Community News

India's Textile Legacy & Global Influence

 

by: World Affairs Council of Orange County
Published: January 28, 2026

 

 

LOS ANGELES...Last Friday, January 23rd 2026, the World Affairs Council of Orange County kicked off the new year with a vibrant program celebrating the intersection of culture, art, and global trade. In collaboration with Bowers Museum’s temporary exhibition Global Threads: India’s Textile Revolution, produced and circulated by the Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto), WACOC presented India’s Textile Legacy & Global Influence, a special lecture featuring Dr. Nalini Rao, Professor of World Art at Soka University of America.

The evening opened with an after-hours viewing of the exhibition, followed by captivating Bollywood and traditional Indian dance performances by artist Aarti Chopra. Bowers Museum President, Dr. Seán O'Harrow welcomed guests to the lecture with distinguished guest, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India in Los Angeles providing brief remarks. Dr. Nalini Rao’s lecture, enriched with vivid images of Indian textile art and traditional production methods, underscored her central thesis that Indian textile design represents an ongoing evolution of cultural tradition rather than a singular historical moment.

A special thank you to the Consul General of India in Los Angeles for attending (one day after the Consulate opening) and Gunjan Bagla for his leadership and tireless efforts in bringing an Indian Consulate to Los Angeles.

Photo:World Affairs Council of OC