Creating counter communication strategies 

(A workshop at Sambhaavnaa on the 29th, 30th of November and the 1st of December, 2019)

 

Friends, we are all aware of the deep inroads that this new, and retributive ideology, has made across our land: its assault on the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court, the Reserve Bank, the Press Council of India, major Investigative Agencies and, at the street level, its impact on the lives of the minorities, Dalits and tribals. Even dissenting academics, activist lawyers and journalists, writers, painters and students have been singled out for retribution. The net has also spread to include all those people who believe in the plurality and diversity of this vast land…who believe in the equality of the  law for all citizens beyond caste, creed, religion and gender and who believe in the freedom of speech. In fact it is an onslaught on our foundational and core principles of citizenship and civilisation itself.

We are also aware that this ascent to power has been maliciously achieved by manufactured half-truths, shrill jingoism, the whipping up of a fear psychosis and, tragically, hate. How do we confront this juggernaut that has immense financial resources at its disposal, a pliant mass media that acts as an echo chamber and a huge army of indoctrinated cadres to both enforce this counter-ideology and also spread its message.

We know the battle is going to be long and hard and needs to be fought at the political, legal, cultural and media level. But we also know that there have been numerous instances where individuals and institutions have stood up bravely, and successfully, to challenge  this state of affairs and yet… 

That is why we have reached out to you. Your inputs and ideas will give us the necessary impetus to create a structured programme of ideas and positive counter narratives to confront the deep crisis our country now faces. Let us join forces with all those individuals and organisations across the country that are challenging this pernicious ideology of hate, deceit and divisiveness. 

Looking forward to a positive response

Best

Saeed Mirza | Prashant Bhushan | Sambhaavnaa Programs Team

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SUGGESTED PROGRAM (Open to change if participants feel the need)

Day 1, 29th November 

• Morning Session – Introductions and Purpose of the Meeting/Understanding the Current crisis & the need for this dialogue
• Afternoon/Evening Session – Thematic discussion circles – Evolving Counter Narratives/ Positive Narratives. Deconstructing dominant narratives/ myths.

Day 2, 30th November 

• Morning Session – Open Plenary Discussion. Identifying like-minded individuals, and mass organisations to expand the network. Forming discussion groups to create and formulate counter strategies…and platforms
• Afternoon/Evening Session ­– Coming together of all groups to Evaluate Strategies and effective communication platforms

Day 3, 1st December

• Morning Session – Presenting key points from the discussion circles – Open Plenary Discussion on Strategies
• Afternoon/evening Session – Finalising Action Points/Program

About Sambhaavnaa:   Sambhaavnaa Institute is an alternative learning and living space for those concerned with social and political change. Sambhaavnaa’s primary objective has been to nurture value-based leadership by encouraging individuals, especially young activists and youth, to discuss and develop a critical perspective on the ideals and ideas that define a ‘just’ society. Since 2011-12, Sambhaavnaa has emerged as a platform for a wide variety of individuals and organisations to engage and reflect on processes of transformation, challenging the injustices that prevail in society today.