IGNCA Hosts Dr Kapila Vatsyayan Memorial Lecture and Textile Exhibition
On December 29, 2025, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) held the Dr Kapila Vatsyayan Memorial Lecture at the prestigious Samvet Auditorium. The event, organized by the Kala Nidhi Division, featured a thought-provoking speech titled “Aatmbodh se Vishvabodh” (From Self-Realisation to Universal Awareness), delivered by Dr Bhagesh Vasudev Jha, a retired IAS officer and current Chairman of the Gujarat Sahitya Academy.
Chairing the session was Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, the President of the IGNCA Trust. The event began with a welcome address from Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, who emphasized Dr Vatsyayan’s legacy as the founding Member Secretary of the centre and celebrated scholar of Indian culture, art, and spirituality, who was honored with the Padma Vibhushan award. The annual lecture serves as a tribute to her remarkable contributions.
Prior to the lecture, attendees visited the exhibition ‘Abhivyakti: Expressions of the Loom from the Vault of a Visionary’ at the IGNCA’s Darshanam I and II Galleries. Curated by textile archivist Ms Sareekah Agarwaal, the exhibition showcases a selection from Dr Kapila Vatsyayan’s personal textile collection, emphasizing textiles as vital carriers of memory and tradition. The exhibition will remain available for public viewing until January 7, 2026.
During his lecture, Dr Jha articulated his views on the pressing identity crisis faced by contemporary society, discussing the underlying factors contributing to global conflicts, including the Israel–Hamas war and the Russia–Ukraine clash. He referenced various thinkers, contrasting the time-bound nature of modern ideologies with the enduring wisdom of Indian philosophy. In addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Dr Jha framed it as a testament to the importance of self-awareness in today’s tech-driven world.
Dr Jha drew connections to spiritual texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, emphasizing concepts such as “Aham Brahmasmi” and “Tat Tvam Asi,” which promote liberation from negative emotions. He urged that true self-awareness encompasses not just intellectual understanding but deep experiential knowledge, reiterating that Indian thought perceives life as an ongoing journey.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr Joshi highlighted Dr Vatsyayan’s longstanding ties with IGNCA and the role she played in fostering a culture of mutual respect and learning. He expressed hopes that both the memorial lecture and exhibition would provide audiences with enriching insights. Prof. (Dr) Ramesh Chandra Gaur emphasized the importance of preserving and showcasing personal collections of scholars, explaining that the Abhivyakti exhibition serves as a testament to IGNCA’s commitment to cultural heritage.
The well-attended event drew scholars, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts alike, showcasing the vibrant discourse surrounding Indian art and culture while honoring the legacy of Dr Kapila Vatsyayan and her contributions to the nation’s artistic traditions.
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