Every year, Centre for Civil Society (CCS) pauses to honour the ideas, partnerships, and people who have shaped our journey since 1997. Foundation Day is not just an anniversary, it is a celebration of shared dreams, tireless work, and the belief that policy rooted in social change can change lives.
This year, we mark 28 years of advancing reforms in education, livelihoods, and governance, and of building a movement for a freer, more prosperous India. Our celebrations centre around three vibrant segments:
- Report Launch – Trust-Based Governance: Decriminalisation for Development | 15:30 - 15:30
- The 4th Annual Indian Liberal Lecture | 18:30 - 19:30
- Celebration & Recognition of our Supporters, Partners, Alumni, and Beneficiaries | 19:30 - 20:00
It will be an evening of ideas, gratitude, and connection, bringing together policymakers, thought leaders, scholars, partners, and alumni to renew our shared commitment to freedom and dignity for all.
Segment 1: Launch of Report - Trust-Based Governance: Decriminalisation for Development
Time: 03:30 PM – 05:30 PM
India is taking bold steps towards replacing punitive compliance with trust-based governance. Building on the momentum of the Jan Vishwas Act and the proposed Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0, CCS’s Researching Reality: Policy Research Residency 2025 explored legal frameworks in six states and one central jurisdiction. Our young scholars identified 140 outdated laws that hold back enterprise and economic growth—laws that deserve to be reimagined or repealed.
The launch is a call to action to embed trust at the heart of India’s legal-regulatory environment.
Highlights:
- Welcome & Keynote
- Report Launch & Research Insights
- Panel Discussion – “Decriminalisation for Development”
Featuring senior policymakers, legal experts, industry leaders, and CCS scholars - Scholars Felicitation
High Tea
Time: 05:30 PM – 06:00 PM
Drum Circle Activity
Time: 06:00 PM – 06:30 PM
Segment 2: 4th Annual Indian Liberal Lecture
Time: 06:30 PM – 07:30 PM
India’s liberal thinkers have long championed the principles of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets, but their voices have too often been drowned out. The Annual Indian Liberal Lecture is our tribute to these timeless ideas, offering a platform for distinguished individuals to share insights on India’s most pressing challenges through a lens of freedom and human dignity.
Past speakers include Gurcharan Das, Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, and Sagarika Ghose. This year’s lecture will once again aim to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and strengthen the foundations of an open society.
Segment 3: Celebration & Felicitation Dinner
Time: 07:30 PM – 09:00 PM
The day will end where our heart truly lies, with our community. We will honour our supporters, partners, alumni, teachers, entrepreneurs, and beneficiaries whose faith in CCS has turned ideas into impact. These are the people who make reform real.
Over dinner, we will share stories of change, celebrate milestones, and deepen the bonds that keep the liberty movement alive and thriving.
