India Foundation hosted a delegation from Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), Iran, led byHis Excellency Dr Iraj Elahi, Ambassador of Iran to Indiaon 29 August, 2024 and held a wide range of discussions on various issues.

India Foundation in collaboration with India Habitat Centre organised a panel discussion on “Changing Face of Europe” on 28 August, 2024. The session was addressed by Amb Ruchi Ghanashyam, Former Secretary (West), MEA and Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Mr Côme Carpentier De Gourdon, Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation andProf Gulshan Sachdeva, Former Chairperson, Centre for European Studies, JNU. The session was moderated byCaptain Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation.

India Foundation in collaboration with Gujarat University, organised the 8th International Dharma Dhamma Conference, on 23-25 August 2024 at Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The theme for this year’s conference was “Cosmology in Dharma and Dhamma”. The conference witnessed the participation of scholars from 17 countries and explored the cosmological perspectives within Dharmic traditions and examined their relevance in the contemporary world. This prestigious gathering saw participation from over 400 scholars and intellectuals representing 17 countries. More than 50 distinguished keynote and plenary speakers delivered and engaged in different sessions, while 120 scholars presented research papers on various sub-themes.

Inaugural Session

The inaugural session of the 8^th International Dharma Dhamma Conference was held on 23 August 2024 at the Convention Centre Hall, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, graced the event as the Chief Guest. The session also featured addresses from prominent dignitaries, including Shri Acharya Devvrat, Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Swami Shri Govinda Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, Treasurer, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Prof. Neerja A Gupta, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, warmly welcomed the attendees, emphasising the vital role cosmology plays in shaping the philosophical and cultural paradigms of the Indian subcontinent.

 

The session began with welcome remarks by Swami Shri Govinda Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, Treasurer, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and Head of the Organising committee of the 8^th International Dharma Dhamma Conference. He stated, “Bharat has given the whole world the light of knowledge in every walk of human life…We welcome all the delegates who have come from different countries of the world to this land of compassion, universal brotherhood, and knowledge.”

Furthermore, Prof. Neerja A. Gupta, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat University, delivered the Introductory remarks. In her address, she welcomed all the dignitaries, speakers, and delegates who have joined to realise ‘एकम् सत् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति’ (the truth is one, the wise call it by different names).

On this occasion, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel in his address highlighted Gujarat’s spiritual and historical legacy, saying, “This land is at the confluence of Dharma and Dhamma.” He further mentioned the ancient presence of Buddhism in Vadnagar, Gujarat, the hometown of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. He further expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen unity among nations and accelerate development.

Furthermore, while addressing the august gathering, Shri Acharya Devvrat, Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, remarked, “Dharma and Dhamma are the guiding principles that, when followed, bring happiness to both the practitioner and those who encounter it. It encompasses the essence of simplicity, kindness, compassion, and courage—qualities that form the foundation of a meaningful and virtuous life.”

 

In his inaugural address, the Hon. Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar underlined the importance of understanding everyone’s Dharmic duty, which integrates scientific inquiry and spiritual wisdom. He further highlighted that this holistic approach is crucial in contemporary times. He remarked “From Vedic traditions of India to the Buddhist philosophies, the concepts of Dharma and Dhamma have provided us a shared heritage of wisdom, compassion, and righteousness. The timeless relevance of these principles is evident in our cultural, social, and spiritual landscapes.”He also appealed to the audience to demand from their leaders that they follow their ‘Constitutional Dharma’.

Ministerial Session

The Ministers’ Session, chaired by Prof. Neerja A Gupta, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, saw the participation of ministers from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Cambodia. The session focused on the practical applications of Dharmic cosmology in governance and cultural preservation.

 

Mr. Tshering, Hon’ble Home Minister of Bhutan, discussed the importance of cosmological awareness in shaping compassionate and sustainable public policies. Mr. Vidura Wickramanayaka, Hon’ble Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka, highlighted the strength of the Dharmic and Dhammic ties between India and Sri Lanka. Similarly, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Nepal, stressed the importance of cooperation for improving cross-border infrastructure and mobility for religious tourism between India and Nepal. Mr. Ngoun Sdechpheakdey, Hon’ble Secretary of State, Ministry of Cults and Religions, Government of Cambodia highlighted the significance of Dharma Dhamma traditions in Cambodia and the possible cooperation in the region based on these traditions.

