Events – The Commune

Young Thinkers’ Confluence 2025: Fostering Ideologically Rooted Discourse For India’s Next Generation

The Commune — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:39:56 +0000

The Young Thinkers’ Forum (YTF) is set to host its flagship event, the Young Thinkers’ Confluence (YTC) 2025, from October 10–12 at Avantika University in Ujjain. The three-day gathering aims to foster intellectual discourse on themes ranging from civilizational studies and family resilience to geopolitical challenges facing contemporary India.

The event will commence with an inaugural session featuring Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and National Award-winning filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri. The first day, themed “Darshan. Dialogue. Devotion,” will include a visit to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple and a cultural evening at the Mahakal Lok, blending spiritual heritage with contemporary dialogue.

Day two, titled “Manthan – The Churning of Ideas,” will feature panel discussions and lectures by prominent scholars and thinkers. Key sessions include “Tradition, Technology, and Togetherness: Building Resilient Families” with Advocate Dr. MR Venkatash, and “Battle for Dharma in North-Eastern Bharat,” addressing cultural and social dynamics in the region. Other notable topics include “Rising ORPs, Rising Concerns,” which will analyze recent census trends, and “Monotheism: Origins & Interactions with Polytheism,” exploring theological and historical narratives.

The final day, “Sankalp – From Thought to Action,” will include addresses by Dr. Mammohan Vaidya, an All India Committee member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on “RSS@100: A Century in the Service of Bharat.” J Nandakumar, National Convenor of Prajna Pravah, will speak on “Hindutva in the Changing Times,” while experts like Pathikrit Payne and Anmol N. Jain will delve into geopolitical strategies and what they term “destabilising narratives” aimed at India.

According to the organizers, YTF serves as a platform for “free thought, fearless inquiry, and conscious leadership,” with activities ranging from workshops and book discussions to heritage walks and film screenings. The Confluence aims to inspire the youth to engage with India’s cultural and intellectual legacy while addressing modern challenges.

The event has drawn knowledge partners from academic and research institutions such as SMaRT, Sangam, Brhat and Centre for Indic Studies and is being conducted with the support of Avantika University as the venue partner. Registration for the Confluence is open through the official website: www.youngthinkersforum.com

As India’s youth increasingly participate in dialogues concerning national identity and global standing, events like YTC 2025 seek to channel their energy into structured, ideologically rooted discourse, aiming not just to reflect on the past, but to shape the future.

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Third Edition Of Defence & Technology Show To Open In Chennai On September 4

The Commune — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:42:24 +0000

The third edition of the Defence & Technology Show, organised by the Swatantra Foundation, is set to begin on Thursday, 4 September 2025, at the Chennai Trade Centre. The event will be inaugurated by Lt. General Karanbir Singh Brar, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.), in the presence of Air Commodore Pradeep Sharma, VSM, and Col. Anurag Mathur, ADB.

Advisors to the Swatantra Foundation, including former Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthy, former Revenue Secretary M.R. Sivaraman (IAS, Retd.), and Commodore R.S. Vasan (IN, Retd.), will also attend the inaugural ceremony.

According to Swatantra Foundation President S. Ramasubramanian, the show is designed to connect defence-related buyers and sellers, particularly by matching the capabilities of MSMEs with the requirements of larger defence buyers. The three-day event will feature more than 400 stalls, focused one-on-one B2B meetings, and day-long seminar sessions led by subject matter experts.

The organisers said that past editions of the event facilitated over 500 B2B meetings, leading to business deals worth more than ₹1,000 crore. This year’s edition has reportedly seen strong participation, driven by growing interest in India’s defence sector following the successful Operation Sindoor.

The Defence & Technology Show is being co-hosted by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the country’s oldest trade bodies, and the Federation of Industry and Management Association (FIMA). Delegations from the armed forces, Ministry of Defence, DRDO, defence PSUs, defence attachés of foreign countries, large corporates, and hundreds of MSMEs are expected to take part.

Organisers anticipate over 20,000 business visitors across three days, along with participation from select educational and research institutions.

The event will go on till 6 September 2025.

For registration, participants can visit defenceexpotn.in

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Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum To Host Book Dialogue On “The New World: 21st Century Global Order And India”

The Commune — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 03:58:29 +0000

The Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum, in collaboration with Chinmaya Academy of Management and We the People of Chennai, will organize a book dialogue on The New World: 21st Century Global Order and India, authored by Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation. The event is scheduled for 2 August 2025 (Saturday) at 6 PM at Tapovan Hall, Chinmaya Heritage Centre, Chetpet.

The discussion will feature Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, and Swami Mitrananda, a spiritual teacher from Chinmaya Mission Chennai, as distinguished guests. Dr. Ram Madhav will engage in a dialogue on his book, which explores India’s evolving role in the contemporary global order.

