IGNCA and Indian Institute of Heritage Launch Three-Day Brahmi Script Workshop to Promote India’s Ancient Knowledge Heritage
New Delhi, June 3: In a major initiative aimed at preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage, the Indian Institute of Heritage (IIH), Noida, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), has launched a three-day Summer School on the Brahmi Script from June 2 to June 4.
The workshop was inaugurated on June 2 at the IGNCA campus in New Delhi and brought together students, researchers, teachers, historians, and heritage enthusiasts from across the country to explore one of India’s oldest and most influential writing systems.
The inaugural session was attended by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA and Vice-Chancellor of IIH; Prof. Sudhir Lall, Head of the Kalakosa Division at IGNCA; and Prof. (Dr.) Anupa Pande, Emeritus Professor of Art History and Head-in-Charge of the Department of Palaeography, Epigraphy and Numismatics at the Indian Institute of Heritage.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Joshi emphasized the importance of such academic initiatives in fostering a deeper understanding of India’s historical and cultural legacy. He noted that workshops focused on ancient scripts and heritage studies help cultivate cultural sensitivity among young learners and encourage them to become ambassadors of India’s knowledge traditions.
“Participants will not only gain valuable insights through this programme but will also inspire others by sharing their understanding of India’s rich heritage,” he said, adding that such efforts are crucial in connecting younger generations with the country’s intellectual and civilizational roots.
Presenting the concept and objectives of the workshop, Prof. (Dr.) Anupa Pande highlighted the historical significance of the Brahmi script and its role in shaping India’s epigraphic and literary traditions.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Prof. Sudhir Lall remarked that Indian knowledge systems have traditionally viewed learning as a unified whole. Drawing a parallel between the evolution of sacred texts and scripts, he explained that just as a single body of Vedic and Puranic knowledge later expanded into multiple texts for ease of study, the Brahmi script evolved into numerous regional scripts across the Indian subcontinent.
The Summer School has attracted nearly 50 participants from diverse regions, including Varanasi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Tamil Nadu, and Mandi. The attendees include students from Classes XI and XII, school and college educators, researchers, and subject specialists. Adding a unique dimension to the programme, a father-daughter duo is also participating in the training sessions.
The workshop offers participants a comprehensive introduction to the origin, evolution, structure, and historical significance of the Brahmi script, while also exploring its contribution to India’s knowledge traditions. Through practical and theoretical sessions, the programme seeks to equip students, historians, epigraphists, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts with essential skills for studying ancient inscriptions and historical records.
The Brahmi script occupies a central place in India’s cultural history. From the famous edicts of Emperor Ashoka to countless inscriptions, manuscripts, and archaeological records, Brahmi has served as a vital medium for documenting India’s civilizational journey. Experts believe that understanding the script is key to unlocking valuable historical, linguistic, and cultural insights preserved in ancient sources.
Through this workshop, IGNCA and the Indian Institute of Heritage aim to strengthen awareness of India’s epigraphic heritage and inspire a new generation of scholars to engage with the country’s invaluable ancient knowledge traditions.
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