Guwahati, May 22: The Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, New Delhi, in association with the Department of English, Royal School of Languages, The Assam Royal Global University (RGU), organised the 12th edition of Kala Samvad, a distinguished lecture-cum-discussion series, today at Jyoti Mancha on the university campus.
The programme was envisioned to commemorate the inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in April 2025. The theme of this edition was “Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra: Cultural Treasures of Humanity.”
A panel discussion on the theme was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Hon’ble Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, in the august presence of Dr. Dhrubajyoti Borah, Chief Advisor to the Chancellor of RGU, and legendary Sattriya dance maestro Padma Bhushan Natyacharya Jatin Goswami, among many other distinguished dignitaries, academicians, artistes, and students.
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Addressing the gathering virtually, Dr. Sandhya Purecha thanked Shri Ankur Pansari, Pro Chancellor of RGU, for taking the initiative to host the prestigious programme at RGU. Emphasising the universal relevance of art and culture, she stated that art unites humanity beyond language, religion, and ideology. She remarked that the initiative was not merely an academic exercise, but a civilisational responsibility to preserve centuries of wisdom. Speaking on the significance of the Natyashastra, she noted that it is not simply a text on theatre, but a complete science encompassing life, psychology, emotions, social conduct, architecture, music, dance, literature, and many other disciplines.
The academic sessions featured insightful lectures by eminent scholars and practitioners. Shri K. Brajamani Sharma delivered an address on “Shrimad Bhagawad Gita: A Bailee of Wisdom,” while Shri Diganta Biswa Sarma spoke on “Gita’s Blueprint: The Triune Path.” Prof. Deepti Omchery Bhalla delivered a lecture on “Textual and Performative Dimensions of Natyashastra in Mohiniattam” and also presented a graceful dance demonstration that captivated the audience.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Raju Das, Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi. Prof. Pradip Jyoti Mahanta from the Royal School of Languages at RGU also addressed the august gathering.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi has been actively promoting and preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage through initiatives such as the Kala Samvad series organised across the country. The Akademi has successfully organised eleven editions of this lecture series in different parts of India, and The Assam Royal Global University was honoured to host its twelfth edition in Guwahati.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Indrani Singh Rai, Professor and Dean, Royal School of Languages, RGU.
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