Keynote Session

In fond memory of the late Professor S R Bhatt, the first S R Bhatt Memorial Lecture was held at the 8^th International Dharma Dhamma Conference in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The lecture began with a tribute by Prof. Geo Lyong Lee, Former President of the Korean Society for Indian Studies, South Korea, who described how Prof. Bhatt had shaped his intellectual journey.

While moderating the S.R. Bhatt Memorial Lecture, Mr. Come Carpentier, a distinguished fellow at India Foundation highlighted “When we decided to choose cosmology as a theme, which is sometimes not well understood in terms of its practical application, we kept three things in mind that happened relatively recently in the field of science- 1. Increasing awareness that the universe is inseparable from consciousness 2. The  universe extends far beyond and may not be what we expected to find and 3. Human beings are not the highest form of life in the universe and there are much more advanced life forms”, setting the tone for the 3-day conference on cosmology in Dharma Dhamma Traditions.

The keynote session featured insights from Swami Shri Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, Treasurer, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Swami Brahmaviharidas of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayake Thero, President of the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka.

Swami Shri Govinda Dev Giri Ji Maharaj emphasised, “Though Dharma and Dhamma are two different terms, their essence is the same. If humanity is to be saved, these traditions must be protected, propagated, and taken to every nook and corner of the world.”

Swami Brahmaviharidas remarked, “While we respect every field of knowledge on this earth, and research and studies in any field contribute to the well-being of the world, research and study on cosmology, however, contribute to the wisdom of this world.” In addition, while emphasising the interconnectedness of the universe, he stated, “The study of cosmology teaches us ‘interconnectedness’ but more than interconnectedness, ‘interdependence’. We are inherently interdependent- the iron that flows through blood absorbs oxygen and keeps us alive was created in the stars. Hence, if the stars have helped us breathe, if the sun has helped us shine and warm, and if the moon and ocean manage our moods, then evidently, everything is interconnected and interdependent.”

The last keynote address featured Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayake Thero shared his insights on the ‘Panchsheel theory,’ stating, “If you apply the Panchsheel theory in your life, you will live peacefully and happily.” He further added, “Hatred is never ceased by hatred; hatred is always ceased by love.”

With an overall attendance of 700 participants, day one of the 8^th International Dharma Dhamma Conference concluded with a vibrant cultural program showcasing the tradition and heritage of the state of Gujarat. The program featured Garba, a regional dance form, and a short play depicting the life journey of Mahatma Buddha, reflecting the deep cultural ties with cosmological thought.

Plenary Sessions and Paper Presentations

The conference featured seven plenary sessions on 24^th and 25^th August 2024, where 38 distinguished speakers addressed the theme of “Cosmology in Dharma and Dhamma.” These discussions spanned a wide array of topics, including cosmological insights from the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Itihasas and Indian philosophical traditions such as Sankhya, Nyaya-Vaisheshika, Yoga, Vedanta, Shaiva and Shakta Darshanas, Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. The sessions also explored intersections between Dharmic and Dhamma cosmology with modern scientific theories.

In addition to the plenary sessions, three rounds of paper presentations with six parallel sessions in each round were held on 24^th and 25^th August 2024. During these sessions, 120 scholars presented their research on various sub-themes.

Conclusion

The 8th International Dharma Dhamma Conference successfully underscored the depth and relevance of cosmology in Dharma and Dhamma traditions for the contemporary world. The conference highlighted the importance of integrating ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry to address our times’ spiritual, social, and environmental challenges. Participants left with a renewed commitment to exploring and applying these insights in their respective fields, contributing to a more harmonious and enlightened global society.

 

India Foundation in collaboration with India Habitat Centre, organised a discussion on the book “Partitioned Freedom” authored by Dr Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation. The session was moderated by Capt Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation. The discussants in the panel included Prof Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman, ICHR; Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, and Amb Bhaswati Mukherjee, President, India Habitat Centre.

India Foundation organised the 96th India Foundation Dialogue on 12 August, 2024. The dialogue was addressed by Dr Satyendra Prasad, non-resident Senior Fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, on the theme”Geopolitics, climate change and stability in the Blue Pacific”.The session was chaired byCapt Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation.

