Minutes 1 Mar 2008

MINUTES OF MEETING
DATE: 1-3-08

Attendees: Shruti, Arvind, Navneet, Aditya, Vijaydeep, Jasmine

• Self-introduction by all the members
• Introduction to the group – purpose to learn the facts and look at data regarding any issue, leading to better informed opinions and actions eventually
• Concurred that this is a purely learning forum and discussion of topics does not mean we have to implement solutions we may come up with
• Agreed to meet once in 3 weeks
• Potential sources – libraries, J store (available only on subscription), subscription magazines, EPW, Google Scholar/Goggle
• We could list down the questions we want answered and then start looking for answers online
• The lead volunteers will drive the questions over the weeks and send summary of understanding at regular intervals. This way we keep the momentum on and move forward instead of lingering on the same topic/question
• The volunteers will also put out an article at the end of the discussion every month to cover the group’s conclusion
• Some potential topics brainstormed (decided to choose topical issues as gathering info easier)

1. Should India go ahead with the nuclear deal?
2. IPL
3. Ram-Sethu project
4. BIAL/Airport
5. Electoral reforms
6. Presidential Vs. Parliamentary democracy
7. Global warming & air pollution
8. Youth movements/mobilization (history & potential)
9. Interlinking rivers
10. How does policy get influenced in India, ways in which its influenced today & ways to improve on them
11. Technology for development
12. Reservations
13. RTI – success & challenges

Global warming chosen through vote as the first topic

• What is the magnitude
• What are we doing about it
• What should we do

o Shruti & Jasmine volunteers for the first month

o Google groups are for e-mail discussions and to upload files. Announcements to be tagged as “Announcement” in subject line.

o The blog is for posting broad views and comments on articles circulated.

o Next meeting on 22^nd March, 6.00pm to 8.00pm.