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National Seminar on ‘Exploring the Essence: Nandi in Indian Mythology and History’ Concluded Successfully at IGNCA
New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Ministry of Culture, through its Conservation Division, in collaboration with the Save Our Country Foundation, Chennai, successfully concluded a two-day National Seminar titled ‘Exploring the Essence: Nandi in Indian Mythology and History’. The seminar, held on 28-29 November 2024 at IGNCA, was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA.
The seminar featured 35 well-researched papers presented across seven sessions, exploring Nandi and Vrishabha’s historical, philosophical, and artistic dimensions. Scholars delved into themes such as Nandi in Saiva Agamas, its depictions in Indian rock art, its presence in prehistory and the Chalcolithic period, and its symbolism in temple architecture, literature, and Puranic texts.
The event began with an inaugural address by Prof. Achal Pandya, Head of Conservation Division, IGNCA, along with Ms. Padhmapriya S., Director of the Save Our Country Foundation. Dr. Kumar Sanjay Jha, Regional Director, IGNCA RC-Ranchi, and Dr. Manasi Raghu Nandan, Regional Director, IGNCA RC-Thrissur, were also present.
Prof. Sudhir Lall, HoD, Kalakosa, IGNCA, Prof. Richa Kambhoj, HoD, Kaladarsana, IGNCA, Prof. K. Anil Kumar, HoD, Janapada Sampada, IGNCA, Prof. Prabash Sahu, HoD, AIHC, Nagpur University, Dr. E. Sivanagireddy, CEO, Pleach Foundation, Dr. Jayaram Poduval, MS University Baroda, and Dr. Meenakshi Joshi, Allahabad University, chaired the sessions meticulously, offering their valuable insights on the concepts and papers presented.
A cultural dimension of the inaugural session was a Bharatanatyam performance by Ms. Arupa Lahiry, Regional Director, IGNCA RC-Vadodara, themed ‘Dharma and Ananda of Dance: The Dance of Nandi’. Subsequently, the event saw the release of the book ‘Museum and Archives: A Public Space for Education and Research’.
The seminar was coordinated by Shri Sadhish Sharma, Project Assistant, IGNCA, New Delhi, and saw active participation from senior professors, scholars, and PhD students from across India. The event provided a platform to uncover lesser-known aspects of Nandi and its enduring significance in Indian traditions.
