Puzzled by the paucity of dialogues and conversations in public spaces, research student Abhishek Ajayakumar and architect Nichollette Jerome wondered how they would be able to get people to start talking and listening to each other, and also agree to disagree on different issues.

“That was how we came up with the idea of Tatvika Avalokanam. Although there are lots of communities in the city that celebrate reading, music, art, cinema and so on, there was a vacuum when it came to spaces for people to talk, discuss and debate on different subjects,” says Abhishek.

Nicolette came up with the name Tatvika Avalokanam, inspired by a dialogue from the cult film Sandesham, a political satire. “Later, we came to know that there was a Malayalam film with a similar name. Nevertheless, we decided to stick to it.”

Tatvika Avalokanam session  | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The subjects for discussion are announced a week before each session and range from serious topics such as fake news and artificial intelligence to light-hearted topics such as the “best outlet to buy meat roast”. Language is not a criterion for the participants as English and Malayalam, and, at times, Hindi too can be heard.

Abhishek Ajayakumar and Nichollette Jerome | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Nicolette believes that since “we live in conflict-ridden times, the absence of a place to talk and understand each other’s perspective often leads to situations that could have been avoided through dialogues.”

It took time for the idea to catch on and the initial sessions did not take off as expected. “Rain played spoilsport at an open-air venue and participation was also not all that great,” recalls Abhishek.

But once it gathered steam, there has been no looking back. Moreover, they made the Reading Room at Cheruvaikkal the venue and soon the discussions attracted residents from all walks of life, age and gender no bar.

Enthused by the response of the sessions, they also started similar ones for children between the ages of seven and 14 during the summer vacation. Held on Tuesdays, the rules of engagement remained the same but the subjects were different and age appropriate.

Archana Gopinath, who runs The Reading Room, says they were pleasantly surprised by the astute remarks of the children who spoke with gravity on subjects such as the pros and cons of mobile phones, traditional parenting versus modern parenting and so on.

Archana Gopinath | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

“Some participants thought that the discussions would be conducted on the lines of debates in colleges, with a team speaking for and against a subject. However, once they understood that the attempt was to ignite discussions and not necessarily a templated one, the discussions were fast and furious but always in a cordial manner.

“I strongly feel that there might be more than two perspectives to every issue and it is important to listen to all those aspects. Moreover, one must learn to agree to disagree and that is what we hope will happen through discussions,” maintains Nichollette.

A Tatvika Avalokanam session in progress | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Held on alternate Sundays, the event has participants from all walks of life. Archana says that many newcomers drop in to listen and participate and end up finding a good network of friends. “Students, employees from Technopark, senior citizens, former teachers... it is an interesting cross section of society that participate in the discussions and that is why it becomes so interesting,” adds Archana.

An interesting panel of moderators keeps the discussions lively and informative. Sana S, one of the moderators, says she found the community welcoming. “It is a symbiotic exchange that takes place during the weekly discussions. It is an ice-breaker and idea for socialising too,” adds Sana.

Gayathri RN, a student, and Hansa Firoz, an artist, say that they are enthused to see participants willing to discuss and listen respectfully even while taking up contentious issues.

Tatvika Avalokanam is held on alternate Sundays at The Reading Room, Cheruvakkal, from 3pm to 5pm. The 48th session will be held on December 15 on the topic Art vs The Artist. Contact: 9037320956