Hyderabad is once again gearing up to host its renowned Manthan Samvaad event on October 2, 2025. Set to take place at the picturesque Shilpakala Vedika, this year’s gathering promises to bring together a stellar lineup of speakers from various fields, offering a full day dedicated to the vibrant exchange of groundbreaking ideas.
Established in 2005, Manthan has consistently cultivated a reputation as a neutral platform, fostering open and respectful dialogue across a wide spectrum of ideologies. Over the years, it has successfully hosted more than 400 insightful talks, captivating an audience exceeding 60,000 attendees. The annual Samvaad, first launched in 2012, has since become a cherished fixture on Gandhi Jayanti, specifically designed to spark thoughtful debate and discussion.
The 2025 program boasts an exciting array of personalities. Pravin Sawhney, a respected defence analyst and editor of FORCE magazine, will offer deep insights into pressing national security challenges. Historian and Chancellor of Ashoka University, Rudrangshu Mukherjee, will explore the intertwined legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. Audiences will also embark on a fascinating journey from the origins of life with molecular biologist L.S. Sasidhara, Director of the National Centre of Biological Sciences, Bengaluru. Furthermore, Rathin Roy, a senior economist at Kautilya School of Public Policy, will shed light on the impending phase of transformation across South India.
Adding to the diverse roster, prominent lawyer Colin Gonsalves is scheduled to discuss the Supreme Court’s critical role in safeguarding human rights. The event will also feature insightful contributions from Arfa Khanum Sherwani, a senior editor at The Wire, and the popular comedian Vir Das, ensuring a truly engaging and multi-faceted experience for all.
True to its founding principles, Manthan Samvaad maintains an open-door policy: there are no registration fees or entry barriers whatsoever. This commitment to accessibility is precisely what has cemented its status as a genuine “people’s forum,” drawing a diverse cross-section of society including students, professionals, and concerned citizens from all walks of life.
Hyderabad has proudly continued to serve as the preferred venue for this annual intellectual confluence. The organizers emphasize that the city’s unique blend of deep-rooted tradition and modern dynamism perfectly mirrors the inclusive and forward-thinking ethos that defines the Manthan Samvaad event.