Abhivyakti Event

Abhivyakti : 9th September, 2026

The HDFC Library, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Studies, organized a special book talk, “Wild in the City: A Talk on Wild Capital,” on 9 September 2026 at Ashoka University.

The session featured author and conservationist Neha Sinha in conversation with Mahesh Rangarajan and Sumana Roy, and was chaired by Amita Baviskar.

The discussion explored nature and wildlife in Delhi-NCR, ecological memory, urban belonging, and the relationship between people and the natural environment.

The speakers highlighted how observing and engaging with urban nature can reshape our understanding of cities and strengthen our sense of belonging.

The event provided an engaging platform for participants to reflect on conservation, ecology, and the importance of reconnecting with the natural world. 

Abhivyakti : 1st September, 2026

The HDFC Library successfully organized a special talk on “Authority in Circulation: Imdadullah's Intellectual Networks between Mecca and North India” on 1 September 2026 at Ashoka University. Dr. Moin Nizami discussed the intellectual and spiritual networks of the 19th-century Sufi Haji Imdadullah and explored the connections between Mecca and North India, highlighting the role of migration, correspondence, print, and travel in shaping trans-Asian networks of scholarship. The session featured a conversation with Prof. Seema Alavi, FBA, and was chaired by Prof. Mahesh Rangarajan. The event provided valuable insights into South Asian Islamic intellectual history, Sufi traditions, and Muslim responses to modernization.

Abhivyakti : 25th Feb, 2026

The HDFC Library, in collaboration with the Archives of Contemporary India, successfully conducted : Abhivyakti: A Book Discussion Forum featuring an engaging discussion on The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II by Gautam Hazarika. Held on February 25, 2026, at Ashoka University, the session was led by Prof. Varun Sahni, Professor of International Relations. The discussion highlighted the lesser-known histories of Indian soldiers captured during World War II, exploring themes of courage, captivity, and the complex legacy of the Indian National Army. The event brought together participants for a thoughtful exchange on history, memory, and the human dimensions of war.