Towards New Path Ways

 

Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan hosted the workshop "Towards New Pathways from 13–15 February  at the premisesof   Yatri Niwas, Sevagram, Wardha, bringing together scholars, intellectuals, and activists to explore new directions. The first day focused on unlearning, starting with small-group discussions where participants shared intellectual journeys, uncertainties, and core doubts. Keynote presenter Yogendra Yadav delivered an opening provocation, which was followed by an open reflection focused on raising critical questions. The day concluded with an analysis of major traditions—including Gandhism, Marxism, and Feminism—where insiders shared what needs to be unlearnt and outsiders highlighted lessons to adopt.

The second day focused on core societal and economic challenges, beginning with a workshop on rethinking development. Three working groups dissected value conflicts and trade-offs within agriculture under the climate crisis, manufacturing under globalisation, and the digital economy facing AI. The midday session introduced marginal perspectives through "New Thinkers, New Strands." The select participants presented lesser-known intellectuals who offer insights into contemporary crises, shifting the group dialogue away from academic evaluation and toward exploring new conceptual questions.

The afternoon shifted to identity and governance, starting with a  discussion on cultural politics. Participants debated how to reclaim nationalism, dialogue with religions, and relate to cultural heritage, focusing on systemic tensions to design public communication slogans. The day ended with small groups tackling social justice. Intellectuals analyzed three highly debated policy dilemmas: sub-quota demands for SC/ST/OBC communities, the Uniform Civil Code, and women's reservation in politics.

Smt. Ashaben Bothra, Shri Vijay Tambe, ShriYogendra Yadav and others guided the discussions.About 25 participants from allover the country participated in the workshop.