The Bangalore Local, Koramangala [this is a sober venue]

Democracy 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?

🗓️ Wednesday, 4 November
🕖 7 PM – 9 PM
📍 The Bangalore Local, Koramangala [this is a sober venue]
🎫 Ticket link in bio [includes a complimentary sober drinks from @localfermentco.in]