Inaugural Ceremony

• Welcome remarks by Mr. Pheroze Nowrojee, Chair, Asian African Heritage Trust
• Remarks by Mr. Arindam Mukherjee, Secretary, ISCS
• Remarks by Dr. Mzalendo Kibunjia, Director General, National Museums of Kenya
• Opening Remarks by H. E. Ms. Suchitra Durai, High Commissioner of India
• Keynote Address by H. E. Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary (Minister) for Foreign Affairs, Kenya
• Release of Monographs/Booklets

Africa – a poem by Rabindranath Tagore (Booklet)

Plenary 1

Theme: Impact of the Indian Ocean Connectivity

• Chair - H. E. Ms. Suchitra Durai, High Commissioner of India
• Ms. Nancy Karigithu, Principal Secretary, Department for Maritime and Shipping Affairsof Kenya
• Amb. Rajiv Bhatia, Former High Commissioner of India to Kenya and South Africa
• Mr. Deba R Mohanty, Chairman, Indicia Research & Advisory (IRA), India

Plenary Session II

Theme: The Indian Ocean Interactions: Kenya and India

• Chair:Mr. Pheroze Nowrojee, Chair, Asian African Heritage Trust
• Dr. V. Selvakumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Epigraphy and Archaeology, Tamil
• University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
• Dr. Kalandar Khan, Director, Kenya Heritage Training Institute (KHTI)

Plenary Session III

Theme: Economic Cooperation, Development Partnership Between India and Kenya

• Chair – Mr. Kiprono Kittony, National Chairman, KNCCI
• Dr. Manu Chandaria, Chair &CEO, Comcraft Group
• Dr. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS
• Mr. Kwame Owino, CEO, Institute of Economic Affairs, Kenya

Dr. Casper Cheggeh, Senior Policy Advisor and a Director at Africa Policy Institute, Nairobi

Plenary Session IV

Theme: Asian-African Literature

• Chair:Dr. Radha Upadhayaya, Research fellow, Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi
• Dr. Tom Odhiambo, University of Nairobi
• University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
• Dr. Godwin Siundu, University of Nairobi

Plenary Session V

Theme: People to People contacts – Education, Cultural and Diaspora Dynamics

• Chair: Mr. Sharad Rao, Chairman, Kenya Judges &Magistrates Vetting Board
• Dr. Rafique Keshavjee, Head, Academic Planning, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Aga Khan University, East Africa
• Professor Azim Nanji, Former Director, the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London
• Prof Renu Modi, Centre for African Studies, University of Mumbai

Valedictory Session

Theme: The Way Forward

• Remarks by Amb. Rajiv Bhatia
• Remarks by Mr. Pheroze Nowrojee, Chair, Asian African Heritage Trust
• Remarks by H.E. Ms. Suchitra Durai, High Commissioner of India
• Valedictory Address by Amb. Tom Amolo, Political and Diplomatic Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Govt. of Kenya
• Vote of Thanks- Mr. Krisnendu Baksi, Programme coordinator, ISCS

Programme Summary

The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies ISCS India, co-hosted by The High Commission of India, Nairobi, and in association with the Asian African Heritage Trust, Nairobi, organized a seminar titled, “ Connectivity Revisited: India, Kenya and the Indian Ocean” at the Louis Leakey Auditorium at the Nairobi National Museum on 28th - 29th March 2017.
This was the first ever Seminar organized by the High Commission on India – Kenya relations on old Indian Ocean links. It wasalso the first Seminar on the Indian Ocean region organized by the Government of India in Africa after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s SAGAR(Security and Growth for All in the Region) Initiative.
H. E Ambassador . Dr. Amina Mohamad , Cabinet Secretary ( Minister) of Foreign Affairs, Kenya delivered the key note address at the inaugural ceremony on 28th March 2017. In her remarks, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted the importance of the Indian Ocean and connectivity in robust India – Kenya partnership. High Commissioner, Ms. Suchita Durai, in her opening remarks, recalled that the historic Indian Ocean links between India and East Africa, particularly Kenya, facilitated recent development in bilateral relations and recommendations for future engagements.
Mr. Arindam Mukherjee , Secretary, ISCS , in his speech focused on the relations between the two countries with the Indian Ocean on historical background and referred that to the similarity of the name of our country with that of an ocean due to close proximity and extensive relationship. It was never found in any other parts of the world and that too was named not by any Indian but someone from other parts of the world.
At the inaugural ceremony , 4 monographs/ Booklets namely (i) Africa- A poem by Rabindranath Tagore, (ii) Mountain of the Moon - an English version of Bandopadhyay on East and Central Africa,(iii) Reflection on Africa: Select articles from the Modern Review edited by Arnab Nag on East Africa (iv)Development - Oriented Trade Policies and Cooperation: Exploring New Vistas for India – Kenya Partnership by Sachin Chaturvedi and Pratyush Sharma were released.
There were five plenary sessions focused on the review of various aspects of India – Kenya bilateral relations, including civilizational linkages, archaeological evidences , Indian Ocean strategic, dynamics, people – to- people contacts, socio- cultural exchanges , Indian -Kenyan relations literature , economic cooperation and development partnership, influence of literature , cinema, sports and the way forward. The Seminar engaged policy makers, academics, civil society and relevant stakeholders in addressing the issues of people -centric development and explored new areas of cooperation .
Ambassador Tom Amolo, Political and Diplomatic Secretary , Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Kenya, delivered the Valedictory address.
The seminar was attended by over 120 participants, which included Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, senior government officials, members of civil society, academicians , writers, media, students and representatives of the business community as well as Kenya – India Friendship Association.

Chair: Mr. Krishnan Srinivasan , Former Foreign Secretary , Government of India.

Introduction of the Speaker : Dr.Sreeradha Dutta , Director , MAKAIAS.

Inaugural Speech : Mrs. Dietza Froim , Minister Counsellor , Embassy of Israel, New Delhi.

Ms. Debalina Ghoshal , Research Fellow , Centre for Human Studies, Hyderabad.
Prof. P.R. Kumarswamy, Department of International Relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Mrs. Swati Bhattacharjee , Senior Assistant Editor, Ananda Bazar Patrika.
Vote of Thanks: Prof. Bimal Shankar Nanda, Charu Chandra College and Programme Coordinator, ISCS.

Programme Summary

A panel discussion on “India – Israel Relations: New Milestones , New Horizons” was organised by the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) and co- hosted by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies(MAKAIAS) On 22nd March 2017 , at Jamini Roy Gallery , RTC,ICCR, Kolkata.

