The 5th ASEAN–India Youth Summit, held in Goa from 27–31 August 2025, brought together more than a hundred youth delegates, policymakers, diplomats, and academicians from ASEAN member states and India. Organised by India Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of Goa, and the ASEAN Secretariat, the summit revolved around the theme “Connecting the Youth: Shaping Our Future.” Over the course of five days, participants engaged in plenary sessions, policy labs, country presentations, and cultural exchanges, all of which reinforced the idea that youth are not only future leaders but also present changemakers capable of steering ASEAN–India relations toward inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.

India and ASEAN share deep cultural and civilisational linkages that today underpin one of the most dynamic partnerships in Asia. Since establishing dialogue relations in 1992, cooperation has expanded across politics, trade, security, and socio-cultural ties, with ASEAN central to India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. In a world marked by climate change, rapid digitisation, and shifting geopolitics, the summit recognised that the creativity and fresh perspectives of youth are indispensable for shaping regional and global narratives.

The summit began with a networking dinner that enabled delegates to engage informally and build friendships that extended beyond formal sessions. This spirit of camaraderie was carried into the country presentations, where each delegation highlighted national priorities while underscoring the shared importance of youth empowerment. Brunei Darussalam emphasised innovation through education, tourism, and sustainability; Cambodia focused on digital literacy and socio-economic growth; Indonesia highlighted youth as unifiers in a diverse society; Lao PDR stressed green economy initiatives and human resource development; Malaysia drew attention to its demographic diversity, semiconductor capabilities, and large youth electorate; and Myanmar highlighted Buddhism as a cultural connector that could foster lasting friendships and dialogue.

Policy labs provided a more interactive platform for in-depth engagement. A session on the Green Economy and Sustainable Development examined climate change mitigation, e-vehicles, and balancing growth with ecology. Another on Innovation and Entrepreneurship encouraged delegates to explore start-ups, technology-driven growth, and inclusive opportunities. A third, on Governance in the Technological Age, considered how institutions can adapt to digitisation through transparency, accountability, and youth participation. These sessions allowed delegates to share lived experiences and develop ideas for practical collaboration.

In the second round of country presentations, the Philippines spoke of youth in nation-building, while Singapore highlighted its Green Plan 2030 and urged reflection on the role of smaller states in a turbulent global order. Thailand showcased its 5S Masterplan for security, sustainability, and synergy, along with its strong cultural diplomacy. Vietnam underlined resilience and partnerships in trade, education, and the digital economy, while Timor-Leste, with full membership expected soon, presented its National Youth Policy and described how its youthful population was driving climate action and community development. India concluded the series by highlighting its demographic dividend, foreign policy doctrine, and emphasis on cooperation, collaboration, and coexistence as the basis of ASEAN–India ties.

Plenary sessions formed the intellectual backbone of the summit. The first, Connecting the Youth: Shaping Our Future, chaired by Shri Ram Madhav and featuring young Members of Parliament, Shri Harish Balayogi, Shri Hemang Joshi and Shri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, stressed youth leadership in politics, innovation, and governance. It underscored inclusivity, women’s participation, digital transformation, and sustainability, with calls to bridge aspirations and representation through stronger ASEAN–India cultural and democratic ties. The second plenary, India and ASEAN: Pillars of a Multipolar World, chaired by Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, explored how both regions can shape a cooperative multipolar order. Panelists noted ASEAN’s centrality, India’s historical role in the Non-Aligned Movement, and the need for youth to act as bridge-builders across cultures and nations. They emphasised innovation, multilateralism, and resilience as guiding principles.

The Ambassadors’ Panel, moderated by Smt. Preeti Saran, added a diplomatic perspective. Speakers highlighted education, cultural exchanges, digital connectivity, and youth participation as central to future cooperation.

The third plenary session turned attention to Creative Economies, Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Panelists argued that these sectors are engines of peace, prosperity, and resilience. Proposals ranged from regional digital platforms for cultural products and youth sports exchanges to heritage tourism circuits linking Buddhist and historical sites across the region.

Beyond the sessions, the summit also exposed delegates to India’s cultural and strategic assets. Visits to INS Hansa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and the Aguada Fort offered insights into India’s maritime capabilities, spiritual heritage, and historical architecture. These visits enriched the delegates’ understanding of India’s role as both a cultural and strategic partner for ASEAN.

