What is a Colloquium?
A CCS Colloquium is an in-depth discussion centred on a chosen theme. The Colloquium provides participants with an opportunity to disentangle themselves from the distractions of everyday life to reflect on issues of fundamental and enduring importance. Through this program, we create an environment where participants are encouraged to contribute to the discussions by sharing their understanding of the book ‘The Dilemma of an Indian Liberal’. The Colloquium is an endeavour to develop innovative ideas and approaches for advancing liberalism today.
Unlike a conventional conference, where one lectures and the audience listens, participants at the Colloquium explore a specific theme together by discussing a common reader that they read before the program. Their shared inquiry is guided by a moderator who encourages thinking, asks probing questions, keeps things moving, but does not indulge in one-way monologues, lectures and does not advocate their own personal biases and interpretation of the texts. The purpose of the discussions is not to convey doctrine or to drive home certain preconceived conclusions but to challenge participants to examine, refine, and develop their own ideas by engaging with others.
The discussions at the Colloquium follow a certain code of conduct. Participants are encouraged to listen attentively to the thoughts, concerns and questions of others to deepen their understanding of the issue and each other.
How does it work?
CCS will select 20 participants from a pool of applicants based on the merit of their application. All students, young professionals, policy enthusiasts, and CCS alumni are encouraged to apply.
A reader with thought provoking essays to inform the discussions will be shared with the participants a week before the date of the Colloquium. Participants must read and reflect on the text carefully before the colloquium as it serves as the foundation for the discussions on the day of the program. Participants are responsible for the content of the discussions, thus the quality of the program depends entirely on their thorough preparation.
Eligibility
Students, young professionals, policy enthusiasts, and think-tank leaders are welcome to apply for the Colloquium. The applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and you are encouraged to apply as early as possible!
We provide a certificate of participation for those who successfully attend and contribute to the discussions in all the sessions during the Colloquium.