Dr.Sreeradha Dutta , Director, MAKAIAS, introduced the speakers to the audience. In her inaugural presentation , Ms . Dietza Froim, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Israel , New Delhi, said that the very basis of cooperation and relation between the two countries is based on knowledge and experience . Ms. Debalina Ghosal , research fellow , Centre for Human Studies , Hyderabad, said that Israel had always taken a key role in modernizing defense system of India through transferring technology , manufacturing sophisticated arms and installing security system. Professor P. R. Kumaraswamy of the department of International Relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, discussed the pros and cons of India – Israel relations. He said that India would definitely benefit if she purchased modern technology from the Israeli market which is considered as an open market. Mrs Swati Bhatterjee, Senior Assistant Editor , Ananda Bazar Patrika , shared her experiences about high yielding varieties of agricultural products she had noticed during her Israel tour and expressed her sense of gratitude, saying that India highly benefitted by utilizing those high- end varieties.

The institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) , with collaboration with Research and Information System for Developing Countries, New Delhi,(RIS), Maulana Abul Kalam Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata, (MAKAIAS), Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi (NMML) and Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts, New Delhi( IGNCA) organised a two -day international conference : Indo- Bangladesh Multi- Sectorial Cooperation on 23rd -24th January 2017.

Inaugural Session:

Chair: Mr. M.J .Akbar ,Honb’le Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Chief Guest : Mr. Mozammel Haque, MP, Honb’le Minister of Liberation War Affairs, Government of Bangladesh .
Guest of Honour : Mr. Syed Muazzem Ali, Honb’le High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India
Dr.Sachchidananda Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, New Delhi.
Welcome address : Mr. Arindam Mukherjee, Secretary , ISCS
Key note speaker : Ms.Sripriya Ranganathan, JS(BM), GOI.

The Plenary Session 1: Revisiting MuktiJuddho( Liberation War): 45 years of friendship between India and Bangladesh.

Chair: Deb Mukherjee, Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh

Speakers:

Ms. Aroma Dutta, Executive Director, PRIP Trust, Bangladesh
Mr. William Sloan, President of America Association of Jurists
Lt. Gen. M. Harun- Ar- Rasid, former Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh
Mr.Hiranmay Karlekar, Consulting Editor, The Pioneer
Maj. Gen. Dhruv C Katoch, Editor, SALUTE Magazine

The Plenary Session II: Indo- Bangladesh Economic Cooperation: Challenges and Opportunities.

Chair: Smt Smriti Zubin Irani, Honb’le Minister of Textiles , Government of India.
Speakers: Professor Sachin Chaturvedi DG,RIS.
Dr.Reshmi Singh , Editor , Telecom Live and Infra Live, New Delhi .
Mr..PritamRanjan Bose, Deputy Editor and Chief Bureau, The Hindu Business Line.
Mahfuz Kabir, Acting Director, BISS.

Plenary Session III: Indo- Bangladesh Cultural Relations: A Shared Legacy. Chair: Amb. Veena Sikri, Former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Speakers:
Professor Suchandra Ghosh , Ancient Indian History and Culture, University of Calcutta
Prof. Muntassir Mamoon, Department of History, University of Dhaka
Mr Rafiqul Islam Khokhon, Founder and Executive Director , Rupantor, Bangladesh
Dr Sarwar Ali, Trustee, Liberation War Museum, Dhaka
Anirban Ganguly, Director, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Research Foundation, New Delhi

Plenary Session IV: Security Challenges to Indo – Bangladesh Relations: A Review Chair: Ambassador Rajeet Mitter, Former High commissioner to Bangladesh Speakers:
Mr Shahriar Kabir , General Seceraty, South Asian People’s Union against Fundamentalism and Communalism, Dhaka
Major Genreral Abdur Rashid , Executive Director, Institute of Conflict law and Developmental Studies
Mr Syamal Dutta , Editor , Bhorer Kagoj
Professor Syed Munir Khasru, Chairman, The Institute for Policy Research ,Advocacy and Governance

Valedictory Session: Chair: Justice A H M Shamsuddin Choudhury, Former Judge , Supreme Court of Bangladesh
Chief Guest : Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Honourable Minister of State ( Independent Charges) , Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
Chief Speaker: Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS
Guest of Honour: Mr. Shakti Sinha, Director,NMML, New Delhi.

Vote of Thanks:
Prof.Bimal Sankar Nanda, Assistant Professor , Political Science, Charu Chandra College, Coordinator , Research and Publication ISCS.

Programme Summary

The programme started with the welcome address given by Sri Arindam Mukherjee . The minister from Bangladesh expressed in his speech that revisiting the spirit of liberation war might help to fight the scourge of fundamentalism. He also expressed the intention of his Government to pay homage to the members of the family of soldiers who had lost their lives in the Liberation war . Chairperson Mr. M.G Akbar , Honb’le Minister of State , Ministry of External Affairs, said that Bangladesh’s importance as an economic power has risen to great heights in recent times. Indian contingents, including Secretary ,ISCS , expressed the willingness to organize similar programmes on Liberation war in the coming five years.

The speakers of the Plenary Session 1 expressed the willingness of Government of both the countries to strengthen bilateral relationship through revisiting the Liberation War agenda.
The speakers of the Plenary Session 2 expressed their opinion and the outlook of the government of both the countries about the growth of economic cooperation . According to the speakers , Bangladesh attaching high priority to build closer economic links with India and significantly improving physical connectivity to facilitate trade across the border as its shares the longest land border with India.

The speakers in the Plenary Session 3 spoke on various themes based on Indo- Bangladesh Cultural relations. Prof. Suchandra Ghosh , Ancient Indian History and Culture ,presented her paper on “ Bay of Bengal Buddhist Network: A Shared Maritime Space between India and Bangladesh and South East Asia” Prof. MuntasirMamoon , Professor, Department of History, University of Dhaka presented his paper on “Indo – Bangladesh Relations, Theoretical Framework: A Reassessment”, Mr. Rafiqul Islam Khokan , Founder and Executive Director , Rupantar, Bangladesh, presented a paper on Sundarbans and Cultural Sharing. Dr.Sarwar Ali , Trustee , Liberation War Museum, Dhaka , presented a paper “Indo- Bangladesh Cultural Relationship: Opportunity and Challenges “ . Dr.AnirbanGanguly , Director, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Research Foundation , New Delhi presented different aspects of strengthening cultural relations between both countries.

The speakers in the Plenary Session 4 spoke about different aspects of security and its influence on the relationship between aspects of security and its influence on the relationship between the two countries. Some of the speakers raised a point of apathy of Government of India in this regard, which was totally rejected by speakers Dr.Sreeradha Dutta ,Director ,MAKAIS, and Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, Assistant Editor( Foreign Affairs), The Economic Times, New Delhi they assured that the present government is much keen to provide maximum protection from security angle even though China was supplying defense equipment’s to Bangladesh.