The summit produced several clear outcomes. Delegates reaffirmed youth as the driving force of ASEAN–India cooperation, committed to building stronger people-to-people connections, and recognised the creative and digital economy as engines of future growth. They underlined sustainability and ethical practices as guiding principles, and welcomed tourism and cultural diplomacy as tools of collaboration. Exposure visits provided valuable experiences beyond discussions, deepening mutual understanding.

The 5th ASEAN–India Youth Summit concluded on a forward-looking note, with a strong commitment to deepening youth-to-youth collaboration, strengthening cultural and economic linkages, and working collectively towards a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for the region. By bringing together young leaders and giving them a platform to exchange ideas, the summit reaffirmed that the partnership between ASEAN and India will remain people-driven, inclusive, and resilient, rooted in shared heritage and focused on co-creating solutions for global challenges.

 

(L-R):Shri Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation; Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs; Shri Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer, Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command; and Mr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General ASEAN at the Inaugural Session of the 5th ASEAN – India Youth Summit.

 

Delegates of the 5th ASEAN – India Youth Summit with Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju; Shri Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister and Chancellor Rishihood University and Shri Shekhar Sinha, Former Commander – in Chief, Western Naval Command, Indian Navy and Former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff at the Valedictory Session

 

 Delegates explore INS Hansa, Asia’s largest naval air base and a symbol of India’s maritime strength, as part of the summit visit.

 

Delegates at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Goa

 

 Delegates at Fort Aguada, a historic 17th Century Portuguese fort in Goa, India which overlooks the Arabian Sea.

 

The 14th edition of Young Thinkers’ Meet was held at Udaipur, Rajasthan from 29 Aug to 31 Aug 2025. Young Thinkers’ Meet (YTM) is an initiative of the India Foundation that began its journey in 2012 at Coorg, Karnataka. The annually held event acts as a confluence of young nationalistic minds hailing from varied walks of life across India. YTM, today, has an alumni base of over 600 individuals who belong to different parts of India and come with unique life experiences and skill-sets. There are social activists, political activists, NGO workers, academics, journalists, scientists, corporate professionals and students from reputed national and international universities. Participants in the YTM come from all parts of the country and indulge themselves in deliberations and debates on issues of contemporary national importance. The format of the meet is immersive and experiential rather than a lecture-based classroom format. The number of delegates at any YTM has varied from seventy-five to eighty-five and involves freewheeling discussion over two to three days. Each year, YTM moves to a new location and helps the young delegates explore the incredible diversity of the country. The meet has previously happened in Chitrakote, Bastar, Chhattisgarh; Guwahati, Assam; Coorg, Karnataka; Manesar, Haryana; Pune, Maharashtra; Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh; Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir; Vadodara, Gujarat; Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh; Chilika, Odisha; Pahalgam and Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir; and Annavaram, Andhra Pradesh. Due to the national lockdown, YTM happened virtually in 2020.

Picture 1: Group Photograph (For Header)

Marking the 75^th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, the 14^th YTM was based on the theme, ‘Constitution@75’. There was involvement of 53 delegates and 9 mentors with people from 18 states and 2 union territories. The average age of the delegates ranged between 25 and 35 years. A few delegates also engaged in book discussions and shared personal anecdotes, enriching the deliberations with diverse perspectives. They also had the opportunity to visit the Maharana Pratap Gaurav Kendra, Udaipur.

On 29 August 2025, the introductory session was led by Capt. Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation. He welcomed the participants and encouraged the delegates to introduce themselves. After this, the first panel discussion was on the theme, ‘Synergy or Strain? Legislature, Executive and Judiciary in the Indian Constitution’, moderated by Capt. Alok Bansal. The keynote speaker of this session was Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation, while there were 5 discussants from among the delegates. The panel explored the importance of keeping a balance of power among the different constitutional institutions and risks of judicial overreach. The discussants brought in the matters of executive inaction, judicial activism, gaps in accountability, the role of the legislatures, and reforms in politically sensitive areas.

After dinner, the delegates participated in the Mock Parliament exercise chaired by Dr. Jigar Inamdar, Visiting Fellow, India Foundation. The delegates were divided into ruling party and opposition. The motion for debate was, ‘75 years of the Indian Constitution’.

Picture 2: Mock Parliament

The following day started with the Inaugural Session, ‘Constitution@ 75’, chaired by Shri Shaurya Doval, Member of the Governing Council, India Foundation. The key-note speakers for the session were Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryavah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Col. (Retd.) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Cabinet Minister, Government of Rajasthan.

