Topic: Being “Apolitical” : Is it the right way forward for India ?

Format: 1 hour panel discussion followed by Q & A from audience

Speakers:

The eminent speakers to discuss the burning issue are:

·         Mr. Chetan Bhagat, Well Known Author

·         Mrs. Kiron Kher, Film Actor & Social Activist

·         Mrs. Meenakshi Lekhi, BJP Mahila Morcha National Vice-President

·         Mr. AdityaRaj Kaul, Indian editor at The Indian (Australian Magazine)

Background of the Discussion:

The latest addition to our vocabulary is “Apolitical”. Other words like “Unelectable” and “Unelected” have also been bandied about but have not found wide acceptance or usage in the regular public discourse.

We really need to understand  - is it a word, a term, an ideology, an ism, a statement or an expression ? Is this an accessory or a new product ? What is its true meaning? Does it have a definite meaning as do other words if it is a word ? What are the implications if we do accept this in any of the above forms ? How does this measure up; when we compare with words such ‘Amoral’ & ‘Atheist’? Is "Apolitical" the opposite of "Political" and "Politics" or is it devoid of politics.

Do we need this ? If yes why ?

Does this pit one against the other ? Is this an oversimplification or an overkill given the current state of affairs in India ! Would this involve Indians increasingly engaging with the political process or will it make Indians more cynical about our political process and hence our Democracy. There is an urgent need to deconstruct and place this in its true perspective lest we cause any long term damage to our Democracy.

Please register for the event here.