Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Introducing Charcha - a new format of debate to discuss issues


In line with our ambition to nurture a culture of healthy debate, we are, starting this month, launching a series called "Charcha" under the banner of Jijnasa.

"Charcha" will essentially focus on internal debate, an exchange of ideas within the extended Jijnasa community that intends to be more informal yet impactful. Each one of us is a contributor to this series. It is open to those inclined to join. We intend to have focused debates under "Charcha". Therefore, participation will be by invitation only.

"Charcha" will give you an opportunity to understand some of the most important contemporary issues directly from an expert in the field. You get to question the expert directly and learn the issues better.

"Charcha" debates will be video-recorded and edited videos will be put up on Jijnasa Youtube channel for further discussion.

Please write to us at jijnasacess[AT]gmail[DOT]com for details.

About Jijnasa:

The literal meaning of the word Jijnasa in Sanskrit is Inquiry. Jijnasa is a platform under the aegis of CESS, which is an effort to promote the quest for knowledge.
It is hard to obtain the company of the noble.
It is easy to obtain the company of the ignoble.
Pebbles are available in plenty; but it is hard to obtain the precious diamond.

India is not just a nation state but a civilization state. A civilization that prides itself for the spirit of inquiry, and is not based on a contrived belief system or historicity. A civilization that is firmly rooted in Dharma. A civilization that has much to offer and inspire the world.

However, our ignorance about ourselves is profound. It is therefore Jijnasa’s desire to invoke the spirit of inquiry, which can set people on the journey of self discovery. Its aim is to provoke and equip people to see things beyond the limited mainstream discourse on issues of national importance and seek solutions to contemporary issues facing the country.

It is important to understand ourselves before we can understand the issues around us. Enlightened individuals make for an assertive society, which has the womb to carry traditions along with modernity. Jijnasa’s attempt is to make fellow travelers discover the heterogeneity of the Indian traditions yet the cohesiveness that has stood us in good stead for several thousand years. At the core of Jijnasa, is the desire to build an innate ability to see the world from an exalted position, which is so essential for a country aspiring to play center stage in world affairs.


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