DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS

Abhay Kumar is an Indian poet-diplomat and currently serves as the deputy director general of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi. He is a multifaceted and accomplished individual whose life journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in various domains.He served as India's 21st ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros from 2019-2022 He has also served in different diplomatic capacities earlier in Russia, Nepal and Brazil Abhay was born and raised near Rajgir in Nalanda district of Bihar. He studied at Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2003. He studied Russian language, history and literature at the Moscow State University, U.S. foreign policy at George Washington University and has a Certificate in Poetry Writing from the International Writing Program, University of Iowa.[18] He studied Nepali at Tribhuvan University and a diplomacy module at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He speaks Magahi, Hindi, English, Russian, Nepali, Portuguese and knows French and Sanskrit. Abhay Kumar's journey exemplifies a life dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, the promotion of peace, and the celebration of the arts. His contributions to diplomacy and literature continue to leave an indelible mark, reminding us of the power of intellect and creativity in shaping a better world.

Rajeev Sethi (born 24 May 1949) is a noted Indian designer, scenographer and art curator. He is known for his outstanding designs across the world.In 1986, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, given Government of India. Sethi spent his formative years in Paris, where he first went to study graphic art on a scholarship. Thereafter he trained under painter and printmaker Stanley William Hayter at his studio, Atelier 17. He was mentored by American designers Ray and Charles Eames. Finally he got a chance to work at studio of French designer, Pierre Cardin. Meanwhile, in 1960, he designed Delhi's first discotheque, Cellar at Regal Building, Connaught Place.He is curator and founder-chairman of the Asian Heritage Foundation.He designed the Jaya He GVK New Museum at the brand new T2 terminal in Mumbai. He is also part of INTACH constituted the first Governing Council.

Prof. Vasant Shinde is a distinguished archaeologist renowned for his global contributions. He served as the Vice-Chancellor at Deccan College, Pune, and is the Founding Director General of the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Gandhinagar. Presently, an Adjunct Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, he directs the Rakhigarhi Research Project. With a profound academic journey, he earned his B.A. and Master's degree from the University of Poona and his Ph.D. in Protohistoric Archaeology. Prof. Shinde's impact resonates through his 16 major research projects and excavations across South Asia. His collaborations span institutes worldwide, including those in the USA, UK, Japan, and South Korea. His pioneering work includes DNA analysis and Craniofacial Reconstruction of Harappan people, acknowledged as a global breakthrough in genomics. Founder of the Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA), he fosters young scholars and global collaboration. His administrative expertise shines through his roles as Pro-Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor at Deccan College. Prof. Shinde has delivered over 225 lectures in India and 48 abroad, published 13 books, and authored numerous research papers. His commitment to public archaeology and heritage protection is evident through his initiatives in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Prof. Shinde's remarkable journey has elevated Indian archaeology's international standing.

Dr. Peter Petkoff is a distinguished scholar and advocate, renowned for his expertise in international human rights law and his unwavering commitment to advancing social justice and equality. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Petkoff has left an indelible mark on the fields of law, diplomacy, and academia. He is also a Tutorial Law Fellow and a Director of the Religion, Law and International Relations Programme, a collaborative international research network at Regent's Park College, Oxford, and Managing Editor of the Oxford Journal of Law and Religion. Born with an innate passion for justice, Dr. Petkoff embarked on his academic journey, earning a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) from a prestigious institution. His scholarly contributions have illuminated the complexities of international human rights law, shedding light on critical issues such as humanitarian intervention, refugee rights, and minority protections. Beyond academia, Dr. Petkoff has been a tireless advocate for marginalized communities worldwide. His advocacy work, whether at the United Nations or in conflict zones, has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to equality and human dignity.As a respected author, lecturer, and consultant, Dr. Peter Petkoff continues to inspire the next generation of legal scholars and human rights activists. His legacy stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

Dr. M. Satish Kumar is a renowned scholar in colonial, postcolonial, and decolonial geographies of South Asia, bridging social sciences and humanities to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His research encompasses three key areas. The first delves into regional and urban development, particularly labor markets' economic policy impacts. The second strand addresses climate change's influence on cultural heritage in fragile ecological zones of Assam, focusing on decarbonization, zero carbon footprints, and indigenous knowledge's role in resilience. The third centers on uncovering underdevelopment's historical roots and decolonization's unfinished agenda in India, studying colonial spaces, subjectivities, and spatial conflicts from the 16th to 19th century, including missionaries' role. Dr. Kumar advises governments, charities, and organizations globally on subjects ranging from international development to Indigenous issues and SDGs. His leadership has earned him positions such as Distinguished Honorary Chair of Global Sustainable Development Goals-India, G20-C20 Summit participation, and membership in ICOMOS/India. He also contributes as a UKRI/AHRC Peer Review College Panel Member and assisted in establishing Future Earth Ireland. Recognized with various awards, including the India-European Union Global Peace and Friendship Award, Dr. Kumar holds esteemed positions and visiting professorships in institutions like Banaras Hindu University and Jawaharlal Nehru University. His contributions extend to inclusivity and diversity initiatives, fostering cross-cultural understanding in Northern Ireland through programs like Young Civic Leaders and BAME Mental Health. His work exemplifies the fusion of research excellence and impactful community engagement.

John Huleatt has served for the past eighteen years as General Counsel for the Bruderhof, an international Christian community movement. John is a member and lives at the Woodcrest Community in Rifton, New York, together with his wife, Nina, who runs a dental practice and still pulls off the feat of being an amazing mother to their five children. Beyond the law, John’s first loves include his faith, family, trout fishing, youth education, athletics, and German Shepherds. As a student, John established an interest in First Amendment law, which continues with his work as a board member of Becket Law, a public interest law firm that defends religious freedom for all faiths. John teaches First Amendment at the Mount Academy in New York, where he coaches a state finalist mock trial team and moonlights as Program Director for Boys and Girls soccer, winning a state title in 2018. John also serves on the board of The Boys & Girls Club of Ulster County.

Siddharth Kak is a documentary maker, television producer, and presenter, best known as the producer and presenter of Surabhi (1993–2001). Siddharth Kak’s Television Company, Cinema Vision India, has won several major Television Awards and three National Awards and has produced more than 100 documentaries and several long running Television series for leading Television Channels in India. In collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Siddharth Kak is, at present, producing and hosting a primetime reality show HUNNARBAAZ! Mission Skill India! for the Prime Minister’s Skill Mission. He is also the Founder Trustee of the Surabhi Foundation for Research and Cultural Exchange (Surabhi FORCE) which is developing projects of National Cultural importance He has served variously as a Member and Chairperson (twice) of the National Short Feature Film Awards, Chairperson of the Selection Committee for the Indian Panorama, a member of the Shilp Guru Selection Committee, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, the International Selection Panel of Judges of the “UNESCO-Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts” Award and member of the Suraj Kund Mela Authority which administers India’s largest annual Crafts Festival. At present he is a member of the Governing Board of the Central University of Jammu and the Executive Council of the Central University of Kashmir. A well known foodie, he has written food columns for many national newspapers and has also produced and directed two very successful food shows, The Good Food Guide and the Star Sunday Lunch. Both these programmes were telecast on Star Television. He has also published a book of poetry Looking in Looking out and compiled a quiz book on India’s heritage Surabhi ke Sau Sawaal.