Pint of View Lecture Over Drinks: Who is Democracy Really For?

About the eventDemocracy is often measured by who gets elected. But what happens after the election, when decisions have to be made about land, employment, education, health and public resources?Drawing on her experience in public administration and grassroots work, P. Sivakami examines the gap between political representation and actual participation in governance. What does it mean for a policy to be designed with people rather than simply for them? And can decentralisation make local government more responsive to the people it serves?The lecture looks at these questions through concrete examples from Sivakami’s work, including efforts to address child labour in Tamil Nadu’s match and fireworks industries, employment camps connecting rural job-seekers with employers, and campaigns for land rights and greater political representation for Dalit communities. She also examines questions of women’s participation, including how local knowledge and lived experience can change what governments see as a priority.So, when people who have historically been left out of decision-making gain a meaningful voice, does governance itself begin to change?About the SpeakerP. Sivakami (Former IAS) is a writer, social activist and former Indian Administrative Service officer who served for 28 years before taking voluntary retirement in 2008.During her career, she served as District Collector of Vellore and Thoothukudi and held senior positions across the Tamil Nadu government, including Secretary to the Government for Labour Welfare, Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, and Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. She also served as Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and held leadership roles in the Food Safety and Employment and Training departments.Her work has focused extensively on public administration, social welfare and the challenges of translating policy into meaningful outcomes on the ground.A celebrated Tamil writer, Sivakami has authored five novels, over 60 short stories and more than 100 essays. Her novel The Grip of Change is prescribed in postgraduate literature courses at several universities.She currently heads the Forum for Indian Women Intellect, which conducts empirical surveys and field research on socio-economic challenges and contributes to public policy formulation.Event DetailsDate: Wednesday, 4 NovemberTime: 7 PM – 9 PMVenue: The Bangalore Local, Koramangala, BengaluruThis is a sober venue.Your ticket includes:• 1 complimentary kombucha from Local Ferment Co.• First-come, first-served seatingAbout Pint of ViewPint of View is India's Largest Lecture Community. We brought the lecture in bar format to India and are now expanding across the globe with chapters in 16 cities worldwide. Here, big ideas meet intimate spaces, and you walk in curious and walk out with a sharper lens on the world.Book now and develop your own pint of view. 🍻