Welcome Address: Dr.Sreeradha Datta, Director, MAKAIAS.

Speaker:

Mr. Nazir Kabiri, advisor to the Finance Minister of Afghanistan

Dr. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS

Capt. (Retd) Alok Bansal, Executive Director, The South Asian Institute for Strategic Affairs(SAISA)

Mr. Shakti Sinha, Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML)

An International Panel Discussion on India- Afghanistan: Current Relations and Future Directions was organized by Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), duly collaborated by Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies(MAKAIAS) and in association with Charu Chandra College on 4th January 2017 at the auditorium of Rotary Sadan , Kolkata.

Programme Summary

In his welcome address, Dr.Sreeradha Datta, Director, MAKAIAS, said that due to serious relook of the present policy of the Government of India, India’s Afghanistan policy was shifting from a reluctant, albeit friendly one, to a more confident and multi – dimensional approach.

The speaker from Afghanistan , Mr. Nazir Kabiri, the advisor to the Finance Minister of Afghanistan , presented his views on India- Afghanistan Relations. He said that it was his strong belief that if Afghanistan and Afganistan could work together to improve economic ties between the two countries, they could easily bypass negative agendas(e.g. state sponsored terrorism in Pakistan) in this region.

Highlighting his view on Emerging Dynamics of India- Afghanistan Partnership , Dr. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS, said that economic development of Afghanistan was more important, not only for the country but also for the region. With continued impediments from Pakistan , linkages between India and Afghanistan via Iran assumed greater significance.

Capt. (Retd) Alok Bansal, Executive Director, the South Asian Institute for Strategic Affairs(SAISA), New Delhi , said that the focus of the discussion would be on how India would assist Afghanistan in emerging as a strong , stable, democratic and liberal state.

Moderator: Mr. Krishnan Srinivasan, former Foreign Secretary, Government of India

Speakers:

Shahriar Kabir, renowned Human Rights Activist, writer and film maker from Bangladesh.

Mr. Sultan Sahin, President, New Age Islam Foundation

Ms. Priya Singh , Fellow of MAKAIAS

Ms. Yasmin Nigar Khan , great granddaughter of Khan Abdul Gaffer Khan and President , All India PakhtunJigra –E-Hind

Programme Summary

An International Panel Discussion on Strategy for Countering Radicalization and Extremism in South Asia was organized by the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies(ISCS) ,in collaboration with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS) , The Ministry of Culture , Govt. of India at the Azad Museum, Kolkata on 29th, November, 2016.

The programme started with the screening of the documentary film “The Ultimate Jihad”, the final part of Jihad Trilogy, directed by Mr. Shahriar Kabir, renowned Human Rights Activist, writer and film maker from Bangladesh.

The inaugural speech was delivered by Mr. Sultan Sahin, President, New Age Islam Foundation, where he pointed out the difference between Greater Jihad and Lesser Jihad.

Ms. Priya Singh , fellow of MAKAIAS, expressed her anxiety, saying that terrorism gradually took its deep root in the soil of South Asia because of massive spread of connectivity of internet and social network, alluring the youth force into their dragnet.

Ms. Yasmin Nigar Khan , great granddaughter of Khan Abdul Gaffer Khan and President , All India PakhtunJigra –E-Hind , in her speech proposed to build a university in the name of his great grandfather in West Bengal since the same in Pakistan was desecrated by the blood of martyrs and terrorist activities.

Mr. Shahriar Kabir hoped that it was the civil society,not the police administration or defense forces alone who could show the right path of routing radicalism and terrorism from the earth. He urged all people , irrespective of cast , creed and custom, to come forward to fight together to free this world from these evil forces.

Mr. Krishnan Srinivasan , former Foreign Secretary, Govt. of India and moderator of this panel discussion , expressed that freedom and security of a country would go hand in hand if there was tolerance in every field activities.

In the question – answer session, Mr. Shahriar Kabir said that though the Prime Minister of his country boasted in the world an impartial image , and was trying to rebuild the country doing away of with terrorism, there was regular infiltration of radical elements at the grassroot level of the ruling party.

The discussion ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Tapan Mitra, Acting Director , ISCS.

The inauguration of the exhibition on India and Indian Ocean:

Mr. Ashok Chandra Panda, Hon’ble Minister, Tourism & Culture, Govt. Of Odisha

The inaugural session:

Chair Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS.

Chair Prof. Mr. Arindam Mukherjee, Secretary, ISCS

Welcome address: Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS.

Inauguration: Sushma Sawraj, Minister of External Affair, Government of India.

Guest of honor: Sri Dharmenda Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum

Chief Guest: Naveen Patnaik, Honb’le Chief Minister , Odisha

Keynote Address: Mr. R.N. Ravi, Prime Minister Office, Govt. Of India

Important speaker: Mr. Sumith Nakhandala, Secretary General, BIMSTEC, Dhaka

Vote of Thanks: Prof. H.P. Das, Secretary, Organizing Committee

Programme Summary

The exhibition on India and Indian Ocean was inaugurated by Mr. Ashok Chandra Panda, Honb’le Minister, Tourism and Culture, Government of Odisha at Hotel Mayfair Lagoon. The exhibition presented some valuable information and pictorial representation of trade and cultural relations with IOR countries. The inaugural session of the conference was held at the Central Hall of Mayfair Convention under the chairmanship of Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS. In his welcome address, Mr. Arindam Mukherjee, Secretary, ISCS ,conveyed thanks to all the guests, dignitaries, delegates, and explained the importance of holding such conference and commemorating one thousand years of coronation of Rajendra Chola

The session was inaugurated by Ms. Susma Swaraj, Minister for External Affairs in presence of Chief Guest Mr. Naveen Patnaik, Honb’le Chief Minister of Odisha, Guest of Honor Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Honb’le Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and other delegates from both India and abroad.

Ms. Swaraj also released a few of the books published by RIS and ISCS:

1. The Indian Ocean Civilization by Arindam Mukherjee.

2. Mapping the Indian Ocean, edited by Babul De.

3. Exploring Connectivity Southeastern Bengal and Beyond by Suchandra Ghosh.

4. Trade and Investment Prospects of the IORA in the New Millennium by S.K. Mohanty&Priyadarshi Dash.

5. Indian Ocean: Biodiversity and Traditional Medicinal Knowledge edited by Ameenah Gurib Fakima&K. Ravi Sreenivas.

A commemorative postage stamp on Indian Ocean and 1000th year of coronation of Rajendra Chola-I was released by Mr. Tilak Dey, Chief Post Master General, Odisha Circle, Dept. of Posts, Govt. Of Odisha.

