Hyderabad forum examines digitisation, free speech and history

Manthan Samvaad 2026 took place in Hyderabad on October 11. Journalists, lawyers and researchers discussed free speech, digital systems, South Asian history and culture.

Internet Freedom Foundation founder-director Apar Gupta linked the discussion of government digitisation to the concentration of political and social power. He argued that centralised digital systems could reflect a broader preference for uniformity across institutions and public life.

Supreme Court advocate Shahrukh Alam examined the relationship between free expression, hate speech and power. She argued that hate speech excludes groups from public discussion, whereas freedom of expression allows wider participation.

The programme opened with journalist Karan Thapar in conversation with Navika Harshe. Journalist Poonam Agarwal later appeared in a discussion with Uma Sudhir.

University of Delhi historian Farhat Hasan spoke about the Mughal Empire's political culture and legacy.

Author and filmmaker Subroto Chattopadhyay addressed Bangladesh's 1971 liberation war. M.R. Sharan and Swaroop Mamidipudi led a session on composer A.R. Rahman's life and work.

The gathering was held at Shilpakala Vedika. Organisers had announced Sunday, October 11, as the date of this year's forum.