“The People of India Are the Living History of India”: Prof. Avadhesh Pradhan
New Delhi, August 19, 2026: India’s cultural identity cannot be understood merely through the chronicles of kings and rulers; it is equally preserved in the traditions, memories and lived experiences of its people, said noted Hindi scholar and former Banaras Hindu University professor Prof. Avadhesh Pradhan.
He was delivering the Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi Lecture, organised by the Kala Nidhi Division of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi. The lecture focused on “Hazari Prasad Dwivedi aur Bhartiya Sanskriti” and explored the eminent writer’s understanding of Indian civilisation, cultural diversity and the country’s intellectual traditions.
The programme was presided over by Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman, IGNCA, while Prof. K. Anil Kumar, Head of the Kala Nidhi Division, delivered the welcome address and introduced the speaker.
Dwivedi’s vision of a diverse but interconnected India
Prof. Pradhan described Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi as a towering figure in Indian literature, culture and intellectual thought. According to him, Dwivedi did not perceive India simply as a geographical territory or a collection of historical events. Rather, he viewed the country as an ongoing civilisational journey shaped by interaction, conflict, dialogue, assimilation and cultural exchange.
Prof. Pradhan emphasised that Dwivedi’s approach went beyond conventional histories centred on rulers and political events. The lives of ordinary people, folk traditions and community practices, he noted, form an equally important part of India’s cultural memory.
Dwivedi’s interpretation of Indian culture recognised the contribution and interaction of numerous communities and cultural streams, including the Arya, Anarya, Dravida, Nishada, Kirata, Naga, Yaksha and Gandharva traditions. Their continuous interaction, according to this perspective, helped shape the composite character of Indian civilisation.
Humanity at the heart of literature
Prof. Pradhan further explained that Dwivedi regarded the fundamental purpose of literature as an affirmation of human dignity and humanity. Beneath India’s visible social, linguistic and cultural differences, he saw a common human bond capable of connecting diverse communities.
His philosophy also presented Indian culture as an inward journey. Human development, in this understanding, progresses from the physical and sensory world towards the mind, intellect and ultimately self-realisation.
The traditional ideas of Dev Rin, Rishi Rin and Pitri Rin were cited as expressions of human responsibility. The knowledge, resources and opportunities inherited from previous generations, this philosophy suggests, carry an obligation to contribute back to society and preserve a better inheritance for those who follow.
Culture evolves, but its life-giving elements endure
Referring to Dwivedi’s work Mahakal ke Kunth Nritya, Prof. Pradhan highlighted the dynamic nature of Indian culture. Civilisations inevitably undergo change, and many traditions disappear or transform with time. Yet, he noted, elements that remain meaningful and life-affirming can survive by adapting themselves to new circumstances.
This perspective, he said, provides a valuable framework for understanding India’s cultural plurality, social inclusiveness and constantly evolving civilisational character.
“Dwivedi is perhaps more relevant today”
In his presidential address, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai recalled Dwivedi’s extensive contribution to Indian literature and cultural thought. He underlined the continuing relevance of Dwivedi’s writings for understanding India’s knowledge traditions and cultural consciousness in the contemporary era.
Rai observed that such scholarly lectures create an important space for serious discussion and dialogue on Indian literature and culture. He remarked that Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi remains deeply relevant today, perhaps more than ever.
Prof. K. Anil Kumar, in his welcome remarks, stressed that India’s cultural diversity and traditions constitute a shared heritage. Understanding this heritage and ensuring that it reaches future generations, he said, is a collective responsibility.
The programme was conducted by Shweta Singh and witnessed participation from scholars, research scholars, students, academicians and cultural enthusiasts.
By Antara Tripathy | IBG NEWS
