CAMPUS LIFE / September 11, 2026
From 7 to 11 September 2026, the Department of Languages at Presidency College (Autonomous), Bengaluru ran a five-day Student Development Programme on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Hindi Enrichment. Each day had its own theme and guest speaker, moving from Hindi language and literature to careers in translation and research, and ending with a celebration of India's performing arts.
Days 1 and 2
Day 1 (7 September), themed Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems and Hindi Heritage, opened with a guest lecture by Uday Pratap Singh, renowned Hindi scholar and literary critic, on "The Importance of the Hindi Language, Literature, and Its Relevance in Today's World". He encouraged students to look at India's linguistic heritage through a contemporary lens. On Day 2 (8 September), themed Indian Knowledge Systems: The Contemporary Relevance, Dr. Mythili P. Rao, former Dean and Research Director at Jain (Deemed-to-be University), spoke on "Changing Opportunities in Changing Times".
Days 3 and 4
Day 3 (9 September) focused on Hindi Language Enrichment and Creative Expression. Shrinivas Rao, Deputy Manager (Official Language) at Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), spoke on "Translation and Employment Opportunities", and Dr. Liudmila Khokhlova, Padma Shri awardee 2026, traced "Hindi's Global Journey and Its Growing Influence in the World". Day 4 (10 September) turned to Research, Knowledge and Academic Expression, with Dr. Ispak Ali, former Principal of Lal Bahadur Shastri College for Education, Bengaluru, speaking on "Indian Knowledge Traditions and Hindi Literature".
Day 5: Performing arts
The programme closed on 11 September with a celebration of Indian performing arts, folk traditions and cultural heritage. Students took the stage in traditional attire from across the country, bringing India's diverse traditions to life through music, dance and cultural expression.
Across five days, students moved from lectures on language and literature to conversations about careers and research, and finished by performing the traditions they had been learning about. It was a fitting end to a week of learning, expression and cultural enrichment.
Department of Languages
Presidency College (Autonomous), Hebbal
