Pandemics have afflicted civilizations throughout human history. Many of these pandemics have had significant impacts on human society, killing large percentages of the global population and altering the course of human history. But what valuable lessons can we learn from pandemics in history to help us understand the present and prepare for the future? And how does the health care system cope with these unprecedented pandemics which exacerbate the pressure on services and those on the front line? What are the economic repercussions of this pandemic going to be and will households and businesses ever be able to recover? What does the future hold? Join us for this Manthan!

Struggle is seen as an inherent part of life. To some, the nature of life itself is struggle. With governments worldwide wrestling to contain the COVID outbreak and millions of people isolating at home, struggle is at the forefront of every discussion. What does it mean to struggle? The current crisis could be the opportunity for a fundamental change in our paradigm that shifts not only how we deal with struggle, but also how we interact with the world around us.

Hindu society should be able to take in its stride all people; certainly in classical times, upto 9th CE, Indian society was probably the most liberal in the world. If less than 5% of any global population is LGBTQ+, to what extent ought one's entire identity be built on one's sexuality or sex? Hindu society has always emphasised the bigger picture - dharma and moksha, so what is the Hindu perspective on LGBTQ+? Let's discuss.

Why is veganism growing at such terrific rates? What role, if any, should the British Hindu community play in shaping the voice of the vegan and animal rights movement? Come and explore if veganism really is the panacea it is made out to be.

Both countries appear to be at a historical crossroads. India, with its 1.3bn people, sets to vote in a new government; while Britain sets itself up to leave the largest trading zone in the world to make it on its own way on the international stage. Will Britain and India finally lose their colonial hangovers - one of the master, the other of the servant; to build a relationship that is truly “special”? Is India the silver lining of Britain’s Brexit blooper? Explore this deep and complex problem with our panel of expert witnesses.

In August the Indian government shocked the world, and Indians when it revoked the (in)-famous article 370 which awarded the state of Kashmir special rights. The actions of the government have caused global divisions, as to the merits of the act - was it moral? Was it legal? Was it divisive? Was it unifying? One thing is clear: opinions are divided. The Indian Government explicitly stated as part of its manifesto that it would revoke Article 370 if given the mandate to do so. The landslide victory at the ballot box gave all the justification it needed to carry out the will of the Indian people. But many people internationally have condemned the move as illegal and immoral. Some have suggested that this is a feud about religion rather than land or politics. What are the facts? Can we untangle its complex history and multifaceted stakeholders? Come and explore this complex, nuanced challenge of our times.

We will soon see fireworks lighting up the night skies and shops selling Diwali paraphernalia...but have we now as a society began to lose the meaning of why these festivals are being held? How did the festival of light become the festival or personal indulgence? Join us as we look to explore Dharma and the celebration of Hindu festivals in 21st century Modern Britain.

In a rapidly advancing society, the nature of the environment often determines the direction of change. As such, one aspect to particularly focus on is that of ‘Human Nature’ - our inherent instincts and drives. In an era where the pace of technological change far outstrips our natural rate of evolution can we adapt accordingly? Generation Z has a vast array of information at their fingertips, has this stunted their ability to seek out new answers? What new challenges and opportunities will future technologies present to us? Join our panel of industry experts as we find out what daily life will look like in 2050 and the opportunities as well as challenges it will bring.

How can we translate Dharma, which is universal, into current social values? Come and explore, what marriage ought to be in the light of that nebulous term - Dharma!

As 125 years have passed since the famous speech in Chicago at the parliament of world religions, Vivekananda has undoubtedly inspired several generations of Hindu seekers and activists. But does his name and deeds still inspire generations raised in the west in the 21st century? Has the great swami become a mere brand ambassador who superficially inspires, but no longer calls people for a serious commitment to dharma? Come and explore the relevance of Vivekananda in a modern Britain.

UK Asians spend a staggering £3bn on weddings each year. Are we sacrificing the Dharmic teachings of simplicity and humility in exchange for crass materialism and razzmatazz? Are we devoting the same resources to the life- long commitment of a marriage as we do on our pomp celebrations? Come and join us for a conversation on weddings vs marriages in 21st century Britain. ------------------------------- Follow us on social media to keep up to date with us! Facebook - @VichaarManthanUK Instagram - @vichaarmanthan Twitter - @vichaarmanthan Visit our website: https://www.vichaarmanthan.org

In November 2017 the Yoga industry in the UK had a revenue of £834 million; with consumers being more willing to spend on their health this figure is predicted to rise over the next five years. No longer just trends it seems that practices like Yoga, mindfulness and veganism are becoming increasing mainstream albeit the norm. But isn't yoga more than postures and wearing comfortable yoga pants? Yoga, means union. A lifestyle that is meant to bring harmony and well being into our lives. Today we seldom talk about the psychological benefits of yoga if practised as a lifestyle rather than an exercise. A Hindu practise that is rooted in antiquity. Come and explore the psychological aspects of this ancient lifestyle developed in ancient India.

A critical examination of faith in the Hindu tradition in modern Britain. What does it mean when a Hindu talks about his or her faith? Is Hindu Dharma built on faith; are Hindus rooted in belief; or, is there something different which sustains Hindus? "Hindus are not believers" said Vivekananda; "Hindus are seekers!" Swami Vivekananda observed: Hindus are not believers but seekers of truth. Seekers by definition do not hold faith, but seek answers to questions. So what role, if any, does faith play in the Hindu tradition? Come and explore with scholars from various Hindu traditions, on an intra-knowledge platform, the knowledge which has bound a people together over many millennia.

With China looking at adopting UK Animal Welfare standards; are we living through a global shift in perspective? This is a question that goes beyond veganism, to the core of how we view and interact with the world around us. Can we clarify the concept of Dharma, producing a lens through which we may guide, refine and be confident in our actions?

A Vichaar Manthan in the British Parliament exploring how we could re-think the welfare state.

Who Has The Moral Duty Of Care For The Elderly, in Modern Britain? Since 2001, care homes have seen an 11% increase in their overall population aged 65 or over. On whom does the moral responsibility fall to accommodate our increasingly aging population? We may have learnt to preserve life, but have we sacrificed love in our efforts? Are our elderly parents merely a burden on state resources or an integral part of our children's upbringing? What are the effects on either party of grandparents and grandchildren coinciding? Hear the insights of our expert witnesses at out next panel discussion, exploring our moral duty to our predecessors.