Swarnika Samvaad: Dialogue on Creative and Cultural Economy of India will take place on Saturday, 24 October 2026, at the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi. Convened by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD), the day-long dialogue will examine how India’s cultural heritage and creative talent can contribute to national development.
The event will bring together policymakers, institutional leaders, scholars, artists, filmmakers, cultural practitioners and representatives of the creative industries. Discussions will focus on the relationship between culture, economic opportunity, education, tourism, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods, with reference to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
About Swarnika Samvaad
The dialogue aims to examine culture not only as a heritage to be preserved but also as a resource that can contribute to social and economic development. It will consider how cultural knowledge, artistic expression and creative enterprise can be supported through public policy, education, investment and cross-sector partnerships.
The programme is organised by the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, also known as Shri Kamakhya Kalapeeth. Founded in New Delhi in 1977 by Dr. Sonal Mansingh, the institution works in classical dance, Yoga, Sanskrit, music and allied arts. The event forms part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Key Discussion Themes
The programme includes an inaugural plenary titled India, Culture & Society, followed by three thematic sessions.
- Culture as a Driver of National Development: Examining culture’s relationship with education, tourism, diplomacy, community development and national priorities.
- Expanding Engagement with Cultural and Creative Expressions: Discussing how festivals, crafts, cuisine, performing arts and digital platforms can connect cultural traditions with contemporary audiences.
- Building India’s Cultural and Creative Economy: Exploring education, professional skills, creative entrepreneurship, infrastructure, intellectual property, public policy and investment.
The sessions will consider how wider participation in cultural activities and stronger creative ecosystems can support artistic practice and generate livelihoods.
Speakers and Programme Highlights
The announced speakers include Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Shri Sasmit Patra, Shri Shyam Saran, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Shri Rajeev Sethi, Dr. Sandhya Purecha, filmmaker Shri Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, artist Shri Paresh Maity, Ms. Lily Pandeya, Shri Rajan Navani and Ms. Smriti Rajgarhia, among other participants.
Registration is scheduled from 9:30 AM, with the inaugural plenary beginning at 10:30 AM. The three thematic sessions will run from noon to 4:30 PM, followed by concluding remarks and a vote of thanks.
A special programme highlight will be the unveiling of Rhythm of a Lifetime, an illustrated book on Dr. Sonal Mansingh created by school students. The initiative brings young contributors into the discussion on cultural legacy and its relevance to future generations.
According to the pre-event release, the dialogue also aims to develop a shared vision for culture’s role in India’s development. Proposed outcomes include a post-dialogue recommendations and action document, with follow-up initiatives envisaged to translate discussions into action.
Event at a Glance
| Event | Details |
| Name | Swarnika Samvaad: Dialogue on Creative and Cultural Economy of India |
| Venue | C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi |
| Date | Saturday, 24 October 2026 |
| Time | Registration: 9:30 AM onwards; inaugural plenary: 10:30 AM. Programme concludes at 5:00 PM, followed by high tea from 5:30 PM onwards. |
| Organiser | Centre for Indian Classical Dances (Shri Kamakhya Kalapeeth) |
| Entry / Registration | Registration information is available at samvaad.cicdindia.org. |
| Website | https://samvaad.cicdindia.org/ |
Takeaway
Swarnika Samvaad brings cultural practitioners, policymakers and creative industry representatives together to discuss the role of culture in India’s development. The dialogue will examine priorities for cultural policy, education, investment and creative livelihoods. It forms part of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances’ Golden Jubilee celebrations.