India Foundation organized the 5th India Foundation Monograph series on August 08, 2024. As a part of the series, India Foundation released two monographs, the first authored by Ms Yashasvi Singh and titled “Enforcement Mechanism for Foreign Arbitral Awards and Judgments in India: Identifying Challenges and Proposing Reforms”, and the other authored by Mr Yatan Sharma and titled “Atma-Nirbhar Bharat: Navigating Self-Reliance in a Globalized World”. The session was chaired by Dr. Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation. Prof. Anurag Deep of Indian Law Institute, New Delhi, delivered the expert remarks. Presenting the key highlights of her monograph, Ms Singh argued that while the judiciary has been pro-enforcement in terms of the execution of arbitral awards, the government and courts need to work further on a smooth implementation of the awards and bring the Indian legal infrastructure of arbitration in alignment with the best international practices. Through his presentation, Mr Sharma explained the Atma-Nirbhar Bharat initiative of the Indian government and how it furthered the cause for improving self-reliance in the global socio-economic framework.

India Foundation hosted a roundtable discussion on”AI Ethics in India:  Building Technological Firewalls” on 06 August, 2024. The discussion was addressed byDr Subi Chaturvedi, Global SVP, InMobi; Shri Tanuj Bhojwani, Head, People+AI; Shri Rishabh Sinha, Legal Head, Velocity; and Lt Gen Raj Shukla, Member, Union Public Service Commission.The session was chaired by Lt Gen Arun Sahni, Member, Governing Council, India Foundation.

Dr Hsiao-Chen Lin, Assistant Professor, Tamkang University and Member, Ministry of National Defense QDR Advisory Committee, Taiwan,delivered a presentation on “India-Taiwan Relations under the Indo-Pacific Strategy”at India Foundation office on 05 August, 2024.

The historical and cultural interactions between the ancient civilizations of India and Southeast Asia have been profound and enduring. Among these interactions, the influence of the Kalinga region (present-day Odisha) on the Champa Kingdom (located in Vietnam) stands out as a significant chapter in the annals of cultural exchange. Archaeologists, geographers and historians have traced the land and sea routes leading to ‘Indianisation of Southeast Asia’ since the very early period. This cultural diffusion was facilitated by maritime trade routes that connected the Indian subcontinent with Southeast Asia. Indian traders, scholars, and religious missionaries travelled these routes, bringing with them a rich amalgamation of ideas and practices.
The Champa Kingdom, which flourished from the 2nd to the 19th century in what is now central and southern Vietnam, played a significant role in shaping the cultural, political, and economic landscapes of Southeast Asia. The remnants of Champa’s civilization, including its temples, inscriptions, and artefacts, offer a glimpse into its rich heritage and influence.

It is believed that Kalinga had close maritime interactions with the ancient kingdom of Champa in Vietnam. The people of Champa known as Chams were engaged in maritime trade with Kalinga leaving a huge impact on the political, economic, religious and social life of the Chams and the remnants of that hallmark are still visible in Vietnam today. A renewed interest in spiritual enlightenment has bestowed a fresh perspective on understanding and retracing the Kalinga-Champa linkages.

Given this backdrop, India Foundation in collaboration with the International Management Institute (IMI), Bhubaneswar organised a Workshop on the “Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia” on 01 August 2024 at IMI, Bhubaneswar exploring the multifaceted impacts of Kalinga on Champa culture including the historical, political, and socio-economic exchanges that shaped the interactions in Southeast Asia. By delving into the rich historical interactions between Kalinga and the Champa territory, the Workshop aims to uncover the shared cultural heritage that continues to bind India and Southeast Asia and stimulate further research and exploration in this fascinating field. This is the Inaugural Workshop of the ICSSR-sponsored project “Kalinga and Champa: Retracing Civilisational Linkages between India and Vietnam”.

