What is SPEAKERS' CORNER?
In India, discussions and debates exist only in the informal space of our social circles, mostly limited to our friends and family. The youth today are displaying an increased interest in discussing politics and social issues. This is also apparent from the increased popularity and viewer ship of TV shows like “We The People”, “Fight Night”, “The Big Fight” and so on. These indicate the fundamental need of a platform that facilitates free speech and public discussions. The youth is willing to engage and understand these issues, but lack the platform that facilitates this.
The proposed Speakers' Corner would provide just that - a formal platform that enables discussions and exchange of ideas.
Janaagraha started as a movement aimed at including people’s participation in public governance and is today an institution for Citizenship & Democracy. We believe that a nation’s strength are it’s citizens and informed citizens who are willing to engage in the governing process are the key to the success of a democracy.
Given our strong belief in participatory democracy, it is crucial to build citizens who are aware of the issues affecting them which in turn will enable them find suitable channels to route their aspirations for change in. The youth today will be our leaders tomorrow. And through Speakers’ Corner we attempt to create a whole new breed of educated youth empowered to engage in the democratic process.
HOW WILL SPEAKERS’ CORNER HELP SHAPE YOUNG MINDS?
- It will encourage youngsters to start thinking about issues concerning them in the civic space; this is the stepping stone to informed action
- Bring in a culture of debates & discussion among the youth which will help them gain a deeper understanding of civic issues and other aspects of democracy
- Getting them to practice consensus-building through debate and negotiation, which are crucial in collective decision making
- Inculcate the art of listening and tolerating a counterpoint or conflicting argument.
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME:
20 minutes:
We will encourage people to come up with topics that they would like to discuss. As this is a platform for them, we would like them to pick a topic of their interest.
30-35 minutes:
Discussion on chosen topic
20-30 minutes:
City Gyan session
We will invite a guest who is well versed with Bangalore. He will talk to the audience post which the floor is open to people for exchanging questions and thoughts with the guest.
Re: What is SPEAKERS' CORNER?
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