The Indian Ocean Research Centre (IORC), a new chapter of ISCS, was formally launched, the logo of which was unveiled by the Minister of External Affairs.

Keynote Address: Mr. R.N. Ravi, Prime Minister Office, Govt. Of India.

Important speaker: Mr. SumithNakhandala, Secretary General, BIMSTEC, Dhaka.

Vote of Thanks: Prof. H.P. Das, Secretary, Organizing Committee.

In the evening, a cultural programme showcasing Burmese Culture was held at Vatika of Hotel Mayfair Lagoon.

A Roundtable Meet with the IOR ambassadors was held immediately after the cultural program.

Day 2

Plenary Session I

Topic: Historical Linkages and Cultural Networks in IORA

Chair: Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge

Speakers:
Prof. Kishore Basa, Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar, India
Prof. J.F.Salles, Archaeologist, Institut Francais du Proche- Orient, Amman, France
Prof. Ranabir Chakrabarty, Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Prof. P.Shanmugam,University of Madras, Chennai

Plenary Session- II
Topic: Regional Maritime and Energy in Indian Ocean
Chair: Mr. Saurav Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Speakers:

Prof. Dennis Rumley, Prof. of Indian Ocean Studies, Distinguished Fellow, Curtin University, Western Australia

Dr. Francis Kornegay, Senior Research Fellow IGD, UNISA & Global Fellow, the Wilson Centre, South Africa

Dr. David Lang,Analyst and Editor of ASPI’s blog, Australian Strategic Policy Institute,Australia

Prof. C. Rajamohan,Head, Strategic Studies and Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, India

Dr. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos,Chief Executive,South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), Johannesburg, South Africa

Parallel Session-I

IA: Topic: Trade Linkages: Routes, Commodities and Merchants
Chair: Mrs. Rila Mukherjee, Prof. Institute de Chandernagore

Speakers :

Mr. Sumith Nakhandala, Secretary, BIMSTEC, Dhaka
Dr. Suchandra Ghosh, Prof. Of History, University of Calcutta
Dr. RadhikaSeshan, Prof., University of Pune
Dr. V. Selva Kumar, Prof Tamil University, India
IB: Topic: Religion and Literature: Buddhism, Brahmanism, Epics and Secular Literature in Sanskrit
Chair: Prof. Ranabir Chakraborty, JNU, New Delhi.

Speakers :

Chair: Prof. Ranabir Chakraborty, JNU, New Delhi.

Mr. Le Lien Thi, Institute of Archaeology, VASS, Vietnam.
Dr. Sunil Pattanaik, Secretary, Odisha Institute of Maritime and SE Asian Studies, Bhubaneswar.
Dr. AmarjivaLOchan, Prof., University of Delhi
Ms. ChotimaChaturawong, Prof. Silpakorn University, Thailand
Lt. Cdr. Kalesh Mohan, Indian Navy
IC: Topic: Migration and Diaspora in the Indian Ocean Realm
Chair: Md. Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh.

Speakers:

Mr. Shriharan SatchidhanandanPillay, First Secretary (Political), South African High Commission, New Delhi.
Dr. Premalatha Karupiah, Prof., University Sains, Malaysia.
Dr. Pheroze Nowrojee, Asian African Heritage Trust, Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr. Sunil Gupta, Allahabad Museum

Parallel Session II
IIA: Topic: Maritime and Humanitarian Issues
Chair: Amb. Rajiv Bhatia, Director General, ICWA, New Delhi

Speakers :

Prof. P.V. Rao, Visiting Prof., NALSAR, University of Law, Hyderabad
Dr. I Made Andi Arsana, Lecturer and Researcher, UniversitasGadjahMada, Indonesia
Admiral Arun Kumar Singh, Former Flag Officer, Commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam.
Dr. Samir Pradhasn, Senior Consultant, UAE .
IIB: Topic: Nontraditional Security Issues

Chair: Maj Gen (Prof.) Nilendra Kumar, Director, Amity Law School, Amity University, Noida
Speakers :

Prof. GVC Naidu, Prof., JNU, New Delhi.
Dr. Mrs. Ebtesam AlKetbi, President, Emirates Policy Centre, UAE
Dr. Monika Chansoria, Senior Fellow, CLAWS, New Delhi
John Antony Jingu, Lecturer, University Dares Salaam, Tanzania
IIC: Topic: Resources, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Chair: Mr. Sandeep Chakraborty, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh
Speakers:

Dr. RuchitaBeri, Research Officer, IDSA, New Delhi.
Dr. Lydia Powell, Head, Centre for Resources Management, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. Dr. Uttam Sinha, Research Fellow, IDSA, New Delhi
Dr. Pankaj Jha, Director, (Research), ICWA, New Delhi.
In the evening, a cultural programme was organized at Rani Gumpha, Udaygiri. It was a dance programme based on the synchronization of seven Indian classical dance forms inspired by Ms. Kumkum Mohanty, a dance exponent of Odisha.

Day 3 Plenary session III:

Topic: Regional Economic Cooperation in Trade and Investment in IORA
Speakers:

Prof. S.K. Mohanty, Prof., RIS, New Delhi .
Dr. Saman Kalegama, Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka .
Dr. H. Purushotham, Chairman & Managing Director, NRDC, New Delhi .
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Additional Director, Research, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dhaka. Bangladesh, Prof. V.N. Attri, Indian Ocean Chair Professor, IORA, Mauritius .

Parallel Session III:
IIIA: Topic: Sectoral Cooperation
Chair: Amb. A.N. Ram, Former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs
Speakers:

Dr. Bala Pisupati, Former Chairman, National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai.
Mr. Raveen Eknakye, Research Officer, IPS, Sri Lanka.
Mr. T.C. James, visiting fellow, RIS, Dr. Ranjit Rath, Engineers India Ltd.
Dr. Priyadarshi Dash, Research Associate, RIS

IIIB: Topic: Blue Economy
Chair: Md. Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh
Speakers:


Dr. Anjan Datta, Adviser, ICCCAD and CEGIS, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Mary Ann Palma-Robles, Prof., University of Wollongong, Australia
Dr. Alex Benkenstein, Programme Manager, SAIIA, South Africa
Prof. Dr. R. Ramesh, Chairman, LOICZ SSC & Director, National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Anna University
Mr. Rahman Jahingir, Editorial Consultant, Financial Express, Dhaka, Bangladesh


IIIC: Topic: B2B
Speakers:

Prof. K. Narayanan, Prof. Of Economics, IIT, Mumbai
Mr. Salim JumeeaSulaiman Al Senaidi, Deputy Manager, OCCI
Dr, Saikat Sinha Roy, Associate Prof, J.U.
Dr. Jaya Josie, Head, BRICS Centre, South Africa,
Mr. S.K. Mahapatra, Director, DPCL, Bhubaneswar.
Valedictory Session:

Chief Guest of the session was H.E. S.C. Jamir, Governor of Odisha.
Presentation of Bhubaneswar Declaration by Prof. S.K. Mohanty.
Valedictory address was given by Shri Manohar Parikar, Hon’ble Minister of Defense, Govt. Of India.
A special address was delivered by Governor of Odisha.
A vote of thanks was delivered by the chairman of the organizing committee.

