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The Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad hosted a distinguished lecture by Ambassador Rtn. Anil Trigunayat (IFS Retd) as part of the Outreach Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs, India, Government of India, on 7 April 2026. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the academic community, including PROF. VenkappayyA R. dEsAi, Director, IIT Dharwad; PRof. Dhiraj V. Patil, Dean (Outreach & ACR); PROF Jayakumar KV, Professor cum Outreach Advisor; Dr. Kalyan Bhattacharjee, Registrar; along with faculty members, students, and staff keenly interested in global affairs and Indian foreign policy.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. DEBALINA CHAKRAVARTY, Faculty In-Charge, Entrepreneurship, Incubation and Outreach, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Prof. Dhiraj V. Patil presented an overview of IIT Dharwad, highlighting the institute’s growing academic and research ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, PROF. VenkappayyA R. dEsAi outlined the institute’s sustainability initiatives, including cascading pond systems, solar electrification, and ongoing efforts toward achieving a net-zero campus. He emphasised responsible energy use and environmental stewardship as core institutional values. The Director subsequently felicitated Ambassador Trigunayat.
Prof Jayakumar KV spoke on the significance of the MEA Distinguished Lecture Series and formally introduced the speaker.
Delivering his lecture titled “Global Geopolitical Churn & Indian Foreign Policy,” Ambassador Rtn. Anil Trigunayat (IFS Retd) presented a comprehensive analysis of the rapidly evolving global order. He described the present international system as a transitional phase characterised by strategic uncertainty, weakening multilateral institutions, and intensifying geopolitical, geoeconomic, geo-technological, and geo-cultural contestations.
An engaging question-and-answer session followed, moderated by Prof. Vijeth Kotagi, Public Relations Officer and Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, enabling participants to interact with the speaker on contemporary geopolitical developments.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by PRof. Ravikumar C, Associate Dean (General Outreach).
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Trigunayat participated in a campus tour, interacted with faculty and outreach teams, and took part in a neem tree plantation initiative symbolising sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The lecture provided valuable insights into the evolving global order while highlighting India’s emerging role as a rule-shaper, bridge-builder, and constructive global leader in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