The session discussed the importance of India’s Constitution in its 75^th anniversary and reminded that many young leaders had contributed to its making. The youth were urged to take this legacy forward by strengthening democracy and national life, emphasizing that the Constitution lives through the people who uphold it. The proceedings also delved on citizens’ responsibility, the efficiency of governance, and the use of education and technology for empowering India’s youth to rise beyond caste and vote-bank politics.

Picture 3: Inaugural Session

The second panel discussion revolved around the theme, ‘Affirmative Action Revisited: The Sub-categorisation Debate and the Future of Social Justice’, with Dr Guru Prakash, Assistant Professor of Law, Patna University, and Shri Sudarshan Ramabadran, a policy analyst and author, as key-note speakers. This session included 6 discussants. The session’s participants focused on the evolution of affirmative action along with the Rohini Commission’s work and the dual challenge of effective distribution of benefits among the OBC and SC communities. The conversation brought out the value of well-balanced, socially equitable, and data-driven reform that is also inclusive and constitutionally appropriate.

This was followed by a workshop on ‘Cases that Shaped Indian Polity’, curated by Dr. Raghav Pandey, Assistant Professor, NLU Delhi and Shri Apurv Kumar Mishra, Consultant, EAC–PM. The workshop touched upon important judicial and constitutional polities, like the abuse of Article 356, judicial review as a check on executive overreach, and the widening of the interpretation of the right to life. The workshop also focused on electoral reforms and the judiciary’s role in enhancing democratic accountability.

Picture 4: Workshop

After the workshop, a session titled, ‘What is Basic to the Indian Constitution?’, was held, with Shri Vikramjit Banerjee, Additional Solicitor General of India (Supreme Court) as the key-note speaker; there were 5 discussants from among the delegates. The session explored the key amendments and milestones that shaped the Indian Constitution’s journey, including the Government of India Acts, the Nehru Report, and the Constituent Assembly debates. The panellists explored the attempts to solve the problems of integrating more than 560 princely states and addressing the challenges posed by colonial and indigenous heritage. The session highlighted the constitution’s flexibility, its nature as a living document, and its remarkable impact as a model for post-colonial democracies in Asia and Africa.

Figure 5: Session on ‘What is Basic to the Indian Constitution’?

Dr Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation, conducted a fireside chat with the delegates. The conversation looked back on the evolution of India’s Constitution—from the initial drafts such as the Motilal Nehru Report, 1928, to the debates in the Constituent Assembly, underscoring the Indian essence of the Constitution and its ability to function as a living document. The remarkable achievements of democratic integration of the diverse regions and princely states were highlighted, which became the bedrock of India’s democracy.

Picture 6: Fireside Chat

On the final day, the conference moved to a session titled, ‘The Indian Constitution in a Comparative Perspective’, with Dr A. Surya Prakash, Member, Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society, as a keynote speaker. The session highlighted the shortcomings of indices developed in Western democracies, such as V-Dem and Freedom House, from an Indian perspective, comparing them to the Indian constitutional provisions of equality, liberty, and minority protections. The need for a uniquely ‘Indian index of democracy’, originating from the civilisational ethos of Bharat.

The YTM featured a simulation exercise on ‘One Nation, One Election’, in which groups took on the roles of Parliament, the Judiciary, State Governments, Civil Services, the Media, Civil Society, and the Election Commission. They shared their views on the opportunities and challenges of simultaneous elections from the perspective of the body they represented.

Dr. Ram Madhav presided over the Valedictory Session. The assembled delegates concurred that after 75 years, the challenge is to safeguard the spirit of the Constitution and reconcile it with new aspirations. The session underlined the Constitution as a living document, noting, however, the need for it to be grounded in India’s civilizational ethos. Delegates also spoke about how YTM offered them a hands-on experience to dive deep into constitutional issues, a stage to share insights from different parts of the state, and a community of young committed nation builders.

Picture 7: Valedictory Session

 

Date: 27 August 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

The fifth session of “Katha: The Folklore Circle” convened on 27 August 2025 for an evening devoted to the founding myth of ancient Rome. Titled “A She-Wolf, Two Twins & Seven Hills”, the session explored the dramatic story of Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf, locked in rivalry, and fated to shape the destiny of a city that would become an empire.

Our Master Storyteller for the evening was Mr. Lorenzo Parrulli, Second Secretary (Political Affairs) at the Delegation of the European Union. Drawing on his diplomatic experience and deep appreciation for cultural history, Mr. Parrulli rendered the ancient tale with clarity, theatrical timing and vivid imagery. His narration moved effortlessly from intimate moments- the twins’ upbringing and rivalry, to the grander mythic sweep of foundation, city-building and destiny.