The first Plenary Session of the conference titled “ Historical Linkages and Cultural Networks in IORA” was inaugurated by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charges), Government of India. On this occasion a few books written by reputed academicians were released by the Hon’ble Minster. During this session, eminent speakers shared their thoughts about the Historical Linkages and Cultural Networks in IORA. Prof. Kishore Basa of Utkal University , Bhubaneswar , India initiated the discussion, followed by Prof. J.F.Salles, Archaeologist, Institut Francais du Proche- Orient,Amman, France, who elaborately explicated his thoughts about “ Sailing from the Mediterranean to India, Alexander Augustus times”. The next speaker Prof. Ranabir Chakroborty of Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University , in his presentation, spoke on the topic of “ Jewish Merchants in the Indian Ocean during the 1000-1300 CE period. The last speaker of the session Prof. P.Shanmugam , in his articulate lecture, discussed the “ 1000th Anniversary of Rajendra Chola 1’s Coronation and its significance.

The second Plenary Session themed on ” Regional Maritime and Energy Security in Indian Ocean” was chaired by Amb. A.N.Ram, Former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.A group of eminent personalities present on the podium discussed various aspects of Regional Maritime and Energy Security in Indian Ocean. The discussion was initiated by Prof. Dennis Rumley, Professor of Indian Ocean Studies, Distinguished Research Fellow, Curtin University, Western Australia, who spoke elaborately on “ Building an Indian Ocean Maritime Security Regime” . The next Speaker Dr. Francis Kornegay, Senior Research Fellow,IGD,UNISA & Global Fellow, the Wilson Centre, South Africa, spoke in detail about “ Changing Security Environment in Indian Ocean Region : Relooking the Effectiveness of Existing Regional and Sub- Regional Initiatives”. He was followed by Dr. David Lang, Analyst and Editor of Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Australia who shared his thoughts about “ The Emerging Security Landscape in the Indian Ocean: Evolving Architecture of Cooperation- IORA, IONS etc.”. The next distinguished speaker Prof. Rajamohan, Head, Strategic Studies and Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, India eloquently discussed about “ Indian Ocean and Indo- Pacific: Competing Geo- Political Discources” The session ended with an eminently illuminating deliberation of Dr. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive, South African Institute of International Affairs, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The third and the final Plenary Session focused on the theme of “ Regional Economic Cooperation in Trade and Investment in IORA”, was chaired by Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS, India. Commencing the discussion ,Prof. S.K .Mohanti ,RIS, New Delhi, India spoke about the “ Time for Deeper Regional Trade Integration: Assessment of Trade Potential in IORA” The next speaker, Dr. Saman Kelegama, Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies , Colombo, SriLanka discussed on “ IORA: Successes , Failures & Challenges”Dr. H. Purushotham , Chairman & Managing Director, National Research Development Corporation, New Delhi, India in his deliberation focused on “ Scientific Cooperation and Technology Transfer in Indian Ocean Rim Association: An Indian Perspective”. The next distinguished speaker, Dr. Khondakar Golam Moazeem, Additional Director, Research , Centre for Policy Dialogue, Dhaka, Bangladesh spoke on “ Beyond Tarriff : Protectionism trough Non – Tariff Barriers in IORA Countries”.The session ended with the speech of V.N Attri , Indian Ocean Chair, Mauritius ,whose deliberation was based on the topic “Landscape of Energy Scenario in IORA”

The parallel session started with the end of the plenary sessions. Parallel session 1A, themed on “ Trade Linkages : Routes, Commodities and Merchants”, was chaired by Prof. Rila Mukherjee, Institute de Chandernagore, University of Hyderabad, India. Discussion was initiated by Mr. Sumith Nakandala, Secretary General , BIMSTEC,Dhaka, Bangladesh. He was followed by Dr. Suchandra Ghosh, Professor of Ancient Indian History and Culture, University of Calcutta , who spoke on “ India Cotton Trade across Indian Ocean(Ancient Ocean)”.The next speaker Prof. Radhika Seshan, University of Pune,India discussed “ Cotton Trade across Indian Ocean( Medieval Period)”. The session ended with the speech of Dr. V. Selva Kumar, Professor, Tamil University, India, whose articulate presentation was based on “ Ancient Maritime Connections of Tamizhagam in South India and their Historical Implication”

Parallel Session IB “ Religion and Literature: Buddhism, Brahmanism, Epics and Secular Literature in Sanskrit” was chaired by Prof. Ranabir Chakroborty, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. The discussion was commenced by Ms. Le Lien Thi, Institute of Archaeology,VASS,Vietnam, who spoke on “ Vietnam Gold Leaf( Deities)”. She was followed by Dr. Sunil Pattanaik, Secretary , Odisha, Institute of Maritime and SE Asian Studies, Bhubaneshwar, India, who made an educative presentation on “ Buddhism & Maritime Heritage: A Study on East & South – East Asian Context”. The next distinguished speaker Dr. Amarjiva Lochan, Professor, University of Delhi, Delhi, India ,expounded in detail on “ Ramayana in Arts of South East Asia”. Professor Chotima Chaturawong, Silpakorn University, Thailand, made a comprehensive presentation on “ Buddhist Architecture of Buddha Shrines in Thailand and Myanmar during 14-15 centuries”. The session ended with the speech of Lt. Cdr. Calais Mohan, Deputy Director, Naval History Division, Ministry of Defense (Navy), New Delhi, India.

Parallel session IC “ Migration and Diaspora in the Indian Ocean Realm” was chaired by Mr. Md. Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh. The discussion started with the educative presentation of MR. Shridharan Satchidhanandan Pillay, First Secretary(Political),South African High Commission, New Delhi, India on “ A shared History: India- South Africa Civilisational Partnership” . She was followed by Prof. Premlata Karupiah, University Sains, Malaysia ,who spoke on “ Diaspora, Migration, Cultural and Social Changes in the IORA: Expriences from Malaysia”. The next speaker, D. Pheroze Nowrojee, Asian African Heritage Trust, Nairobi, Kenya presented his indepth view on “ One Diaspora Many Identities: The Asia- Africa Experiences in Kenya”. The session ended with the presentation of Dr. Sunil Gupta, Allahabad Museum, Allahabad ,India who enlightened the audience about “ The Bay of Bengal Interaction Sphere: Techno- Cultural Transmission;Migrations& Indic Diaspora in SE Asia & Beyond( 500 BC -AD 700).