This Workshop brings together historians, archaeologists, anthropologists and scholars specializing in Indian and Southeast Asian history to explore and discuss the enduring legacy of the Kalinga-Champa connection and its cultural imprint on Southeast Asia. Various sub-themes deliberated in the Workshop were Historical Overview of the Kalinga region, Maritime Trade and the influence of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia, Political and Economic Engagements between Kalinga and Champa and Archaeological findings highlighting the connections between Kalinga and Champa. Inaugural Session was addressed by Prof (Dr) P.C. Biswal, Director, IMI, Bhubaneswar and Dr Sonu Trivedi, Associate Professor, Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi and Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation. Speakers of the working sessions were Mr Swayam Baral, Council Member, CII, Prof Harihara Panda, Professor, National Defence Academy, Pune and Member, ICHR, Mr Amrit Ruturaj, Collector, Dhenkanal, Odisha, Prof Nirmal Chandra Dash, Professor Emeritus, Department of Anthropology, KISS University, Bhubaneswar, Prof Ramakrushna Panigrahi, Professor, International Management Institute (IMI), Bhubaneswar, Prof Gyanaranjan Swain, Professor and Head of the School of Political Science, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, Odisha, Dr Swayam Prava Mishra, Assistant Professor, Department of A&A Economics Utkal University, Dr Anirban Bandyopadhyay, Associate Professor, School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy and Eco-spiritualism, KISS, Bhubaneswar, Dr Siba Sankar Sahu, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Ravenshaw University, Dr Tanaya Mohanty, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Utkal University, Dr Shristi Pukhrem, Deputy Director (Academics & Research), India Foundation and Ms Shivani Badgaiyan, Research Fellow, India Foundation.

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The 13th edition of Young Thinkers’ Meet was held at Chitrakote, Bastar, Chhattisgarh from 26-28 July 2024. With the theme ‘Viksit Bharat’ – Ideas for a Developed India, it saw an impressive turnout of 80 attendees. The diverse group, hailing from 21 different states, had an average age of about 29 years. Young Thinkers’ Meet (YTM) is an initiative of 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 is an annual meet organised by India Foundation, a New Delhi based think-tank, for individuals (mostly under 35 years) who are driven by the idea of a New India. YTM today has an alumni base of over three hundred 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 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 Coorg, Karnataka; Manesar, Haryana; Pune, Maharashtra; Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh; Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir; Vadodara, Gujarat; Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh; Chilika, Odisha; Pahalgam and Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, Annavaram, Andhra Pradesh & Guwahati, Assam. Due to the national lockdown, YTM happened virtually in 2020.

On 26 July 2024, the inaugural session on “Viksit Bharat 2047: Amrit Kaal to Swarnim Kaal” began with Dr. Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, encouraging delegates to introduce themselves. The diverse backgrounds and regions represented showcased the intellectual expansion inspiring the central theme of Viksit Bharat. RSS Sah-Sarkaryavah Shri Atul Limaye followed, discussing the concept of Vikas (development) and seeking inputs on spiritual upliftment, financial advancement, and international recognition. Dr. Madhav concluded the session, emphasizing that human aspiration drives all forms of Vikas, alongside individual and societal aspiration in a balanced manner. Shri Vijay Dayaram K, Collector & District Magistrate, Bastar, Chhattisgarh was also present during the session and gave his remarks. A brief interaction with Shri Sundarraj Pattilingam, Inspector General of Police, Bastar range, Chhattisgarh, detailed the Maoist insurgency in the Bastar region.

On 27 July 2024, the delegates had the opportunity to visit a forward CRPF camp during the early hours, and have conversations with individuals posted in Naxal-infested territories.

The first panel discussion was on “Security Challenges in Bharat 2047”. It was moderated by Dr. Sriparna Pathak, Associate Professor at Jindal School of International Affairs, and the panel featured Dr. Shristi Pukhrem, Deputy Director (Academics & Research), India Foundation, Dr. Manoj Kumar Panigrahi, Assistant Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University, Shri Divyanshu Jindal, Consultant, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and Shri Nishit Kumar, Consultant, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

The panel highlighted the interplay between internal and external security threats, emphasizing traditional challenges like territorial disputes and ideological wars, alongside non-traditional threats like cybersecurity and media manipulation. Case studies on China’s territorial claims illustrated the importance of narrative warfare, with key takeaways on media literacy and the critical examination of facts.

A few state officials also addressed the session, discussing economic empowerment and the forest-based economy of Chhattisgarh, particularly the Bastar region. They highlighted the importance of Tendu leaves as a source of income and the role of natural healers as the first line of medical help. They also discussed the ground realities of the region, including the intricacies of operations against Maoist insurgency, the presence of landmines and RDX, and the sacrifices made by the police to maintain stability.

