Leadership Workshop for Political Activists
The Leadership Workshop for Political Activists
Join us for a day of richly stimulating and intensely thought-provoking workshop on “Making the Leap: From Discussing Politics to Changing Paradigmsâ€. This workshop – the first of its kind in India – is aimed at concerned and aware citizens who wish to make the transition to active politics. For those of you who may be wondering why bother with politics?, here is the reason, courtesy my friend and FTI colleague, Sanjeev:
Of the things we take for granted in our lives, politics must surely rank the highest. Politics determines policy, and policy determines our lives.
It impacts whether our children will be around to look after us in our old age; whether we will be taken quickly to hospital after a hit-and-run road accident – indeed, whether there will be an emergency vehicle available at all or even whether a hospital will exist; whether we will find a job; whether we will find a house to live in; whether our street will have functioning drains; and so on.
Virtually everything in our lives is determined by politics, even how we respond to relentless terrorism.We neglect politics only at great peril.
The difference between the life of citizens in genuinely free countries and in India boils down to the difference in the quality of politics in these countries.It is therefore better to control politics than to let it control us.
The Workshop will be led by me. Most of you already know me. For those who may not, here is a micro-profile: “Political Activist, Blogger, Advisor to start-ups, Seed investor. Also one time VC and ex-diplomat (IFS, 1991). And of course, author of || Satyameva Jayate ||” ! Â For the more curious amongst you, there is more here. Alternatively, please have a look at some recent media coverage (links below the registration form). Â As I mentioned during one of my recent talks:
One of the questions I get asked most frequently is how do I get involved in Politics? Unfortunately the answer is neither short nor simple…
This workshop will attempt to answer this question & others.
*** PROGRAM SYNOPIS ***
Programme Details: This one-day workshop is aimed at aspiring political leaders and activists who wish to transition to full-time politics in the near future. In the workshop, I hope to distill learnings from my last few years of political activism and outline steps to a full-time political career. The day and the various sessions will help you reflect on your own career path and the changes that you need to focus on to end up where you want to be.
Who Should Attend: Aspiring political leaders, activists, professionals and students interested in considering politics as a full-time career. Please note that the numbers will be limited to 20 participants for each workshop.
Workshop Dates: 9th July (Sat) in Bengaluru and 16th July (Sat) in Pune (venue to be confirmed closer to the date).
Workshop Fees: Rs 1500/- for the full day (will include background readings, lunch and refreshments). Â Early registrations: Rs 1200/- for the full day. The fees have been deliberately kept at a modest level and is aimed at covering costs. Â More details below the fold.
*** A bit more about me ***
Interview in League of India. Recent news-item in Times of India, Chandigarh and Amar Ujala, Ghaziabad
Interview in Spark Magazine,  Interview in Quest4Fame. There is lot more here, including photographs from various outreach efforts and video snippets and slides from some recent presentations and a brief professional profile
Some more details about the Workshop
In this one-day programme I will share my thoughts, tips and suggestions on how you can influence people, articulate policies, plot your political career and bring about fundamental and lasting change. Â I will discuss my experiences as a political activist over the last few years and share key learnings with the participants. Â The workshop will be interactive. It will comprise discussions, presentations, individual reflection and group/ paired exercises. During the day, you will get a chance to explore questions like:
- How do I join “politics”?
- Can I really bring about change?
- I have neither money nor any family connections to “Politics”. Do I stand any chance?
- How can I chart my political career?
Most importantly, the workshop will help you reach a definitive answer to the question: Is this really something I want to do? For more details and any questions or clarifications, please leave a comment below and do have a look at the  transcript of the live chat held on 30th Apr ’11.
Related Posts: What Next?
From my response to a comment on Sanjeev’s post on Facebook:
Nowhere am I claiming that this one workshop of a few hours will turn someone into a political leader…What it will do is to expose the participants to the harsh reality of Indian politics and make them re-assess their plans/ambitions in this direction.
Secondly, can you really just “jump in” into an existing party/apparatus – without a Godfather – or a mass base, or tons of money?
To answer your third comment, the workshop is open to everyone who dreams of doing something to transform India…No questions asked at the gate – so to speak.
@Azad: Yes, that is one of the things we will be discussing: How can you really make a dent without getting corrupted to the core by the “system”?
Shantanu Sir,
Good effort. I have a suggestion. Please organize such workshops to train trainers so that more potential leaders can be trained at a faster rate across the nation.Of course trained trainers profile and creditability may not be close to yours but we have to accomplish a lot and the time is short.
@Anon: Good idea…I will certainly give this serious thought. Thanks
Shantanu, some thoughts for your consideration, for your workshop:
http://sabhlokcity.com/2011/05/ftis-unique-selling-proposition-and-target-market/
Basically, I am confident that there is a huge demand for good governance, and the country has moved away from socialism. It is now up to the young leaders of India to rise and meet the challenge of taking India to greatness.
S
I would like to attend this workshop. May i know where to pay the money and register for it? I can not join live chat on 21st as i am out of station that day.
@Sanjeev: Thanks. Will incorporate as appropriate…
@Sanjeevani: I have added your name to the list; you will receive an email shortly)
***
All: If you are interested to find more details, please enter your details in the form above or here: http://eepurl.com/dtPhz
..and try and join the live chat on 21st May at 730pm IST. Register for the online chat here: http://bit.ly/PolWorkshop2
For many of you who have asked:
The workshop will span 6-7 hours. The agenda will include, amongst other things, the following topics (tentative agenda):
a] Taking a stand; Understanding Issues; Taking positions
b] The Art of Powerful Communciations – Speaking, reading and writing for impact
c] Critical Strategic Concerns facing India
d] Key Learnings from the last few years of political activism: What works and what does not work
e] Creating your brand; What do you stand for? Whom do you represent?
f] Mobilising networks
***
sir..
i wna attend the workshop!!
can u plz temme…what are the criteria/qualification to b part of the workshop on 16th.
since i m from indore ,and just 18 years old…it will b my first trip to pune…alone…
wish i’ll gt registered ..
can u plz temme the link frm where i can pay the registration fee!
n confirm my presence in the workshop!
is there any gyu/gul of my age…whome i can connect with on FB…or via mails…!!
can u plz temme!
@Shivam/All: For more details (including registration, fees etc) please enter your details in the form above or here: http://eepurl.com/dtPhz
You should then receive an email with all details. Thanks
I just recd the link. Sounds great and would like to join the workshop at Bangalore on 9th July 2011.
Shantanuji,
Goa is going for elections in coming December and the state is currently facing several issues such as illegal mining, Medium of Instruction controversy, Drugs and Sex trade and so on. Many young goans are trying hard to make a difference into politics of Goa. Please organize one such workshop in Goa as well.
Hi Shantanu
Would love to Attend Next Work Shop , I register My Self , I hope Will Get chance to Join The Work Shop Soon …….:-)
Sudeep
Sudeep: Next workshop is very likely to be in Indore…Stay tuned.