Interested participants are encouraged to RSVP at 86680 05073, 99401 88325, or 96001 62841, as seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The event promises an insightful conversation on geopolitics, India’s strategic positioning, and the challenges of the 21st century.

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GOD India Trust’s Udyog 2025 To Spotlight Purpose-Driven Careers With Eminent Speakers In Chennai

The Commune — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:58:44 +0000

The Global Organisation for Divinity (GOD) India Trust is set to host the 8th edition of its flagship youth initiative Udyog on Saturday, 19 July 2025, at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai. With the theme “Work to Become, Not to Acquire,” the event aims to inspire high school and college students to pursue careers rooted in purpose and identity rather than material acquisition.

Udyog 2025 will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers from across the fields of classical arts, sports, defence technology, aviation, and cultural research. The event is free and open to pre-registered students aged 14 and above.

Among the keynote speakers is Padma Bhushan awardee Sri V.P. Dhananjayan, acclaimed Bharatanatyam maestro and founder of Bharatakalanjali, who will speak on “More Than Just Dance: Finding Yourself through Bharatanatyam.”

Khel Ratna recipient and five-time Olympian Sharath Kamal, India’s most decorated table tennis player, will deliver a session titled “Paddle, Passion, Perseverance: A Champion’s Path,” sharing his journey from Chennai to the global sports arena.

Dr. Shivaraman Ramaswamy, Co-founder of Big Bang Boom Solutions and a defence tech innovator recently awarded a ₹200+ crore contract under India’s iDEX program, will present on “From Idea to Impact: Serving the Nation through Defence Tech.”

Captain Pradeep Krishnan, commercial pilot and popular content creator, will offer insights into balancing aviation and creativity in “From Cockpit to Content: Living the Dream in Style.”

The event will also feature Dr. D.K. Hari and Dr. D.K. Hema Hari, founders of Bharath Gyan, known for their extensive research on Indian civilization. Their session, “Sanskriti to Sankalpa: Youth as Torchbearers of Bhārat’s Legacy,” will encourage young minds to engage with India’s civilizational knowledge and contribute meaningfully to society.

Organizers said the event is designed to help students navigate the evolving career landscape by learning from professionals who have transcended conventional success metrics. “It’s about becoming, not just acquiring,” said a representative from GOD India Trust.

Pre-registration is mandatory, with the last date to register being 15 July 2025. Seating will begin at 8:00 AM and doors will close by 9:00 AM on the day of the event. Lunch will be provided after the conclusion of the program.

For registration, students may contact: +91 96000 17125, 98413 07152, or 96771 32840.
Venue: Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai.
Timing: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

Udyog 2025 is part of a broader effort by GOD India Trust to expose youth to meaningful opportunities and role models across disciplines.

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SMaRT & VIGIL To Host High-Profile Media Dialogue Featuring Journalists Palki Sharma And Rangaraj Pandey In Chennai

The Commune — Thu, 08 May 2025 05:09:11 +0000

In a much-anticipated public event set to explore the challenges facing Indian journalism today, VIGIL, a citizens’ forum known for its cultural and national discourse, will host a thought-provoking discussion between prominent journalists Palki Sharma and Rangaraj Pandey.

The event, titled “Politicised Journalism: Fall of the Fourth Pillar,” is scheduled for 11 May 2025 at 6:30 PM at Narada Gana Sabha, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai. Organized in collaboration with the SMaRT Media-MassCom Platform, the forum will tackle issues surrounding media bias, erosion of journalistic standards, and the need for integrity in public discourse.

Palki Sharma, former Managing Editor at WION and a widely respected voice in international journalism, will share the stage with Rangaraj Pandey, one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential public commentators and founder of Chanakyaa Network. Together, they will offer insights into the evolution of Indian media, the dangers of agenda-driven narratives, and the responsibility of the press in a democracy.

Originally active from the 1990s to 2010, VIGIL is a Chennai-based initiative that brought together intellectuals, scholars, and citizens to deliberate on matters of national and cultural relevance. Past events have been graced by the likes of Swami Dayananda Saraswati and other luminaries, reinforcing VIGIL’s commitment to informed, values-based civic engagement.

With media credibility under growing scrutiny, the upcoming discussion promises to be an incisive look at the state of the fourth estate.

Registration is open, and interested participants can call 8730550455 or register at https://tinyurl.com/46862we9

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BJP Leader Madhavi Latha Calls For Revival Of Traditional Values To Empower Women In Modern India

The Commune — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 03:44:36 +0000

The Chinmaya Heritage Centre in Chetpet hosted a compelling discussion on 2 March 2025 under the banner of VIGIL, a public forum known for fostering informed dialogues on national and cultural issues. The event, titled “Women & Civilization: Western Perspectives, Indian Truth”, featured BJP leader Kompella Madhavi Latha as the keynote speaker.