A special interaction session with multiple eminent personalities from the Government of Chhattisgarh followed, where the session was graced by Shri OP Chaudhary, Finance Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh , along with Shri Shashank Mani Tripathi, Member of Parliament (LS), and Shri Hemang Joshi, Member of Parliament (LS) who joined virtually.

The theme for the second panel discussion was “Vishwa Bandhu Bharat: A Tech-driven, Inclusive Governance Model for a Sustainable Future”. Shri Aaditya Tiwari, Visiting Fellow at India Foundation, moderated the session & the panel comprised of Dr. Jigar Inamdar, Visiting Fellow at India Foundation, Ms. Deeksha Goel, Deputy Director (Adm) at India Foundation, Dr. Parthiv Mehta, Doctor and Entrepreneur & Ms. Megha Choubey, Associate Fellow for Partnerships at Observer Research Foundation.

The session explored technology’s role in driving inclusive governance and sustainable development, emphasizing India’s evolving global role and the importance of national interest in decision-making. Discussions included the impact of digital technology on governance, the need for holistic development, and practical governance models from various contexts.

This session was followed by presentations on Building Prosperous Bharat , as a precursor to which Shri Shashank Mani outlined a vision for a fully developed India, emphasizing the need for a robust middle class, competitive initiatives, and integrating digital technology while preserving cultural values.
Shri Apurv Mishra discussed India’s significant economic development over the past 25 years, stressing the need to navigate current challenges like polarization and international economic issues to achieve Vision 2047.
Dr. Abhishek Malhotra highlighted the importance of economic well-being and diverse aspirations for multigenerational growth, respecting regional identities and cultures.
Ms. Maitreyee Kamble focused on inclusion, brotherhood, and entrepreneurship as key pillars for a prosperous Bharat, sharing her journey from the Dalit Indian Chambers of Commerce and stressing economic and political inclusion. Second day of the event ended with the Young Thinkers’ Parliament.

The final day, i.e., 28th July, started with presentations on Viksit Bharat@2047: Weaving a Consensus in the Era of Identity Politics . Shri Guru Prakash Paswan, National Spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party, addressed identity politics, defining it as the mobilization of social groups around a collective identity. He emphasized the need to shift focus from identity politics to development for achieving a developed Bharat by 2047.
Ms. Bhakti Sharma stressed the importance of continuous dialogue between communities to promote unity and mute political divisions.

Shri Swayam Baral shared personal experiences, noting that identity politics is dynamic and evolves with societal progress.
Shri Siddharth Yadav discussed the fluidity of identity, which becomes rigid when politicized, manipulating social fault lines.
Shri Kamal Madishetty talked about India’s civilizational responsibilities, calling for an articulation of civilizational interests.
Shri Omer Ghazi urged a focus on progress and development over identity politics.

In the valedictory session, Dr. Ram Madhav highlighted the need for unity in diversity, aspiring for a Bharat where every individual is empowered with dignity. He emphasized the importance of innovating new ways and finding solutions to achieve national goals. Shri Atul Limaye appreciated the diversity and vibrancy of the delegates, the importance of identity distinct from politics, and the creation of new ideas and interconnections through the event. He concluded with a call to complement ideas with actionable modules for realizing a Viksit Bharat.

India Foundation in collaboration with India Habitat Centre, organised a panel discussion on ‘Economic Roadmap for Viksit Bharat’ on 24 July, 2024. The session was addressed by Shri Jayant Sinha, Former Union Minister and Dr Rajiv Kumar, Chairman, Pahle India Foundation. The session was moderated by Capt Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation.

India Foundation hosted a farewell reception for H. E. Naor Gilon, Outgoing Ambassador of Israel to India, on July 19, 2024. In his three-year tenure as the Ambassador of Israel to India, he has actively promoted and assisted in maintaining the strong ties between the two countries. Several eminent dignitaries attended the event and conveyed their best wishes to the outgoing ambassador.

India Foundation organised a roundtable discussion on ‘The Three New Criminal Law Legislations’ on 19 July, 2024. Prof (Dr) G. S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor, NLU Delhi, delivered the keynote address. Dr Adish C Aggarwala, Former President, Supreme Court Bar Association, presided over the session as the Guest of Honor. The session was chaired by Shri Vikramjit Banerjee, Additional Solicitor General of India.