Academy | Freedom Caravan

What are the bottlenecks to our country being prosperous?
Why is industry and infrastructure in India lagging far behind than the rest of the world?
Why are the youth leaving the country behind to look for opportunities elsewhere?
What economic, social, and political changes are needed to accelerate growth and development in India today?

We believe that India has untapped potential that is waiting to be unleashed; and it is people that hold the key.

Freedom Caravan aims to bring young people together to explore these pressing questions, and encourage discussion and debate about the foundations of a free, prosperous, and just society. In the past two years, we have interacted with over 4,000 passionate youth from 6 states across the country. Similar programs have been organized by sister-organizations across the globe in countries such as Brazil, Turkey, Germany, and Kyrgyzstan.

Freedom Caravan centres upon an interactive dialogue on the chosen theme: (Who Creates Wealth?) The aim of the discussion is to encourage participants to think critically, and encourage an open, inviting, and respectful atmosphere, which will allow students to freely ask questions, and contribute to a constructive conversation. Through these interactions, we hope to inspire future leaders from the region to participate in the intellectual discourse that will shape their lives, and become change agents in their communities.

Freedom Caravan 2015: Why is India Poor?

The caravan is back, traveling through Mumbai  this July! Come join us as we dispel myths surrounding the reasons for India’s poverty; take the World’s Smallest Political Quiz and find out where you stand, politically; interact with our renowned faculty and don’t miss out on the opportunity of learning together! We can't wait to meet you.

Be a part of the journey! Sponsor us, volunteer with us or partner with us and bring Freedom Caravan to YOUR campus! Contact Daphne Vallado (programs@ccs.in | +91-9910667576).

Structure of Freedom Caravan:

Opening Activity: World’s Smallest Political Quiz

The World’s Smallest Political Quiz ranks students’ attitudes toward freedom on two scales, personal and economic freedom. Participants’ answers are used to categorise them into five categories: Authoritarian, Leftist, Conservative, Centrist, and Liberal. The quiz has proven to be a very useful tool in engaging students, sparking interesting conversations on the role of the state and civil society, and prompting them to attend the following discussion. An online version of the quiz is available on our website.

Central Discussion: Why is India Poor?

This lecture designed by Parth J Shah, President, Centre for Civil Society seeks to:

1. Debunk perennial myths about the causes of poverty and prosperity, and develop individuals’ ability to use reasons, data, and evidence when thinking about public policy, and;
2. More fundamentally, convince the participants about an approach to analysing this type of question and gain a pattern of thinking that will help them assess different possible answers to these kinds of questions until they get down to the root causes.

The monograph of the original lecture is available online on our website. 

Breakout Discussion 1: Not a Zero Sum Game-Trade is Made of Win!

This session examines the concepts of wealth creation through trade and comparative advantage. Through an interactive discussion and a market simulation, we explore with participants how voluntary exchange can lead to a win-win situation for all parties; and how restrictions on voluntary trade and limits on the division of labour impede wealth creation.

Breakout Discussion 2: How Markets Work?

Free markets have almost always been portrayed as vicious, blood-sucking systems, which exploit the majority for the benefit of a few greedy businessmen. This session examines this perspective, and considers the claim that markets can provide the means and framework necessary for people to solve their day to day problems.

Beyond political institutions and various government programs, can the simple act of creating, buying and selling by people devoted to pursuing their self-interests without infringing on the rights of the others, help society benefit as a whole? We use the case of the lead pencil to examine this claim. Watch video here.

Be a part of the Freedom Caravan journey Today!

Volunteer: To build connections with colleges and publicise the program

Partner: If you want Freedom Caravan to come to your campus contact Daphne Vallado at 9910667576 or daphne@ccs.in and we will be there!

Sponsor: Help India’s future leaders take their first real step to understand the root cause of India’s poverty. Contact us today at programs@ccs.in to know how YOU can help.

Previous years' reports:

• Year 2014
• Year 2013
• Year 2012 - Pune
• Year 2012 - Delhi