November 29, 2022 Celebration of 75 years of Indian Independence by the South Asia Himalaya Department

The year 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of India's Independence (1947). A pivotal year for the subcontinent, which celebrates an anniversary with two sides: a positive side first, with liberation from colonial rule and Indian leaders taking control of the national destiny, and a more painful side marked by the ineffaceable episode of Partition between India and Pakistan, which left indelible traces in the collective memory on both sides of the border.

Since then, the two countries have never ceased to return, with different interpretations, to the tragic events that accompanied their liberation. How do we view this particular moment in history today? Over the course of this half-day session, we'll be offering different perspectives on this question. From the literature dealing with the Partition, to the rediscovery of Indian classical dance during the struggle for Independence, to the geopolitical and strategic issues that led to this separation, we will ask what can be celebrated today in what was one of the most violent divorces in history.

PROGRAMME (PLC auditorium)

14h - 14h10 - Introduction
Presentation of the program and theme
by Anne Viguier and Nicolas Boin Principato

14h10 - 16h00 - Screening of the FilmLe Dernier Vice-Roi Des Indes
directed by Gurinder Chadha
(Running time 1h47)

16h - 16h30 - Analysis and discussion
by Anne Viguier, maîtresse de conférences à l'Inalco, spécialiste de l'histoire de l'Inde

16h30 - 17h15 - Conférence: "Mother India, still and always, in Hindi literature"
by Annie Montaut, emeritus professor at Inalco

17:30 - 18:15 - Conference - Dance: "India, dance, Independence: The rediscovery of India's classical dances from the 1930s to the 1950s"
with Avishaï Léger-Tanger, speaker, and Mahina Khanum, dancer (Indian Arts Lab)


Contacts:
- nicolasboinprincipato@inalco.fr
- anne.viguier@inalco.fr
- evenementiel@inalco.fr