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Interact
Convene scientists, scholars and practitioners across disciplines and generations.
Prasthutha Foundation
Relevant Thoughts for Responsible People
A non-partisan, non-profit trust convening India's scientific and scholarly minds on the questions that shape the nation — from technology and security to economy, geopolitics and society.
Founded 1998 · Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Who we are
An independent home for serious ideas
Prasthutha began in 1998 as a student initiative at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru — in the year India announced itself anew through Pokhran‑II. What started as a forum for young scientists to debate the questions facing the country has grown, over more than a hundred programmes, into a registered trust.
Today we bring together scientists, scholars, practitioners and policy thinkers for rigorous, impartial dialogue on matters of national importance. We hold no party line. Our work is to convene the right minds, ask honest questions, and turn careful analysis into ideas the country can use.
Our mission
To think clearly, in public, about what matters to the nation.
We believe informed, professional discourse shapes sound public judgement. By engaging the scientific community in evidence-led debate on science, security, the economy and society, Prasthutha works to build a citizenry that is well-informed, discerning and responsible.
Our approach
Four moves, from conversation to consequence
Every Prasthutha programme follows the same disciplined arc — the method behind our emblem.
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Engage
Open honest, non-partisan dialogue on the questions that matter to the nation.
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Assess
Bring evidence and impartial analysis to complex, consequential problems.
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Address
Translate insight into ideas, recommendations and action that endure.
Our story
Twenty-five years in the making
1998 · The beginning
Born at IISc, in the year of Operation Shakti
As India marked Pokhran‑II, students at the Indian Institute of Science founded Prasthutha as a club to debate ideas in science, society and culture. Its first event, “Pokhran‑II: Scientific Issues,” was led by Dr. R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
1998 – 2020 · Growing up
From a campus club to a national network
Over two decades, Prasthutha grew into a community of scholars and practitioners, hosting more than a hundred programmes on science and technology, national security, the economy, geopolitics and the nation's social and spiritual life.
2021 · Coming of age
Established as a registered trust
Prasthutha was formally constituted as the Prasthutha Foundation — a non-partisan, non-profit trust — giving its work a durable structure and a wider reach across the country.
Today · The work ahead
A trusted convener across academia, policy and society
Prasthutha continues to bring together the finest minds in India and beyond, adapting and collaborating to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities before the nation.
What we work on
The questions we take up
No subject is too lofty or too obscure. Our programmes range widely, always with the nation's interest at heart.
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Science & Technology
From frontier research to its place in national life and the public imagination.
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National Security
Strategic affairs, defence and the choices that keep the nation secure.
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Economy & Public Policy
Economic stewardship and the policy decisions that shape prosperity.
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International Geopolitics
India's place in a shifting world and the relationships that define it.
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Society & Culture
The social fabric, civic life and the unity within India's diversity.
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Civilisational Wisdom
Heritage, philosophy and the enduring ideas that ground a responsible nation.
1998
Founded at IISc
100+
Programmes hosted
25yrs
Of dialogue
2021
Registered trust
Join us
Be part of the conversation
Prasthutha is built on friendship, cooperation and a shared commitment to the country. There is a place for you in it.
Attend & participate
Join our talks, debates and dialogues. Bring your questions and your expertise to the table.
Collaborate
Partner with us on a programme, a study or an event. We welcome institutions and individuals alike.
Support
Help sustain independent, non-partisan discourse. Your support keeps the conversation going.
Get in touch
Write to us
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Registered office
Third Floor, BLG No. 5/3, Planet I Technologies,
MSR Road, 2nd Cross, Mathikere,
Bengaluru 560054, Karnataka, India
MSR Road, 2nd Cross, Mathikere,
Bengaluru 560054, Karnataka, India
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Registration
Reg. No. RJN/4/00322/2021-22