Shimla, November 5, 2024
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, hosted the prestigious 9th Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Lecture (RTML), a distinguished academic event focusing on India and Europe’s evolving cultural relationship. This year’s lecture was delivered by Dr. Oscar Pujol Riembau, the Director of Instituto Cervantes, New Delhi, under the theme “India and Europe: Facing Mirrors, Merging Reflections.”
The event commenced with a formal lamp lighting ceremony, followed by a welcome address by Professor Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Director of IIAS. Professor ShashiPrabha Kumar, Chairperson of IIAS, also graced the occasion with her presidential remarks, emphasizing the relevance of intellectual exchange in understanding global cultures.
Dr. Pujol’s insightful lecture explored the historical interactions and ongoing dialogues between India and Europe. He emphasized the initial “forced encounter” during colonialism, which has since evolved into a complex relationship filled with mutual learning. Dr. Pujol highlighted the potential for collaboration between India and Europe, suggesting that the future holds promise for fruitful dialogue that transcends colonial legacies. Drawing upon both history and philosophy, Dr. Pujol reflected on the contrasts and convergences between the two civilizations. His narrative stressed how India’s ancient tradition of non-dualism offers a path for reconciliation and a way beyond dualistic confrontations.
The event also brought forth reflections on the ongoing dialogue between India and Europe, as characterized by mutual curiosity and cultural exchange. Dr. Pujol drew upon the recent presentation at Instituto Cervantes, where the Kashmiri translation of Don Quixote—originally translated by Pandit Nityanand Shastri in 1936—was revisited. This highlighted the rich historical exchanges of literature and culture that continue to shape relations between these regions.
The lecture concluded with Dr. Pujol discussing the philosophy of non-dualism, as previously articulated by Dr. Karan Singh, to illustrate how both societies can benefit from viewing the world beyond dichotomies like tradition versus modernity or North versus South. This nuanced approach invited attendees to consider how India and Europe can move towards a new paradigm of intercultural cooperation in a globalized world.
After the lecture, Mr. Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary of IIAS, offered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude towards all participants and especially Dr. Oscar Pujol for his thought-provoking discourse. The session concluded with the national anthem and an opportunity for informal discussions over tea.
The 9th Tagore Memorial Lecture highlighted the Institute’s commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and intellectual discourse, staying true to Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of embracing diversity and unity in the quest for knowledge.
*Abstract of Lecture:*
The lecture, titled “India and Europe: Facing Mirrors, Merging Reflections,” was a profound exploration of the relationship between India and Europe over the last few centuries. Dr. Pujol emphasized the converging mirrors of colonial history and the continued interactions through the contemporary web of international relations. He elaborated on the philosophical reflections involving thinkers like Tagore and Dr. Karan Singh, advocating for the transcendence of the colonial past towards a future based on mutual respect and shared philosophical dialogues.
*About Dr. Oscar Pujol Riembau:*
Dr. Oscar Pujol, an esteemed Sanskrit scholar and Director of Instituto Cervantes, New Delhi, has made significant contributions to Sanskrit literature. His scholarly works include translations of ancient Sanskrit texts such as Hymn to the Earth from the Atharvaveda, The Love Thief by Bilhana, and The Yogasutra of Patanjali. Dr. Pujol’s efforts in fostering Indo-Spanish relations have been instrumental in promoting cultural and academic exchanges.
*RTML@IIAS*
To pay a tribute to the man of letters, Nobel Laureate, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, on his 150th birth anniversary, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has set up a ‘Tagore Centre for the Study of Culture and Civilization’ (TCSCC) at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla. The Centre was inaugurated by Shri Pranab Mukherjee then Hon’ble President of India on 24 May 2013 at Shimla. On this occasion he also delivered the First Rabindranath Tagore Lecture (RTML). This was the 9th lecture in series today.
