IHC should be the think-tank of India: K.G. Suresh

In the heart of Delhi, the India Habitat Centre (IHC) stands as a thriving crucible for cultural, intellectual, and social exchange.

- MURTAZA ALI KHAN

Under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) K. G. Suresh, who recently assumed the role of Director, this iconic institution is charting a bold new course.

With a storied career as an academician, journalist, and administrator, Dr. Suresh brings a unique vision to IHC that intertwines India's rich civilizational heritage with its aspirations for a global future.

One of the most significant new initiatives under Dr. Suresh's stewardship is the launch of the Bharat Bodh Kendra, a unique center designed to promote a deeper understanding of India's culture, history, and philosophy. In an exclusive conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Prof. (Dr.) K. G. Suresh elaborated on the inspiration behind the Bharat Bodh Kendra: "Our education system, largely influenced by colonial structures, has distanced us from our own identity, our traditions, and our civilization. The Bharat Bodh Kendra is aimed at bridging this gap, by reconnecting people with the core values and philosophies that have shaped India's history."

The Kendra, inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal, is part of the Habitat Library and Resource Centre (HLRC) and will function as an intellectual hub. Dr. Suresh envisions it as a space not just for exhibitions but for seminars, workshops, book discussions, and cultural events, making it a lively arena for ongoing dialogues about India's past and future.

"To engage meaningfully with the world, it is vital to first know one's own civilization. Only then can we approach discussions with other cultures from a place of strength," Dr. Suresh remarked. This is particularly pertinent in the current global discourse, where India is poised to become a "Vishwaguru" by 2047—the centenary year of India's independence.