Madhavi Latha delivered a powerful address challenging global narratives that misrepresent the status of women in Indian civilization. She asserted that Bharatiya culture has always revered women, with deities such as Gayatri Devi and Saraswati embodying supreme knowledge and power. She refuted claims of systemic gender discrimination, arguing that women have historically demonstrated exceptional intellectual grasp, even as men engaged in oral recitations. She criticized modern portrayals of India as unsafe for women, stating that Bharat was once “Sone Ki Chidiya”—a land of wealth and harmony, where gender balance was intrinsic to societal prosperity.

Addressing contemporary challenges, she claimed that efforts to weaken Bharat are directly linked to efforts to suppress women. “To curb a rising Bharat, they must curb its women,” she declared, pointing to global media bias and incidents such as the UK grooming scandal, which she framed as a case of femalephobia rather than Islamophobia. She urged Indian society to reclaim its legacy of respect for women, emphasizing that Sanatana Dharma is not a rigid set of rules but a way of thinking that has always placed women in positions of strength.

The event also featured insights from other speakers, including Kalaiyarasi Ramachandran, founder of Raattai, who highlighted handloom weaving as a means of empowerment, and Aparna Krishnan, who shared her experiences working with self-help groups in Paalaguttapalle to address water scarcity, education, and malnutrition through community-driven initiatives like Ashwagandhadi milk distribution.

With a strong call for restoring traditional values, Madhavi Latha urged grandparents to play a guiding role in shaping the next generation. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where attendees reflected on the need to counter negative stereotypes and reaffirm India’s civilizational ethos.

VIGIL, which had been a key intellectual platform from the 1990s to 2010, continues to serve as a crucial space for discussions that challenge mainstream narratives and reinforce India’s cultural identity.

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VIGIL To Host BJP Leader Kompella Madhavi Latha For A Deep Dive Into Women & Civilization

The Commune — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:54:09 +0000

VIGIL – A public forum for discussions and public dialogue is set to host a thought-provoking discourse on Sunday, 2 March 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Chinmaya Heritage Centre, 13th Avenue, Chetpet, Chennai.

The event, featuring BJP leader Kompella Madhavi Latha, will focus on the topic “Women & Civilization: Western Perspectives, Indian Truth.” It aims to challenge misconceptions about the status of women in Bharatiya culture, which are often perpetuated by global media and biased surveys.

was an initiative of various public-spirited citizens of Chennai and was active during the 1990s until 2010. Various intellectuals and luminaries like Swami Dayananda Saraswati have graced occasions of VIGIL. The forum has played a crucial role in fostering informed discussions on matters of national and cultural significance.

This upcoming discourse will highlight how Sanatana Dharma has upheld women’s dignity and status throughout history. Organizers emphasize that while ill-conceived narratives seek to portray India negatively, women have held prominent roles in religion, politics, society, academics, and sports since ancient times. Unlike in many other civilizations, women in Bharat are revered and worshipped as embodiments of divine power.

With efforts to undermine Indian traditions increasing, the session aims to provide clarity and counter misrepresentations. Interested individuals can register for the event here or using the QR code provided in the invitation below.

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Bengaluru Fest On Aug 24 To Discuss Opportunities And Challenges For India Beyond 2024

The Commune — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 05:49:10 +0000

The Samachar Manyata Association for Research and Training (SMaRT), a mass media communication platform, is holding a one-day fest on 24 August 2024 in Bengaluru titled “Bharat In New Era – Opportunities And Challenges Beyond 2024”.

The event, sponsored by ‘Gaadi Saathi’ and co-hosted by The Nationalist Madrasi, will discuss contemporary issues and feature a wide range of speakers from different backgrounds.

Supreme Court Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who has been appearing for the Hindu side in the Kashi Vishwanath—Gyanvapi case and the Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, will speak on reviving these past challenges in the post-2024 period.

Murali Panchapagesa Muthuswamy, a biotechnologist and the Chairman of Jananom Private Limited, will share his insights on navigating the Indian Startup ecosystem.

Authors Aabhas Maldahiyar and Anuradha Goyal, along with Puppeteer Anupama Hoskere, who won the Padma Shri, will speak on revitalizing heritage and art.

Gautam R. Desiraju, an emeritus professor at the Indian Institute of Science, will hold a session on whether India needs smaller states.

Authors Arun Krishnan, Sai Swaroopa Iyer, Abhinav Agarwal, and Jammalamadaka Suryanarayana will deliberate in another session on how the Indian education system can be more aligned with civilizational values.

BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, along with columnist Surendranath, will speak on the rise of the global right wing and what it means for India. Poonawalla, along with prominent journalist Rahul Shivshankar, will discuss infiltration and border security against the backdrop of the Bangladesh crisis.

