BATHINDA: The Central University of Punjab, under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, organized a lecture on "India-Central Asia Relations: Insights from Field Experiences" as part of its Foundation Day Celebration Lecture Series. The invited speaker was Prof. Arun Kumar, Deendayal Upadhyaya Chair Professor at CU Himachal Pradesh.
Prof. Arun Kumar delivered an insightful lecture on the historical evolution of India-Central Asia relations, tracing their development through various phases. He highlighted the role of the ancient Silk Road in fostering trade, migration, and scholarly exchanges between India and Central Asia. He discussed the contributions of Indian scholars, traders, and spiritual leaders in shaping the cultural and philosophical landscape of Central Asia and emphasized the influence of rulers such as the Kushanas and the Mughals in strengthening political and economic ties.
Drawing from his field experiences, Prof. Kumar provided fresh insights into Indo-Central Asian relations. He highlighted the rich influence of Indian language such as Sanskrit and Persian on the Central Asian languages, showcasing the interwoven histories of both regions. He also explored the spread of Buddhism and Sufism, their role in shaping religious and intellectual traditions, and the significance of historical sites such as Buddhist monasteries, Mughal-era monuments, and revered Sufi shrines. Additionally, he also highlighted cultural similarities in music, attire, cuisine, and artistic traditions, demonstrating the long-lasting cultural exchange between the two regions.
Beyond historical and cultural perspectives, Prof. Kumar briefly touched upon contemporary India-Central Asia relations, emphasizing people-to-people interactions, educational collaborations, and cultural diplomacy as key factors in strengthening ties today. His field-based observations enriched the discussion, offering a well-rounded perspective on India's engagement with the region. The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session.
The event began with a welcome address by Prof. Bawa Singh. Towards the end, Dr. Sandeep Singh proposed a formal Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to Prof. Arun Kumar for sharing his invaluable knowledge and experiences. Faculty, research scholars and students from different departments of university attended this programme.