Prof. K.G. Suresh in conversation with Namrata Kohli on the new vision for Delhi’s iconic centre—and the languages that make India speak.
Q. You’ve taken charge of India Habitat Centre (IHC) at a pivotal moment and spoken about shifting IHC’s identity from just a cultural venue to a think tank for socio-economic and environmental dialogue. What’s exactly your vision for IHC 2.0?
A. For years, IHC has been seen as a convention centre, an office complex, a place for meeting and eating and enjoy culture. But we are much more than that—and we must become much more. My vision for India Habitat Centre 2.0 is to transform it into a think tank for India’s future—a hub for critical conversations on sustainable development, urban planning, housing, and the environment.
We’re already one of Delhi’s premier cultural venues, a top dining destination, and a beautiful office complex. But we need to build on this and position IHC as the go-to space for ideation, for generating ideas that tackle the pressing challenges of our times. That’s the future I see: an IHC that’s not just a venue—but a voice.
Q. IHC has long been a space for the elite intelligentsia. Will its future also speak to the everyday citizen of Delhi?
A. Absolutely. IHC is not just for the elite. Look at our recent film festival— 11,000 people attended over 10 days, watching 77 films, from features to shorts and documentaries. And they weren’t just members; the general public turned up in large numbers. Yes, IHC has membershipbased facilities, but we’re expanding public spaces too. For instance, we’re reopening a party venue near Habitaria, and spaces like Habitaria and Habitat Hub are open to everyone. The goal is to make IHC a more welcoming space for all citizens of Delhi, not just the members.
Q. You’ve championed regional languages across your academic and journalistic career and introduced journalism courses in Marathi, Malayalam, Urdu, Sanskrit, and even proposed Sindhi. What do you believe is lost when public discourse is limited to English and Hindi?
A. Your mother tongue is where your originality lies. It’s the language you dream in, the one you call out in times of joy or fear— whether it’s Amma in Malayalam or Ma in Bengali. Without it, understanding our culture, traditions, or Indian knowledge systems is almost impossible. Many core concepts— like dharma—simply don’t translate into English. Even Western scholars relied on Sanskrit texts to study India. And let’s not forget— Tagore’s Gitanjali was written in Bengali, not English. I’m not against English—it has its place in India’s journey. But for most Indians, English isn’t the language of the heart. Our thoughts, emotions, and cultural wisdom reside in our languages. We must preserve them if we want to stay connected to who we are. So, I believe that mother tongue has its own very important place.
Q. One language we must preserve at all costs?
A. Sanskrit, without a doubt. It’s the mother of most Indian languages. Even in southern languages like Malayalam, 50-60% of the vocabulary comes from Sanskrit. You’ll find Sanskrit roots even in the names of leaders who oppose it—like Dayanidhi or Karunanidhi. Preserving Sanskrit means preserving the very foundation of our linguistic heritage. But we must also safeguard our dialects— Bhojpuri, Magahi, Maithili, Awadhi. These languages have been around for centuries, while Hindi, in comparison, is relatively new. Hindi is like the Ganga; these dialects are its tributaries. If the tributaries dry up, so will the Ganga. Enriching Hindi means nurturing these dialects—they are the lifeblood of our linguistic ecosystem.
Q. Can regional languages become part of the mainstream digital content revolution? Are we seeing enough innovation in Indian-language media?
A. Regional languages are already part of the mainstream digital revolution. People want to read, watch, and listen in their own languages— be it Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, or Telugu. There’s a strong revival, and platforms like Amazon, social media, and regional websites are fuelling it. Take Maithili Thakur (celebrated singer for her renditions in Maithili—a language native to the Mithila region of Bihar). Her devotional songs have become a global phenomenon, especially among the Indian diaspora, thanks to social media. And it’s not just about folk music. I prefer calling it lok music—because lok is about the people, the community. Folk has a limiting, almost patronizing connotation, as if it’s only for rural audiences. But lok is universal—it belongs to all of us, whether we’re in a village or a city. So yes, regional languages are not just surviving; they are thriving in the digital age.
Q. How do you plan to make IHC more accessible to younger audiences and first-time visitors?
A. IHC is evolving into a more vibrant, inclusive, and accessible space. We’re expanding our programming—think food festivals, lok events, and a refreshed take on our film festival. The goal is clear: to transform the film festival into a launchpad for the next generation of filmmakers, actors, and scriptwriters. From the next edition onwards, expect workshops, masterclasses, and hands-on learning opportunities for local students. We want IHC to be the place where the best of cinema meets the brightest young talent—where a culture of cinema is nurtured and celebrated.
Q. How will IHC now serve as a platform for regional voices, dialects, and lesser-known cultures?
A. If there are good programs, we should support them— why not? If we find the right people who can package and present them well, we must give them a platform.
Q. One question about the viability of professions in art and culture space. Culture is still relegated to being a passion rather than profession with money still not coming in, the way it should. What do you think about this?
A. Culture must become financially viable, not just statesupported. In the past, Gurukuls thrived with community support. Villages allocated land to sustain them. It wasn’t just the king’s responsibility; society took ownership. But the British model we adopted made us overly dependent on the state for everything—from cleaning streets to preserving culture. We need to return to community-led efforts in culture, education, and even religion. It’s time for a shift in mindset—and that’s where media and communication play a critical role.
Q. IHC’s soul: Its building or its people?
A. It is the people. I mean, like they say that it is people who make a house into a home, as an institution the same rule applies.
Q. One speaker you’d love to host at IHC?
A. We would be happy to host the prime minister. That would be a dream come true.
