Celebrating Indo-Portuguese Heritage: My Contribution to the 50th Anniversary Conference

I am honoured to share that His Excellency João Ribeiro de Almeida, Ambassador of Portugal to India, personally invited me to a dinner gathering on 18 November 2025 in recognition of my work on Indo-Portuguese history and literature. Unfortunately, due to a scheduled flight, I could not attend. Even so, I remain deeply grateful for such recognition, which inspires me to continue my research and cultural work with dedication and passion.

This recognition came in the context of my participation in the International Conference on Indo-Portuguese Historical Relations, held on 17–18 November 2025 at the India International Centre, New Delhi, marking the 50th Anniversary of the Restoration of Diplomatic Relations between India and Portugal (1975–2025). Organised with support from Instituto Camões, NOVA University Lisbon, Aix-Marseille University, IMAF (Institut des mondes africains), and other academic institutions, the conference brought together eminent historians from Portugal and India to examine the multifaceted Indo-Portuguese encounters through history.

I had the privilege of contributing as a speaker and researcher, representing La Casa de los Políglotas, focusing on Portuguese colonization and trade in Bengal, including Adi Saptagram, Hooghly, and Bandel, the establishment of churches, cultural exchanges, and historical figures such as Hensman Anthony Firingee and the introduction of Cuddle Cheese (Queijo/Curd Cheese) in Bengal.

The conference featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and scholars:

• Amar Farooqui – University of Delhi
• Farhat Hasan – University of Delhi (Advisor and Coordinator)
• Arunansh B. Goswami – Scindia Research Centre
• Ernestine Carreira – Aix-Marseille University
• Ishrat Alam – Aligarh Muslim University
• João Paulo Oliveira e Costa – NOVA University Lisbon
• Jorge António – Independent Researcher
• Lakshmi Subramanian – BITS Pilani
• Najaf Haider – Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Rosa Maria Perez – CRIA / ISCTE, University Institute of Lisbon
• Subhojit Roy – La Casa de los Políglotas (myself)

The conference commenced with the lighting of lamps, followed by welcome remarks from João Ribeirete, Director of Camões – Portuguese Cultural Centre, and an address by H.E. Ambassador João Ribeiro de Almeida, who warmly appreciated the initiative and expressed gratitude for the celebration of Indo-Portuguese scholarship.

Being part of this project and conference was a profound experience, providing an opportunity to collaborate with renowned scholars and institutions, explore historical trade and cultural exchanges, and contribute to a collective understanding of the rich Indo-Portuguese legacy. The experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of research and translation as tools for cultural bridge-building, connecting histories, literatures, and peoples across continents.