Parallel Session IIA “ Maratime and Humanitarian Issues” was chaired by Amb. Rajiv Bhatia, Director General,ICWA, New Delhi, India. Starting the discussion Prof. P.V.Rao, Visiting Professor, NALSAR,University of Law, Hyderabad, India commenced the discussion by presenting his views on “ Maritime Security Climate in Indian Ocean: Geo – Political and Regional Perception”. The next distinguished speaker Dr. I Made Andi Arsana, Lecturer and Researcher, Universitas Gadjah Mada, gave an interesting deliberation on “Indonesia – Challenges of Maritime Security Strategy in the Indian Ocean”. Admiral Arun Kumar Singh, Former Flag Officer Commanding –in –Chief of the Easterrn Naval Command, Visakhapatnam, India addressed in detail the “ Institutional Mechanism for the Search and Rescue Operations in IOR”. The session ended with the articulate deliberation of Dr. Shahriar Kabir, Bangladesh , themed on the”Security Issue of Bangladesh”

Parallel Session IIB “ Non – Traditional Security Issues” was chaired by Major.Gen. (Prof.) Nilendra Kumar , Director, Amity Law School, Amity University, Noida, India. Initiating the discussion Prof. GVC Naidu of JNU , New Delhi, India ,spoke on “ Challenges of Non Traditional Security in IORA”. The next speaker , Dr. Monika Chansoria, Senior Fellow, CLAWS, New Delhi, India, made an excellent presentation on “ Maritime Terrorism and Piracy: Implications for Regional Stability in IORA” .The session ended with the speech of Dr. John Antony Jingu, University Dares Salaam, Tanzania, who shared his views on “ Towards Formalizing Counter – Terrorism Strategy in the Indian Ocean Rim: An African Perspective”

Parallel Session IIC “ Resources, Clime Change and Sustainable Development” was chaired by Mr. Sandeep Chakraborty, Deputy High Commissioner of India in New Delhi, India. Commencing the discussion , Dr. Ruchita Beri, Research Officer, IDSA, Naker, made an interesting presentation on “ Energy Security Issues in the Indian Ocean” The next speaker Dr. Sanjay Deshmukh, Professor of Life Sciences, University of Life Sciences, University of Mumbai, India gave a compendious speech. He was followed by Dr. Uttam Sinha, Research Fellow,IDSA,New Delhi, India who cogently presented his views on “ Climate Change and Littoral States”. The next distinguished speaker,Dr. Pankaj Jha, Director

( Research),ICWA,New Delhi,India , expounded about “ Mineral Exploration and Sustainable Development in Indian Ocean”. The session ended with the well-researched presentation of Dr. Samir Pradhan, Senior Consultant , UAE on “ Geo- Politics of Energy in Indian Ocean”

Parallel Session IIA “ Sectoral Cooperation” was chaired by Amb. A.N.Ram, Former Secretary , Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The discussion started with the speech of Dr. Bala Pisupati, Former Chairman, National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai, India, on “Environmental Concerns in IORA”.The next speaker, Mr. Raveen Ekanayake, Research Officer,IPS,Sri Lanka, presented his thoughts on “ Institutional Mechanisms for Promoting Trade and Investment in Knowledge –Based Industries in the IORA Region” . The following Speaker , Mr. T.C.James, Visiting Fellow,RIS,New Delhi, India , spoke on “ Access to Medicinal Plants: Policy Issues”. The next distinguished speaker Dr. Ranjit Rath, Engineers India Limited , New Delhi, India presented his views on “ Inventory Stockpiling of Crude Oil as an Intervention Towards Energy Security Resilience”. The session ended with the erudite presentation of Dr. Priyadarshi Dash, Research Associate,RIS, New Delhi, India on “ Infrastructure Investment in IORA”

Parallel Session IIIB “ Blue Economy” was chaired by Mr. Md. Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh. Initiating the discussion, Dr. Anjan Datta, Adviser,ICCCAD andCEGIS, Dhaka, Bangladesh , spoke on “ Blue Economy – A Sustainable Development Framework in the context of Bangladesh” . The next Speaker, Prof. Mary Ann Palma- Robles, University of Wollongong , Australia ,presented her thoughts on “Trends and Regional Prespectives on Fisheries Sector Governance Architecture in IORA” . The following speech was delivered by Dr. Alex Benkenstein , Program Manager, SAIIA,South Africa, focused on “ Ocean Resources Management in IORA”. The next distinguished speaker, Prof. R. Ramesh, Chair LOICZ SSC&Director , National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management,Anna University , India ,shared his views on “ Potential of Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean Rim Association : Opportunities and Challenges”. The Session ended with the compendious speech of Mr. Rahman Jahangir, Editorial Consultant, Financial Express, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Parallel session “IIICB2B” was chaired by Dr. Saman Kelegama, Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Mr. Ruv. Herman Kasili, Chairman, Bungoma Country Branch, National Director, The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Kenya initiated the discussion by speaking on “ Environment in Indian Ocean Region”. The next speaker , Prof. K. Narayanan , Professor of Economics , Department of HSS,IIT Bombay, India made a well thought out presentation ,focused on the theme of ” University to Business Linkages: R&D and Product Development in a Regional Perspective” . He was followed by Dr. Saikat Sinha Roy, Associate Professor, Jadavpur University, Kolkata , India, who made a compendious speech on “B2B in the Indian Ocean Region” . The next distinguished speaker , Dr. Jaya Josie, Head,BRICS Centre, South Africa , shared hers view on “ Changing Business Environment in IORA: Lessons from India – South Africa Economic Relations”. The session ended with the well- considered presentation of Mr. Subrat Tripathy, Director Dharma Port Company Ltd.(DPCL),Bhubaneswar, India on “ Maritime Opportunities in Eastern Region of India : A Special Reference to Odisha”

The Valedictory session started with the welcome remarks of Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, Research and Information System for Developing Countries(RIS). It was followedby the Presentation of “ Bhubaneswar Declaration” by Prof. S.K .Mohanty. The valedictory address was delivered by Sri Monohar Parikar, Hon’ble Minister of Defence , Government of India. The special address was given by H.E Dr. S.C. Jamir, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha.The session ended with the Vote of Thanks by Sri H.P.Das, Chairman, Reception Committee.

