural Heritage Conservationist and Director, IHAR. In his insightful address, he discussed the relationship between historical memory, cultural heritage, and the preservation of authentic narratives. He emphasized the responsibility of scholars and institutions in safeguarding historical evidence and promoting a balanced and responsible engagement with India’s rich civilizational and cultural heritage.
The session was followed by the Presidential Address by Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, IIAS, Shimla. In his address, Prof. Chaturvedi stressed the importance of scholarly objectivity, intellectual integrity, and evidence-based historical inquiry. He emphasized that the study of history must remain rooted in credible sources and critical analysis, while encouraging researchers to engage with multiple perspectives and interpretations. He also highlighted the role of academic institutions such as IIAS in fostering meaningful intellectual discourse on significant questions concerning India’s past and present.
The Introduction to the Theme was delivered by Dr. Pravat Ranjan Sethi, Department of History, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, and Convener of the Seminar.
The inaugural session concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Rajeev Kumar Mishra, Librarian/Incharge (ARO), IIAS, Shimla, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, the Convener, scholars, fellows, participants, and all those associated with the organization of the seminar. He acknowledged their valuable contributions and support in making the academic programme possible.
The conference also saw papers presented by other IHAR scholars Asstt Prof.Sneha Nagarkar, Dr Prof Amitava Chatterjee & Sandipan Chatterjee.

Event Photos

Events

Ancient India and our Shared Asian Heritage : Houston Event July 18th 2026

Published

2 months ago

July 7, 2026

ihar

Indian History Awareness and Research (IHAR) and India House were honored to host an inspiring presentation and book release by renowned Indologist Dr. Shashibala, Dean of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi. Speaking on the theme “Ancient India & Our Shared Asian Heritage,” Dr. Shashibala took the audience on a remarkable journey across Asia, presenting decades of research that traces the enduring influence of Indian civilization beyond its borders. Through compelling historical evidence—including Sanskrit manuscripts, inscriptions, temple architecture, artistic traditions, archaeological discoveries, and cultural practices—she illustrated how Indian knowledge systems, philosophy, language, and spiritual traditions spread across regions such as Mongolia, China, Tibet, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and even parts of Russia, leaving an indelible imprint on world history.

The event also marked the release of Dr. Shashibala’s latest work – The Silk Route of Dharma – celebrating her lifelong dedication to documenting India’s civilizational contributions to humanity. Beyond history, her message was deeply relevant for today—highlighting the universal values of Dharma, compassion, harmony with nature, knowledge, and peaceful cultural exchange that have connected civilizations for centuries. The engaging presentation sparked thoughtful discussions among attendees and reaffirmed IHAR’s and India House Houston’s commitment to fostering awareness of India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage while encouraging meaningful dialogue on our shared Asian past and its relevance for the future.