The International Conference on “Revisiting India - Champa Heritage in Southeast Asia” at Pondicherry University, jointly organised by the UGC Centre for Maritime Studies, Pondicherry University & India Foundation, New Delhi. The event beganwith the introductory remarks by Prof. A. Subramanyam Raju, Coordinator, UGC Centre for Maritime Studies. Prof Raju’s highlighted the role of Maritime business making India as a rising power and also how it contributes to the development of the Nation. He shared his views on understanding the historical and current geopolitical importance of the Malacca straits and India’s role in the region. He has discussed rewriting and re-evaluating India’s Maritime history particularly during the Chola, Pallava, and Pandya periods to understand more about the depths in history of Maritime. He shared the importance on leveraging India’s islands and geographical location for strategic connectivity with South East Asia and other countries.

Prof.G.Chandrika, Dean, School of Social Sciences & International Studies, Pondicherry University, while addressing, stated that the collaboration between Indian and Vietnamese institutions and how the cultural diversity of both the nations is similar. She emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and historical connections and pointed out that oceans connect rather than divide and understanding historical ties is crucial for establishing individual and independent identities for nations.

Ambassador Preeti Saran, Member of the Governing Council, India Foundation andformer Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, delivered the keynote address, underliningthe enduring cultural and maritime connections between India and Southeast Asia through the legacy of the Champa civilisation. Amb emphasised the strong India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership as she harped how cultural and historical influence which has shaped the bond even more. She stressed the importance of rule based order and UNCLOS. She talked about the importance of technical assistance provided by India for the heritage site conservation at Angkor to the tune of 2.5 million.

Later, Prof. Sunaina Singh, Member of the Board of Trustees, India Foundation and former Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University, delivered the special address. She started with a quote from German Philosopher Oswald Spengler that we will see “the death of American civilization and culture and the rise of Asian civilization”. She elaborated how the statement remains contemporary. She pointed out initiatives which are being taken up where the ancient links between ASEAN countries and East Asia is turning a boon. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance and need of oceanic thinking and how ASEAN’s development becomes crucial in the revival of such precious cultural heritage ties between the two. She highlighted the Act East Policy and Maha Sagar initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a definite indication of growth. At the end, Dr. Shristi Pukhrem, Deputy Director (Academics&Research), India Foundation, proposed the vote of thanks.

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