On 19th January 2022 Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) hosted Dr. Marike van Aerde for a talk on ancient trade connectivity and the integral role played by the Indian Subcontinent in these exchanges. The Director, Dr. Arvind Gupta’s opening remarks gave a brief introduction to Dr. Marike van Aerde and stressed the importance of archaeological knowledge to gather the facts about ancient India.

Writing this review, makes me feel how David might have felt facing Goliath. How can one, a layman, have the gumption to take on a world renowned scholar, an accepted expert of her field? But then, perhaps like David, I know I am right, so here goes (by the way I am also tickled by the interesting reversal of appropriation of religious narratives here).

Vivekananda International Foundation organized a panel discussion on June 21, 2021, to commemorate International Yoga Day. The eminent speakers in the panel were Swami Atmalokananda, President, Ramakrishna Society Vedanta Centre and Dr Arpita Mitra, Assistant Professor, Kazi Nazrul University, India. Additionally, Professor Shashi Prabha Kumar, Dean, Sri Sankaracharya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, was invited for her intellectual inputs. The lecture began with the opening remarks by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF India.

‘Buddha in Gandhara’ is the fourth book by Sunita Dwivedi. She is a Silk Road traveller and has a keen interest in uncovering Buddhist heritage across India Subcontinent. This book presents an account of the ancient Buddhist cities of Gandhara—a region that stretched from the north-western region of Pakistan to eastern and north-eastern Afghanistan. In her book, the author narrates the stories of cities that once dotted the high road connecting India with Central Asia and north-western China.