National Seminar on ‘The Quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Inaugurated at IIAS, Shimla
Two-day national seminar explores Atmanirbhar Bharat through the lens of India’s past experiences, contemporary challenges and future possibilities
Shimla, September 24, 2026: The two-day National Seminar on “The Quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat: From the Past, Through the Present, to the Future” commenced today at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, bringing together an academic discourse on the evolving idea of self-reliance in India.
Being organised on September 24 and 25, 2026, the seminar seeks to examine the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the broader context of India’s rich knowledge traditions, the ideas of Swaraj and Swadeshi, Integral Humanism, and the larger vision of Viksit Bharat.
The inaugural session commenced with the National Song, setting the tone for the two-day academic deliberation. This was followed by the welcome address and an introduction to the theme by Dr Aayushi Ketkar, Assistant Professor, Special Centre for National Security Studies (SCNSS), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, who is also the Convener of the seminar. Dr Ketkar outlined the academic background, objectives and broader framework of the seminar, highlighting the need to examine self-reliance from historical, cultural, intellectual and contemporary perspectives.
The inaugural proceedings were followed by the Chair’s Address by Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Rajeev Kumar Mishra, Librarian and Academic Resource Officer, IIAS, Shimla.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Beyond Economic and Technological Self-Reliance
The conceptual framework of the seminar emphasises that the idea of Atmanirbhar Bharat cannot be confined merely to economic or technological self-reliance. It also needs to be viewed in relation to India’s intellectual and cultural traditions, its developmental aspirations and the changing global environment.
A key focus of the seminar is to trace and critically examine the intellectual journey from Swaraj and Swadeshi during the colonial period to Atmanirbhar Bharat@2047, bringing together perspectives from different academic disciplines.
The seminar also seeks to revisit the philosophy of Integral Humanism in the context of the rapidly changing post-globalisation world order and to explore an Indian perspective on development. Discussions are centred on important questions concerning the relationship between nature and culture, national consciousness, sustainable and inclusive development, and the potential of Indian perspectives to address emerging contemporary challenges.
Academic Deliberations on Diverse Dimensions
The first academic session featured presentations on significant themes, including “Indian Knowledge Tradition: The Foundation of Viksit Bharat,” “Integral Humanism, Education and Atmanirbhar Bharat,” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat Led by Chiti.”
The subsequent academic session witnessed deliberations on Integral Humanism, holistic humanism, the foundational spirit of the Indian Constitution, and the intellectual journey from self-reliance to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
The seminar is examining the idea of self-reliance against the backdrop of contemporary economic, social, technological and global challenges. A wide range of themes have been identified for academic deliberation, including Viksit Bharat and self-reliance, Integral Humanism, technological advancement, education and healthcare, disparities in development, women-led development, and the interrelationship between Swaraj, Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Through these discussions, the seminar provides an interdisciplinary platform for scholars and experts to explore how India’s historical experiences and knowledge traditions can contribute to understanding contemporary development challenges and shaping possibilities for the future.
Continuing the Academic Tradition of IIAS
The National Seminar is part of the academic tradition of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, which provides a platform for examining important national and global questions through diverse academic disciplines and intellectual perspectives.
The two-day deliberation at Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, is therefore not limited to a discussion of self-reliance as an economic concept. Instead, it seeks to place Atmanirbhar Bharat within a wider intellectual framework encompassing civilisational thought, education, culture, development, technology, social inclusion and national consciousness.
The seminar is expected to provide an opportunity for scholars and participants to engage with multiple dimensions of India’s developmental journey while reflecting on the possibilities and challenges associated with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat@2047.
Governor Kavinder Gupta to Preside Over Valedictory Session Tomorrow
The valedictory session of the National Seminar will be held on September 25, 2026, with the Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, presiding over the session.
The concluding programme will include the felicitation of the Hon’ble Governor and other distinguished guests, the release of four books, presentation of the seminar report and academic addresses.
Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, Asiatic Society, Mumbai, will deliver the valedictory address online. This will be followed by remarks by Shri Prafulla Ketkar, Editor and Organiser, Bharat Prakashan, Delhi.
The valedictory session will conclude with the Chair’s Address by Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shri Kavinder Gupta, marking the conclusion of the two-day national academic deliberation on “The Quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat: From the Past, Through the Present, to the Future.”