Jaipur Dialogues is becoming the premier intellectual event in India in which the deeper issues of the country, its vast culture, history and enduring spiritual heritage are discussed, examined and freely debated with relevance to the entire world and crucial current events. The variety of subjects the dialogues cover from political, economic, military, artistic, philosophical and scientific concerns, with respect for the dharmic traditions of the region, is unique and transformative. All who attend will find their minds awakened to new ways of thinking, perception and creative response to the many challenges facing humanity today, not only externally but also from within our own psyches.

Jaipur Dialogues features original thinkers, bold leaders, incisive writers and contemplative visionaries from several different fields who challenge the stereotypes, boundaries and prejudices that too commonly characterize and diminish intellectual and literary discourse in India. Its aim is not just to uphold the usual vested interests and their circumscribed views but to breakthrough into new areas of exploration and insight that expand our human potentials in a qualitative manner. I have been honored to be part of its growth and development of the dialogues and to see how in a few years it has made such a powerful impact on the intellectual climate of the region.

Jaipur Dialogues consists of engaging talks and interchanges with eminent thinkers, writers, journalists and public figures on the India stage today. It draws the audience into its informative presentations and debates, reaching out into the society as a whole with new perspectives and innovative insights. I found the first Jaipur Dialogues to be engaging and fascinating in how so many themes and issues were woven together for a broad view of all the challenges and opportunities facing India today.

It is wonderful to see such unique and different discussions about India that address key issues outside the boundaries of the usual academic and media outlets and their circumscribed points of view. Notably it is good to see India’s culture and yogic values afforded their proper place and regard.

The city of Jaipur is charming in every way and I have had the pleasure of being posted there once in my career. It has wonderful people and great culture on display everywhere; a tourist destination of some distinction on the world tourism maps. Jaipur Dialogues introduced in 2016 brings to this lovely city an institutional opportunity to discuss and be educated on comprehensive security matters to include geopolitics, international strategic affairs, internal security, science and technology, ideology and culture. This was an area thus far the apparent reserve of Delhi and to some extent Mumbai and Pune. Putting together some panels of great distinction Mr Sanjay Dixit, the moving force behind the annual event, has created a footprint of intellectual excellence in Jaipur. I spoke at the first ever Jaipur Dialogues and received a great response and that’s why I intend to ensure I get right back there at the second outing; in fact I eagerly look forward to it.