The highlights of the session included a close reading of the Romulus–Remus narrative, tracing the abandonment and rescue of the twins by the she-wolf, their upbringing, the tragic conflict that culminated in fratricide, and the eventual foundation of Rome on the Seven Hills. The discussion further reflected on how the myth functions not only as a civic founding story but also as a vehicle for larger themes—leadership and the mythic legitimization of power. Connections were also drawn with material culture, including statues, coinage and civic rituals, underscoring how the founding myth persisted across Roman identity and continued to shape European cultural memory.

The session was highly interactive: attendees were invited to reflect on the moral and political ambiguities of the tale, and several participants offered cultural parallels from Indian and other world traditions. A lively Q&A explored the modern afterlives of the Romulus-Remus myth, including questions about its use in art, national symbolism, and the ways founding myths shape civic self-understanding. Mr. Parrulli offered thoughtful responses to all the audience questions.

By the close of the evening, listeners left with a renewed appreciation for how a single origin story can carry multiple meanings- personal, political and symbolic, across centuries. The session reinforced Katha’s mission: to use storytelling as a bridge between histories and cultures, and to invite contemporary reflection through ancient narratives.

 

India Foundation, in collaboration with India Habitat Center held a book discussion on ‘Negotiating India’s Landmark Agreements’, written by Shri Avtar Singh Bhasin on 21^st August 2025 at India Habitat Center. The panelists for the discussion were Dr Rajiv Ranjan, Associate Professor, Dept of East Asian Studies, Delhi University; Amb Veena Sikri, Former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh and Amb Ashok K Kantha, Former Secretary (East). The session was moderated by Capt. Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation.

The author introduced the book to the audiences and mentioned that that book explores five pivotal agreements- India-China Agreement on Tibet (1954), the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation (1971), the Simla Agreement (1972), the India-Sri Lanka Accord (1987), and the India-United States Civil Nuclear Energy Agreement (2008) which have propound impact on India’s foreign policy. He emphasised that book also explores the impact of each of these treaties and reflects on the evolution of Indian diplomacy through these five agreements. He talked about the nature of these agreements, and how did India emerge after these agreements and the neighbourhood India inherited, along with India-US relations and India-USSR relations.

According to Dr Ranjan, the book has encouraged archival research amongst young scholars and also pointed out about how the book has reflected the evolution of the Indian Foreign Service to a professional force. He focuses on the new perspectives given by Mr Bhasin through the book. Amb Sikri called the book a service to the history of Indian diplomacy. She talked about how this work connects the dot and shows how India was attached to the policy of non-alignment on the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. She also described her experience when the Simla Agreement took place and talked about the details mentioned in the book about Simla Agreement and how that gives the impression that India as a winner was more desperate for talks than Pakistan and that the talks should have given a better deal to India as Pakistan got a better deal. Amb Kantha talked about the China Agreement on Tibet (1954), the Simla Agreement (1972), the India-Sri Lanka Accord (1987) and the lessons that have been derived from these agreements.

On August 21, 2025, India Foundation organised a day-long workshop of young thinkers and authors, bringing them together to contribute to a publication commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the founding of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The workshop, held in the Conference Hall of India Foundation, was attended by 28 people; there were two attendees joining virtually. All discussions took place under Chatham House rules.

Welcoming the delegates, Mr. Aaditya Tiwari, Visiting Fellow, India Foundation, outlined the need for the initiative and the future steps. The delegates were addressed by Dr. Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation, who gave an overview of the initiative. Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryavah, RSS, spoke about the evolution of the RSS, its core ideological tenets, and future. He was followed by Shri Arun Kumar, Sah Sarkaryavah, RSS, who outlined the growth and development of the Sangh Parivar.

The speakers addressed the questions and observations of the assembled delegates, guiding them on their writing journey. The day concluded with Mr. Tiwari thanking the assembled speakers and delegates for attending the workshop.

 

On 13 August 2025, the India Foundation hosted a roundtable on “Enhancing Transboundary Cooperation to Address Cascading Climate Risks in the Himalayan Region,” bringing together policymakers, experts, and practitioners to deliberate on strengthening regional collaboration amid mounting climate challenges. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, and Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain, Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India. The event was also attended by Maj. Gen. Vetsop Namgyel, HE Ambassador of Bhutan to India, and Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, HE Ambassador of Nepal to India, along with representatives from leading climate organisations.

