IX Creative Theory Colloquium 2022 || Thinking Transformative Politics || Session I - Part I

IX Creative Theory Colloquium 2022: Session One - "Thinking Transformative Politics"
Welcome to the IX CTC's inaugural session on "Thinking Transformative Politics", chaired by the renowned Professor Neera Chandhoke. Journey with us as we delve deep into the pivotal discussions that shaped this remarkable colloquium.
In this video, Prof. Chandhoke unravels the essence of 'thinking', emphasizing its roots in defiance, resistance, and dissent. She touches upon the challenges posed by assertive right-wing forces and underscores the urgent need to champion the act of thinking in these turbulent times.
Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty then takes us on a historical exploration, tracing the evolution of 'thinking' through epochs of oppression - from the stifled dynamics of pre-colonial times to the colonial era's objectification of individuals. Celebrating the unity of theory and practice, he references luminaries like Buddha and Ambedkar as epitomes of transformative thought.
Focusing on our contemporary socio-political landscape, Prof. Mohanty identifies two significant threats: the emerging authoritarianism interwoven with global capitalism and the looming advent of the "fourth industrial revolution". He emphasizes the challenges posed by integrating AI into education and champions a holistic view of labor, advocating for every individual's right to think, drawing inspiration from stalwarts like Gandhi and Marx.
Adding depth to our session, Dr. Manindra Nath Thakur introduces us to a poignant poem dedicated to the Creative Theory Group, capturing the complex terrain of thinking today. He dives into philosophical debates on materialism, and through 'anekantavada', champions the coexistence of multiple truths.
Addressing the challenges of today's techno-authoritarian state, Dr. Thakur channels wisdom from icons like Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Tagore. Their collective insights beckon us to reclaim our right to think and inspire transformative change.
Our exploration doesn't conclude here. Dive deeper into the nuances of transformative politics in Discussion Part II in our upcoming video. To ensure you don't miss out on any of the enriching sessions from the IX CTC series, please subscribe to our channel.