IIAS Lecture Explores Historical and Literary Significance of ‘Vande Mataram’

Academic book on English writing released during Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Shimla

Shimla, October 13: The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, organised a special lecture on the historical background, literary significance and cultural symbolism of Vande Mataram on the third day of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Akhilesh Jha of the Indian Civil Accounts Service, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, delivered the lecture, examining Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s composition in its historical and literary context. He discussed the portrayal of the motherland through symbols representing strength, prosperity and knowledge, including Durga, Kamala and Vani, and highlighted the song’s vision of national potential and collective progress.

Dr Anuradha Raturi, Fellow at IIAS, introduced the speaker, while Institute Director Prof Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi felicitated Jha and delivered the presidential address. Dr Rajeev Kumar Mishra, Librarian and Academic Resource Officer, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the National Song and National Anthem.

Book on Academic Writing Released

The Institute also released Academic Writing in English: Enhancing Skill and Using Language as a Resource, authored by Dr Jasmine Anand, Associate Researcher at IIAS and published by the Panjab University Publication Bureau, Chandigarh. The book focuses on academic writing, research skills, critical thinking and effective communication, in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.

The release was attended by Prof Chaturvedi, Akhilesh Jha, former Deccan College Vice-Chancellor Prof Vasant Shinde and artist Prof Nisha Jaiswal, along with academics, Fellows and research associates.

An art exhibition titled Bharatiya Forms, Expressions and Consciousness and a book fair are also being held at the Institute as part of the celebrations until October 15. Both are open daily from 11 am to 7 pm, with free entry.

A permanent gallery titled Folk and Rural Imagery in Kangra Miniatures: An Indigenous Indian Art Perspective will be inaugurated at IIAS on October 15 by Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta. The gallery aims to showcase the region’s miniature painting tradition and promote appreciation of its artistic heritage.