Swaraj Abhiyan organized a Swaraj Samwad at Kolkata, West Bengal. It was a grand launch of the concept and practice of Swaraj in the city of thought-leaders and intellectuals. Many farmers from villages around the city also attended. The public meeting, which was open to media, was a lively dialogue on alternative politics in the context of the polarized and violence-prone political scenario of West Bengal.
The debate and exchange of views culminated in Prof. Yogendra Yadav outlining and suggesting that politics need not be one-dimensional – party, election and power – he spoke of other forms of political activity like peoples movements (which happen because mainstream political parties often neglect the needs of people), movements to preserve heritage, movements to preserve livelihood and movements to connect people with their inner selves. He stressed on creation of platforms where peoples movements can find expression and support.
The participants of the meeting, which included important educationists, political activists, film makers, theatre directors and other public intellectuals, highlighted the need of political freedom and dialogue in West Bengal and welcomed the concept of Swaraj Samwad, which they hoped would give a new and open voice to articulate the aspirations and needs of people from all walks of life.
The Swaraj Samwad at Kolkata was organized by the Swaraj Samwad Team of volunteers of Kolkata and surrounding districts.