Summary of Remarks made by Dr. Pema Gyamtsho:

• Highlighted the critical importance of the Hindu Kush–Himalayan (HKH) region – often called the world’s Third Pole – which sustains nearly two billion people across eight countries.
• Noted that the region faces an accelerating climate crisis, with warming occurring at twice the global average, glaciers receding, and growing risks of glacial lake outburst floods, droughts, landslides, and cascading disasters such as the 2023 Sikkim and 2021 Melamchi floods.
• Added that these physical risks are compounded by socio-economic vulnerabilities, including high poverty, conflict, and gender inequalities in mountain communities.
• Outlining ICIMOD’s role as a neutral convenor linking science, policy, and practice, he shared key initiatives such as the HKH Assessment and HI-WISE Report, cryosphere monitoring networks, flood and landslide forecasting tools, and the implementation of community-based flood early warning systems in more than 20 sites.
• He also described nature-based solutions, springshed management programmes, and the establishment of the HKH Disaster Risk Reduction Hub in 2024 as steps toward resilience.
• Looking ahead, he emphasised ICIMOD’s Strategy 2023–2030, which calls for a regional institutional mechanism, enhanced coordination, and inclusive approaches.
• Stressing India’s pivotal role, he underlined that as the region’s largest democracy and fourth-largest economy, India’s leadership is critical in advancing transboundary cooperation.

Summary of Remarks made by Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain:

• Drew attention to the operational dimension of disaster management, focusing on inter-force collaboration between the Indian Army, Air Force, and the National Disaster Response Force.
• Praised advances in early evacuation and rehabilitation, enabled by technological tools such as satellite imaging, which have enhanced situational awareness in disaster-prone regions.
• Spotlighted the NDMA’s flagship innovation, the Sachet App, which integrates geo-intelligence and hybrid messaging channels to strengthen citizen preparedness, early warning, and rescue operations.
• Citing the Sikkim flash floods and other recent disasters, he described the NDMA’s whole-of-system response, which combined immediate humanitarian relief with longer-term recovery.

Points picked up during the interactive discussion:

• India’s past leadership in disaster relief, including its role in Nepal’s 2015 earthquake and Myanmar’s 2025 earthquake under Operation Brahma.
• The need for collective regional mechanisms to tackle shared climate risks more effectively.

The roundtable concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the India Foundation and ICIMOD to deepen cooperation on the climate and sustainability agenda in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and the wider HKH region.

India Foundation looks forward to playing an important role via this partnership to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable IHR and HKH.

India Foundation, in collaboration with India Habitat Centre organized a Panel discussion on ‘BRICS and the Emerging World Order’ on 5^th August, 2025 at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre. The Panelist for the discussion were Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER), Ministry of External Affairs; H.E. Prof Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of Republic of South Africa to India, H. E. Vladimir Ladanov, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India & Shri Pankaj Saran, Member National Security Advisory Board & Former Deputy National Security Advisor. The session was moderated by Capt Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation.

The event was widely attended from diplomats, policy makers, bureaucrats, scholars among others attended. One of the key discussions were how BRICS has grown from five founding members to ten, with 25–30 countries formally seeking membership. This surge reflects the aspirations of the Global South for inclusive governance and the bloc’s appeal to nations across continents, from major economies like China and India to strategically placed smaller states such as the UAE and Cuba. Participants stressed that BRICS’ expansion is driven by its ability to voice Global South concerns—ranging from global governance reform, poverty alleviation, and food security to AI governance, financial stability, and tropical disease management—and to develop solutions from within the South itself.

A strong economic focus emerged as the unifying force within BRICS. Delegates emphasized trade settlement in national currencies, strengthening the New Development Bank as a lender without IMF- or World Bank-style conditionalities, and developing financial infrastructure such as BRICS Clear, a cross-border payments system, and a BRICS Investment Platform. The discussion recognized that consensus-building remains both a hallmark and a challenge, particularly with sensitive issues like UN Security Council reform and the definition of terrorism, among others.

Geopolitical context was central to the debate, with panellists identifying two major external events shaping BRICS: the 2008 global financial crisis, which spurred the G20 and bolstered BRICS’ role, and the 2022 Ukraine conflict, which revived Global South solidarity amid renewed East–West polarization. While acknowledging differences, speakers affirmed that BRICS is neither anti-West nor isolationist but committed to a multipolar and inclusive international order.

