Enrichment Lecture on “Introducing Indigenous Cultures” by Professor Hamendra Singh Chandalia

The Department of English Literature & Language, IIS (deemed to be) University organized an enrichment lecture on “Introducing Indigenous Cultures” on 24th August 2023 in lieu of 9 August to commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, in order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups among students. The session began with a welcome speech by Prof. Rimika Singhvi, Head of the Department of English Literature & Language. Professor Hamendra Singh Chandalia was invited as a guest speaker for the event to sensitize students to celebrate these communities and their knowledge. Furthermore, Prof. Chandalia asked the students to address the multiple challenges they face, while acknowledging their significant role in sustaining the diversity of the world’s cultural and biological landscape.

Prof. Chandalia shared his profound insights and extensive knowledge about Indigenous Communities of the World. He captivated the audience with his prudence, offering a comprehensive understanding of questions of identity & security, ethnicity & cultural rights which must be taken up as an immediate concern.  He suggested opting for native cultures as an area of study and the concept of the ‘fourth’ world & ‘animism’ for better understanding and acknowledging the efforts & contribution of the Indigenous Communities, keeping the bigger picture in mind. He quoted a few poets to throw light on the beliefs, culture, and sufferings of Indigenous People. He illustrated their devotion towards Divinity and Nature & he also quoted John Lame Deer to explain the disgust these people carry for artificial values.

The interaction concluded with a Q&A session where Prof. Chandalia gave his insight into the area of ethnic musicology & the concept of community creation & the code of conduct.