The Free-Thinkers’ Festival organized by Nastik Nation in Trivandrum was a resounding success, offering a full day of thought-provoking speeches, spirited discussions, panel debates, and public interactions. The event turned into a true celebration of knowledge, critical thinking, and the spirit of free inquiry.
The festival kicked off at 9:30 AM and continued until 6:15 PM, featuring a diverse range of intellectual engagements. The day began with a keynote address by Vellanad Ramachandran on the topic Onam: Myth and Reality. His talk offered a critical examination of the cultural and historical narratives surrounding the popular festival of Onam, challenging long-held myths and providing new perspectives on its significance.
Following this, Shobha Lathika delivered a compelling talk titled Power Group, where she explored the intricate dynamics of power within societal groups, including those related to gender and caste. Her narration delved deeply into how patriarchy and casteism continue to shape societal structures, presenting a thought-provoking critique of these issues.
At 11:30 AM, one of the day’s highlights unfolded with a lively discussion on Science, Religion, and Spirituality between Vaishakan Thampi and Sajeevan Anthikad. The discussion captivated the audience, as Vaishakan explained complex concepts such as morality and its links to religion with exceptional clarity and simplicity. His insights left the audience spellbound, while Sajeevan tackled some of the key challenges modern society faces today, sparking further engagement from the attendees.
Lunch was served at 1:00 PM, and the discussions resumed afterward with a session focused on The Justice of Reservations. This interactive dialogue between Murali Thonnakkal and Anu Mohan M.A. provided a nuanced examination of India’s reservation policies. The session witnessed heated exchanges of ideas, with arguments both for and against the relevance of reservations in shaping societal structures and mindsets. The conversation stirred a passionate debate, reflecting the complex nature of this important issue.
Later in the afternoon, a public interaction with Maitreyan drew a large number of participants. The audience eagerly posed questions, and Maitreyan’s unique ability to engage with varied perspectives infused the session with enthusiasm and energy. His responses inspired a lively exchange of ideas, further fueling the dynamic atmosphere of the event.
The evening featured a panel discussion on The Social Relevance of Secular Family Life. The panel comprised Kalliyoor Prasannaraj and Prabha Prasannaraj, Renuka Teacher and T.S. Pradeep, as well as Abhin G. Ashok and Aishwarya S., with Kannan Sivaraman serving as the moderator. The discussion delved into the challenges of maintaining secular values within family life, emphasizing its importance in today’s increasingly polarized world. The topic resonated with the audience, sparking meaningful reflections on the role of secularism in modern society.
The festival culminated in a final discussion on Criticism of Islam: For or Against Sangh Parivar?, featuring Muhammad Khan and Charvakam Nagesh. This powerful and engaging dialogue explored the boundaries of religious criticism in the context of political ideologies, bringing the day’s activities to a thoughtful and impactful conclusion.
As the event wrapped up at 6:15 PM, participants and speakers alike expressed their gratitude for the open exchange of ideas. The Nastik Nation Team extends heartfelt thanks to all those who had the courage to think freely, question established norms, and actively participate in the discussions and debates.
This festival was not just an event; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking, secularism, and free inquiry in building a progressive society.
Nastik Nation Team