Mysore MP and a descendant of the Mysore royal family, Yaduveer Krishnadutta Chamaraja Wadiyar, will share his insights on the contribution of royal dynasties to India’s developmental journey.

Rashmi Samant, the first Indian female President of the Oxford University Student Union, will speak about politics for the next generation during the one-day fest ‘Bharat In New Era—Opportunities And Challenges Beyond 2024’.

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“Andha 15 Naatkal” – Tamil Translation Of Prashant Pole’s Book On Partition Announced

The Commune — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:03:21 +0000

Andha 15 Naatkal – the Tamil translation of author Prashant Pole’s significant historical work, “Those 15 Days,” will be officially launched at a special event hosted by the Vigil Forum in Chennai on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

The book, titled “அந்த 15 நாட்கள்” in Tamil, sheds light on the dark and bloody days leading up to India’s independence, particularly focusing on the atrocities faced by Hindus and Sikhs during partition.

The launch event is scheduled for 7:00 PM on 14 August 2024 at the KRS Auditorium, Meenakshi College for Women, Kodambakkam High Road, Chennai. Former Rajya Sabha MP and senior journalist Balbir Punj will attend.

Prashant Pole’s book vividly brings to life the horrors experienced in regions like Hyderabad, often overshadowed by the brutalities in East and West Pakistan. The book is available for Hindi readers as ‘Ve Pandraha Din’.

‘Andha 15 Naatkal’ serves not only as a historical account but also as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the continuing relevance of these events in light of current developments in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh.

Focus of ‘Andha 15 Naatkal’

The book sheds light on the crucial period leading up to India’s independence on August 15, 1947. It reveals lesser-known events and the actions of leaders from 1 August to 15 August 1947, focusing on the joy of independence intertwined with the sorrow and fear of partition. ‘Andha 15 Naatkal’ highlights the intense atmosphere in regions like Lahore and Karachi, where Hindus and Sikhs faced severe persecution, with no political party stepping in to protect them.

The author emphasises the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), particularly its leader Guru Golwalkar, who visited Sindh in early August to support and organise Hindus and Sikhs amidst widespread violence. Despite the Congress’s surrender to the Muslim League, Golwalkar encouraged unity and resilience among Hindus.

The book argues that partition, driven by religious division, led to the tragic dismemberment of India. It calls attention to the ongoing decline of Hindu populations in Pakistan and Bangladesh, urging Indians to remain vigilant about the lessons of partition to protect the nation’s unity and sovereignty.

This translation will allow Tamil readers to engage with a critical part of India’s history, ensuring that the lessons from those harrowing 15 days are not forgotten.

The event will also hear a first-hand account of the horrors of partition by Balbir Punj. This event offers a rare glimpse into the trauma and resilience of that time.

Pre-registration for the event is mandatory and interested people can register to attend using the link – https://tinyurl.com/46862we9

VIGIL

VIGIL, a public forum for discussions and public dialogue, was an initiative of various public-spirited citizens of Chennai and was active from the 1990s until 2010. Various intellectuals and luminaries, like Swami Dayananda Saraswati, have graced VIGIL occasions.

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the 14th of August will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. This day is dedicated in memory of the millions of people who were displaced and killed due to mindless hate and violence during the partition of India in 1947.

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“Sila Payanangal, Sila Padhivugal” – Book By Dravida Mayai Subbu To Be Launched In Chennai

The Commune — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 03:47:28 +0000

The literary community in Chennai is abuzz with anticipation as the launch of “Sila Payanangal, Sila Padhivugal” by Dravida Mayai Subbu approaches. Scheduled for Saturday, 13 July 2024, at Rasika Ranjini Sabha in Mylapore, Chennai, at 10 AM.

The book, which explores diverse journeys and chronicles through a distinct narrative lens, will be unveiled amidst distinguished guests and literary figures. The chief guest of the event will be Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President, K Annamalai. Noted news reader Shobana Ravi will have the honour of receiving the first copy of the book.

The launch will also feature the presence of renowned personalities such as Poet Ramanan, Kolahalas Srinivas, Dr. P Krishnan, BJP members Ashwathaman and Karthik Gopinath, and Pesu Tamizha Pesu YouTube Channel’s Rajavel Nagarajan.

Published by Rare Publications and supported by the Tamil Nadu Readers Circle, the event at Rasika Ranjini Sabha, promises an engaging morning for book enthusiasts and intellectuals alike.

For more details and updates on the book launch, interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.rarepublications.in.

After the launch of the English version of his ever-popular book Dravida Maayai, this book “Sila Payanangal, Sila Padhivugal” in Tamil is a much anticipated one from writer Subbu.

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