Defence analyst Praveen Sawhney cautioned against India’s increasing dependence on the United States and advocated for a more balanced foreign policy, particularly with respect to China, given India’s role in BRICS and the Shangai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
The Manthan Samvaad 2025, a Hyderabad-based platform for public discourse, was held on October 2, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Praveen Sawhney, who is also the editor of Force magazine, explained the changing global order, noting the rising stability of the Global South in contrast to growing volatility in many developed nations.
Economist and faculty at the Kautilya School of Public Policy, Prof. Rathin Roy, observed that issues of social backwardness and caste-based discrimination persist uniformly across the country despite the higher GDP of south Indian States. He stressed the need for targeted policy measures to address these disparities.
Historian and Chancellor of Ashoka University Prof. Rudrangshu Mukherjee reflected on the nuanced relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, highlighting their profound mutual respect and common stand against British colonialism.
Senior editor at The Wire, Arfa Khanum Sherwani, spoke on the challenges to press freedom, underlining the growing constraints journalists face in choosing what stories to tell and how to tell them.
Dr. Sashidhara, molecular biologist and Director of NCBS, Bengaluru, made a strong case for cultivating scientific temper in society, crediting Jawaharlal Nehru’s visionary leadership in establishing India’s premier scientific and educational institutions.
Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves addressed concerns over State overreach and the plight of activists detained without fair trial, urging citizens to remain vigilant and speak out against injustice and erosion of civil liberties.
The day concluded with a candid session featuring Vir Das, stand-up comedian, in conversation with Soumithri, addressing questions around freedom of expression, censorship, and artistic responsibility.
Vikram Mamidipudi, co-founder of Manthan, paid tribute to his late co-founder Ajay Gandhi and reflected on Manthan’s journey since 2005.
Published – October 04, 2025 07:20 pm IST