The forum concluded that BRICS is consolidating its role as a durable platform for the Global South and an alternative to the world. Its future will depend on sustaining economic cooperation, managing diversity among members, and delivering consensus-based solutions. With India set to assume the BRICS chairmanship next year, expectations are high for it to advance initiatives in finance, governance, and development, building on the legacies of Brazil and South Africa to strengthen the bloc’s position in a multipolar world.

Date- 1^st August 2025

Venue- ArtPark, IISc Bengaluru.

India Foundation organised its 4th IF-Technology Ecosystem Roundtable in collaboration with ArtPark, IISc Bengaluru, chaired by Dr. Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, and Shri Jayant Sinha, former Minister of State for Finance & Civil Aviation.

The roundtable focused on the theme of ‘Aerospace and Defence Industry Post-Operation Sindoor‘. This deliberation brought together participants from India’s defence industry, Indian military, academia, and government, who participated as stakeholders.

 

India Foundation, in collaboration with the India Habitat Centre, organised a discussion on the book, ‘In Between the Blurry Lines: 14 Defining Moments That Shaped Arunachal Pradesh’, by Shri Sonam Chombay, Author & Commissioner to the Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh on 30 July 2025 at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre. Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh delivered a special address at the session and General Joginder Jaswant Singh, Former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and Former COAS discussed the book. The session was moderated by Capt Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation.

Shri Sonam Chombay’s book was presented as a clear and accessible exploration of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich heritage, capturing its significance as a vital part of Northeast India’s cultural and geographical landscape. As a bureaucrat, Chombay meticulously detailed the contributions of tribes, state officials, and political leaders in shaping Arunachal’s modern boundaries, tracing its historical evolution from the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) to its current statehood. The book stood out for its insider perspective, covering pivotal events like the Anglo-Abor War of 1873 and the Indo-China War War of 1962, while positioning Arunachal as a geo-strategically significant state bordering Bhutan, China, Tibet, and Myanmar, thus serving as a valuable resource for researchers and policy analysts interested in India’s north-eastern relations. It also highlighted Arunachal’s recent infrastructural advancements, showcasing its potential as a hub for sustainable development and tourism.

Shri Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister, and Gen. JJ Singh further enriched the discussion by highlighting the book’s role in mainstreaming Arunachal’s history and diversity. Khandu emphasized the state’s transformative development since 2008, including advancements in infrastructure, tourism, and economic growth, driven by initiatives like operational airports in Itanagar, Pasighat, and Tezu, and the vision to harness Arunachal’s river basins for hydroelectric power. Gen. Singh, offering a military perspective, underscored the state’s strategic importance, particularly the McMahon Line and the Brahmaputra, while praising Chombay’s work for bringing the youngest state’s historical and ecological narrative into academic focus, advocating for its inclusion in mainstream curricula. Their insights reinforced the book’s aim to bridge India’s literary gap on the Northeast, fostering greater national awareness of Arunachal’s unique identity.

Date: 24th July 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

On 24th July 2025, India Foundation hosted the fourth session of “Katha: The Folklore Circle”, titled “Viking Sagas with a Hint of Masala”. The evening offered a rich tapestry of Norse mythology, folklore, and cross-cultural storytelling, engaging the audience in a journey across continents and centuries.

The Master Storyteller for the session was Mr. Johan Bjerkem, Second Secretary at the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi. Mr. Bjerkem brought Norse legends to life with a masterful blend of narrative flair. From tales of valiant gods to mischievous tricksters and epic battles, he transported the audience to the rugged landscapes and mystical worlds of Viking mythology.

A unique aspect of the session was Mr. Bjerkem’s ability to draw intriguing parallels between Norse and Indian mythologies. He highlighted shared themes such as heroism, cosmic battles, divine intervention, and moral dilemmas, allowing the audience to see the universality of myth across cultures. His storytelling combined depth and accessibility, making complex narratives enjoyable for listeners of all ages.

Audience members also contributed by sharing their own insights and cultural connections, further enriching the session. An intriguing question from the audience explored whether Norse mythology is ever used as a form of soft power, prompting Mr. Bjerkem to share insights on how cultural narratives and mythological heritage can influence national identity and diplomacy.

By the end of the session, attendees left with a profound appreciation for Norse sagas, the art of storytelling, and the shared threads that connect mythologies across the world. The session not only entertained but also inspired thoughtful reflections on culture, tradition and the timeless human fascination with stories.