Celebrating Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Asiatic society, Kolkata hosts exhibition, lecture series
Times of India | 16 February 2025
KOLKATA: The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, in collaboration with the Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC), is set to host an exhibition and a series of lectures on the life, teachings, and impact of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Scheduled from February 17 to February 21, 2025, the event will take place in the Heritage Building of the Asiatic Society and marks the 539th birth anniversary of the revered spiritual leader and social reformer.
The Asiatic Society, a premier repository of ancient Vaishnavite scriptures, will celebrate Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s contributions to culture, spirituality, and social transformation. The event will feature insightful discussions, performances, and scholarly debates that seek to unravel the many mysteries surrounding his life and philosophy.
Event Highlights
The exhibition will be inaugurated on February 17 at 4:00 PM, followed by a welcome address by Lt Col Anant Sinha, Administrator of the Asiatic Society. Dr Sumanta Rudra, Dean of Academics at BRC, will introduce the event’s theme, leading into the inaugural lecture by renowned scholar Professor Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri, who will provide insights into Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s spiritual perspective.
The lecture series features distinguished academicians and cultural exponents, covering diverse aspects of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s philosophy, leadership, and artistic influence:
February 18 (Tuesday, 4:00 PM):
Dr Krishna Abhishek Ghosh, Dean, Faculty of Dharma Studies, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, speaks on "The Mindful Leadership of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu." Prof Dr Kankana Mitra Roychowdhury, HOD, Vocal Music, Rabindra Bharati University, presents a lecture and demonstration on Padavali Kirtan.
February 19 (Wednesday, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
Dr Prosenjit Bose, Assistant Professor, Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya, delivers a lecture. Dr Gautam Paul, Associate Professor, Indian Statistical Institute, discusses "Chaitanya Doctrine and Its Connection to Science."
February 20 (Thursday, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
Dr Abhishek Bose, Assistant Professor, University of Calcutta, explores "The Taste of Chaitanya: Poesy or Pedagogy?" A Kirtan performance by ISKCON follows.
February 21 (Friday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
Professor Nirmalya Narayan Chakraborty, Vice Chancellor, Presidency University, speaks on "Gaudiya Vaishnava Humanism: Its Nature and Significance." A dance performance by Paramita Banerjee, a Junior Fellow in Gaudiya Nritya.
The event concludes with a vote of thanks by Shri Arupratan Bagchi, Administrative Officer, the Asiatic Society. The exhibition and symposium promise to offer a deep dive into Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s spiritual legacy, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary perspectives. Scholars, devotees, and cultural enthusiasts are invited to engage, learn, and celebrate the timeless teachings of one of India’s greatest spiritual icons.