IIAS to Mark Diamond Jubilee with Five-Day Festival in Shimla
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study celebrates 60 years with a five-day festival of art, lectures, and a new digital manuscript portal in Shimla.
The historic Rashtrapati Niwas in Shimla is set to transform into a vibrant hub of intellect and culture as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) prepares to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee. From October 11 to 15, the institute will host a massive five-day public programme designed to bridge the gap between rigorous academic research and contemporary cultural discourse.
Six Decades of Intellectual Excellence
This milestone marks sixty years since the IIAS Society was registered in October 1964. The institution holds a prestigious place in Indian history, having been officially inaugurated by the then President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, in October 1965. To commemorate this legacy, the upcoming celebrations will bring together a diverse group of scholars, artists, publishers, and the general public.
A Digital Leap: Rare Manuscripts Portal
A major highlight of the opening day will occur on October 11 at 4 pm with the launch of the IIAS Digitised Rare Manuscripts Library Portal. This technological initiative aims to democratize access to history, allowing scholars and the public alike to explore rare historical manuscripts through a digital platform.
Academic Lectures and Cultural Grandeur
The five-day itinerary is packed with high-level academic discussions and artistic showcases. The schedule includes:
- October 11: Prof. Raghvendra Tanwar will discuss the historicity of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. On the same day, renowned Kathak dancer Shovana Narayan will inaugurate Nisha Jaiswal's art exhibition, "Bhartiya Forms, Expression and Consciousness."
- October 12: Archaeologist Prof. Vasant Shinde will provide insights into the evolution of the Bharatiya Knowledge System and archaeological findings from Rakhigarhi.
- October 13: Akhilesh Jha will deliver a lecture focused on the significance of "Vande Mataram."
In addition to the lectures, visitors can explore a specialized gallery featuring works created during the IIAS Art Camp, inspired by the exquisite Kangra miniature traditions.
Public Access and Grand Finale
In a move to encourage public engagement, the IIAS Book Fair will be open daily from 11 am to 7 pm, featuring a vast collection from leading national and international publishing houses. Importantly, entry to the book fair and all exhibition areas will be free for the public, with regular ticketing waived for the duration of the festivities.
The grand celebrations will culminate on October 15. The closing ceremony will be graced by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, who will attend as the Chief Guest to mark the end of this historic jubilee.