The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) along with Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), Dhaka and Institute of Art & Culture (IAC), Dhaka organized an international seminar on “Growth & Development of Architecture of Bengal” and a photo exhibition titled “Glimpses of Bangladesh” by Arindam Mukherjee at BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka on 22nd December, 2012.

The seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Hasanul Haq Inu, Hon’ble Minister of Information, Govt. of Bangladesh. The key-note address was delivered by H.E. Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty, Acting High Commissioner of India in Bangladesh. Other speakers were Mr. Ankan Banerjee, Director, Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, Ms. Ishrat Akhond, Director & Founder Trustee, Institute of Art & Culture, Dhaka and Mr. Arindam Mukherjee, Secretary, ISCS. All the speakers highlighted the importance of organizing such seminars and urged upon the need for creating awareness for preservation of the historical monuments representing the growth and development of common cultural heritage of undivided Bengal.

The Academic Session - I was chaired by Dr. Shyamal Kanti Chakraborty, former Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata and former director, National Library, Kolkata. Mr. Nurur Rahaman Khan, Architect Painter, Tania Karim of N.R. Khan & Associates presented before the audience the beauty and completeness of various ancient historical structures of Bangladesh and explained how the modern architectures were inspired by those creations.

Dr. M. Shahidul Ameen, Prof., Dept. of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Eng. and Technology (BUET) presented a paper on Architecture of Paharpur Bauddha Vihara of Bangladesh. Dr. Durga Basu, Associate Prof., Dept. of Archaeology, University of Calcutta in her paper “Growth and Development of Temple Development of West Bengal” discussed in detail the urbanization and architecture of temples in Gangetic West Bengal. Dr. Seema Haque, Prof & Chairman, Dept. of Archaeology, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka delivered a speech on the development of Buddhist Architecture in Bengal.

In the Academic Session - II, Dr. Sufi Motafizur Rahaman, Prof. of Archaeology, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, presented his paper entitled “Architecture of Wari-Bateswar”. Mr. Arindam Mukherjee, Secretary, ISCS presented his paper on “Shakti Peethas in Bangladesh with special reference to archaeological evidences” and emphasized their proper preservation.

Mr. Rajesh Purohit, Director, Allahabad Museum, Allahabad presented his paper “Sub-continental Architecture as Religious and Environmental Idioms: Study on Brick and Bamboo Architecture of Bengal” discussed about the archaeological treasures of the sub-continent and showed how the architecture became the matrix of civilization and changed with the growth of knowledge.

Dr. Shyamal Kanti Chakraborty, in his paper “Architecture in late medieval capitals and colonies of Bengal” explained the change of pattern of architecture with the change of rulers.

The photography exhibition by Arindam Mukherjee was inaugurated by Mr. Enam Ul Haque, a renowned nature photographer of Bangladesh at IAC premises, Gulshan, Dhaka.

The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) in collaboration with ICCR, organized an International seminar on Indo-Bangladesh Cultural Relations followed by exhibition of photographs titled “Glimpses of Bangladesh” 30th November, 2012 at ICCR, New Delhi.

The seminar was attended by dignitaries from different spheres of activity, both from India and Bangladesh. It was inaugurated by Mr. Suresh Kumar Goel, Director General, ICCR. In his key note address, he praised the effort to maintain good relationship between these neighboring countries.The inauguration sessions was followed by an academic session.

The speakers of the seminar were

• Dr. Syed Anwar Hussein, Prof. Dept. of History, Dhaka University
• Mr. Rajeet Mitter, former High Commissioner of India of Bangladesh
• Mr. Sarwar Ali, Trustee, Liberation War Museum,Vice President, Chyanat, Bangladesh
• Mr. Manash Ghosh, Editor, Dainik Statesman, Kolkata.

All the speakers almost echoed the same view that that the reforms of religion were part of culture of any nation. Cultural relations between both the nations would remain good when people of both the countries would take it in positive attitude through continuous exchange of views.

In the evening of the same day, the photographic exhibition by Sri Arindam Mukherjee was inaugurated by DG, ICCR. The exhibition covered photographs of Buddhist sites, major festivals, Shaki Peeths, zamindari mansions, pilgrimage sites, other religious sites were displayed. All the visitors appreciated this great effort. The exhibition continued upto 5th December, 2012.

The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) organized exhibition and seminar at Shillong on 10th October, 2012 as a second event under the exhibition cum seminar series in collaboration with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIS), Kolkata, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture, Shillong, Calcom Cement and ICCR at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture, Shillong.
The photo Exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Shri Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya. The key note address was delivered by Dr. B.B. Dutta, former Rajya Sabha M.P. and Chairman, Shri Aurobinda Institute of Indian Culture. The exhibition continued till 13th October, 2012.

The seminar was addressed by Mr. Shahriar Kabir, famous Journalist and Writer of Bangladesh and Mr. Mesbah Kamal, Prof. of History, Dhaka University and Secretary General of National Coalition for Indigenous People, Bangladesh. Other important persons who addressed the seminar were:

• Dr. Glen Kharkongor, Vice Chancellor, Martin Luther Christian University
• Dr. K.C. Boral, Prof. and Director, English and Foreign Language University
• Prof. Keya Senguptsa, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management, Shillong
• Ms. W.A.M. Booth, Director, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Shillong
• Dr. G.P. Sandilya, Director, ISCS
• Shri Arindam Mukherjee, Secretary, ISCS

The inaugural session was followed by two academic sessions. The first academic session was chaired by Prof. Debashis Chowdhury, Principal, Women’s College, Shillong. The following academicians read their papers:

• Dr. B.D.R. Tewari, IAS, Director, Programme Implementation and Evaluation, Meghalaya
• Dr. Shah Noorur Rahaman, Dept. of History, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong
• Ms. Rimika Lanong, Research Scholar, Dept. of Creative & Cultural Studies, North Eastern Hill University
• Mr. Shahriar Kabir, Bangladesh

At the end of the session, dinner was hosted by Mr. Charles Pyngrope, Hon’ble speaker, Meghalaya Assembly. Mr. Mukul Shangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister highlighted the necessity of organizing such programme for strengthening people-to-people contact.

The Institute organized an exhibition of photographs titled “Glimpses of Bangladesh“ and an International Seminar on “Indo-Bangladesh Cultural Relations” on 28th May, 2012.

The exhibition of photographs on “Glimpses of Bangladesh” by Sri Arindam Mukherjee was inaugurated by Mr. Ganesh Haloi, an eminent painter, in the Bengal Gallery of RTC, ICCR, Kolkata. The exhibition continued for 4 days till 31-May-2012. More than 300 photographs, covering Rabindranath Thakur’s dwellings, Buddhist sites, major festivals, Shaki Piths, Zamindari mansions, Pilgrimage sites, other religious sites and misc. were displayed. All the visitors appreciated such an endeavor.

