Hyderabad will once again host Manthan Samvaad 2025 on October 2, 2025 at Shilpakala Vedika, bringing together a line-up of speakers from diverse fields for a day-long exchange of ideas.
Founded in 2005, Manthan has built a reputation as a non-partisan platform that encourages open dialogue across ideological divides. Since then, it has held more than 400 talks, drawing an audience of more than 60,000. The annual Samvaad, introduced in 2012, has become a regular feature on Gandhi Jayanti, focussing on debate and discussion.
This year’s programme will see defence analyst and editor of FORCE magazine Pravin Sawhney delving into national security challenges and historian and Chancellor of Ashoka University Rudrangshu Mukherjee speak on Gandhi and Tagore. Molecular biologist and Director of National Centre of Biological Sciences, Bengaluru L.S. Sasidhara will take the audience on the journey from the origins of life and senior economist with Kautilya School of Public Policy Rathin Roy will speak on next phase of transformation in South India.
Lawyer Colin Gonsalves will address the Supreme Court’s role in protecting human rights. Senior editor at The Wire Arfa Khanum Sherwani and comedian Vir Das will also be part of the event.
Manthan Samvaad remains open to all, with no registration fees or entry barriers. Organisers say this accessibility has made it a people’s forum, attracting students, professionals and citizens from different walks of life.
Hyderabad has continued to serve as the venue for the annual gathering, with organisers noting that the city’s mix of tradition and modernity reflects the ethos of the event.
Published – September 28, 2025 01:13 pm IST
