Why is the elephant the instinctive symbol of India for cartoonists worldwide — even without being told? Dr. Koenraad Elst, the Belgian Indologist, takes an illuminating journey through India’s civilizational symbols — from Ganesha’s cosmic numerology to the lotus as an Ashtamangala sign of auspiciousness.
He explores how symbols like the Tricolor, the lotus, and the name Bharat carry layers of meaning that reach back thousands of years. Elst also challenges the post-colonial fear of sea travel, noting that ancient Indians were prolific maritime voyagers. A rare blend of comparative mythology and cultural history.

About The Speaker:
Dr. Koenraad Elst is a Belgian Indologist with a Master’s in Indology, Sinology, and Philosophy followed by original fieldwork in BHU and a Doctorate on Hindu nationalism. He is famous as an oriental philologist, and historian. One of the few Westerners actively defending Hinduism, he is known for his blunt and objective views.