Along With this exhibition an international seminar on “Indo-Bangladesh Cultural Relation” was held at Satyajit Ray Auditorium of the RTC. More than 200 delegate of both the countries from various disciplines attended the seminar.

Sri Arindam Mukherjee, Secretary, ISCS, in his welcome speech, deliberated on the objective of holding such an exhibition and shared his experience about thousand years of old cultural heritage spread throughout Bangladesh.

In his presidential speech Justice Chittatosh Mukherjee emphasized, among other issues, the need for more such exhibitions in the context of present day situation.

Mr. Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty, Special Secretary (Public Diplomacy), Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, in his key note address, described the evolution of Bengali as a language starting from the 11th century. He said that the use of Bangla was found in the writings of Patanjali, Batsayan and other historical texts. He also mentioned the present Government’s policy to strengthen the relation between the countries.

Smt. Bharati Roy, Vice President, ICCR and special guest of the seminar, felt proud for Bangladesh for keeping Bengali language and culture alive. She emphasized the need to motivate the young generation to understand the roots of Bengali culture and also to show respect to other religions.

Smt. Abida Islam, Dy. High Commissioner, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Kolkata cited some value-driven cultural programme in both the countries.

Mr. Shahriar Kabir, Eminent Writer and Journalist said that despite the political division of the country the people of the two parts of divided Bengal continue to feel mental affinities towards each other. Both the countries have identical roots since ancient times. But it remains the same even though it has gone through transformations over the years.

Mr. Pranab Ranjan Roy, eminent art historian and critique, explained that the reforms of religion is a part of culture of any nation, Culture relations of both the nations would remain good when people of both the countries would take it in positive attitude through continuous exchange of views.

The vote of thanks was given by Dr. G.P. Sandilya, Director of ISCS.

The Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS), Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata and South Asian People’s Union against Fundamentalism & Communalism, Bangladesh in collaboration with Public Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India organized an international seminar on “Four Decades of Mukto Bangladesh and Indo-Bangladesh Relations” on 16DEC - 18 Dec’2011 at ICCR, Kolkata.

The main seminar was inaugurated by Lt. General (Retd.) J.F.R. Jacob. The session was addressed by various personalities such as:

• Mr. Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty, Special Secretary, PD Div., MEA, Govt of India.
• Mr. S.K. Chakraborty, Chief Post Master General, West Bengal.
• Dr. Sreeradha Dutta, Director, MAKAIAS, Kolkata.
• Mrs. Veena Sikri, Former High Commissioner of Bangladesh.
• Mr. Shahriar Kabir, Writer and Film maker, Bangladesh.
• Dr. Sarwar Ali, Trustee, Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh.
• Sri Subhaprasanna, Artist.
• Dr. G.P.Sandilya, Director, ISCS.
• Mr. Arindam Mukherjee, Secretary, ISCS.

A special postal cover to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Liberation of Bangladesh was released by the Post Master General on this occasion.
A commemorative volume, containing articles by eminent writers and important documents and pictures relating to Liberation war of Bangladesh edited by Dr. Tapan kumar Pan and Mr. Arindam Mukherjee, was also released on behalf of ISCS.
The session was followed by a cultural programme.
A book exhibition cum sales counter was opened at the seminar hall by the popular publishers of Bangladesh to exhibit books on Liberation War. Session I (17th December)
Theme: Prospect of Indo-Bangladesh Trade Relations

Speakers: :

• Mr. Rajeet Mitter, Former High Commissioner of Bangladesh
• Mr. Satyam Roy Chowdhury, MD, Techno India Group
• Mr. Nirmal Kanti Guha, Secretary, Association of Iron & Steel Technologists, India
• Ms. Bibi Russel, Eminent Fashion Designer of Bangladesh

Session II (17th December)
Theme: Indo-Bangladesh Cultural Relations

Speakers:

• Mr. Asish Banerjee, Advisor, INTAC
• Dr. Swapna Bhattacharjee (Chakraborty), Prof. Dept. of South and South-East Asian Studies, Calcutta University
• Ms. Bibi Russel, Eminent Fashion Designer of Bangladesh
• Mr. Sarwar Ali, Trustee, Muktiyuddha Yadughar, Bangladesh

Session III (17th December)
Theme: Inter–Regional Relations and Indo-Bangladesh

Speakers:

• Sri Sunanda Sanyal, Eminent Educationist
• Ms. Aroma Dutta, Executive Director, PRIP Trust, Bangladesh
• Mr. Shahriar Kabir, Eminent Writer and Journalist, Bangladesh
• Mr. Jayanta Roy, Ex-Director, and MAKAIAS.

This session was followed by a cultural programme by Sangeet Bhawan, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Session IV (18th December)
Theme: National Security and Indo-Bangladesh Relations

Speakers:

• Mr. Manas Ghosh, Editor, Dainik Statesman
• Mr. Shyamal Dutta, Former Director, IB, Govt. of India and Former Governor of Nagaland
• Maj. Ziauddin Ahmed (Retd), Convener, Save Sundarban Programme, Bangladesh
• Dr. Ms. Santishree D. Pandit, Prof. Dept. of Politics and Public Administration, University of Pune.

Session V (18th December)
Theme: Environmental Issues and Indo-Bangladesh Relations

Speakers:

• Dr. Jayanta Bandyopadhyay, Prof. and Head, CDEP, PP&M, IIM, Kolkata
• Mr. Anurag Danda, Head, Sundarban, WWF
• Maj. Ziauddin Ahmed (Retd), Liberation Warrior, Sub Sector Commander, Sector 9 and Convener, Save Sunderban Programme

The valedictory session titled “India Bangladesh Relations - the Path Ahead” was chaired by General (Retd.) Shankar Roychowdhury. The other speakers were Prof. Omprakash Mishra, Dept. of International Relations, Jadavpur University, H.E. Mr. Mustafir Rahaman, Dy. High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Prof. Muntassir Mamoon, Author, Historian and Scholar of Bangladesh, Mr. Haseem Khan, Painter, Ms. Aroma Dutta and Dr. G.P. Sandilya, Director, ISCS.

The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Aswini Pahari, Secretary, Organizing Committee.

Immediately after the session there was a show of “Duhsamayer Bandhu”, a documentary by Mr. Shahriar Kabir based on India’s contribution to Bangladesh War.

Another attraction was a five day exhibition which had two sections. One section contained rare collection of photographs and documents related to Liberation War of Bangladesh and the other section had the paintings and sculptures by the artists of India.