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14 - 15 - 16   November 2025 | १४ - १५ - १६   नोव्हेंबर २०२५
Atheist Conference
Agenda

Art, Literature and Atheism

Sevagram, Wardha
नास्तिक परिषद
विषय

कला, साहित्य आणि नास्तिक्य

सेवाग्राम, वर्धा

Attendees

Javed Akhtar

Javed Akhtar

Screenwriter, Lyricist & Poet

Sunil Sukhthankar

Sunil Sukhthankar

Film Director

Narendra Nayak

Narendra Nayak

President of FIRA

Vinod Shirsath

Vinod Shirsath

Editor of Sadhana

Kumar Ketkar

Kumar Ketkar

Former Member of Rajyasabha, Journalist

Alok Rajwade

Alok Rajwade

Artist

Leelavati Narlikar

Leelavati Narlikar

Associate Professor and Deputy Chair, Data Science at IISER Pune

Sharada Sathe

Sharada Sathe

Founding member of
Stree Mukti Sanghatana

Gauhar Raza

Gauhar Raza

Science communicator
and social activist

Suresh Dwadashiwar

Suresh Dwadashiwar

Marathi Journalist-Author

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Highlights

  • Keynote Address by Javed Akhtar
  • Charvaka Award : This year, the award was to be conferred upon the renowned astrophysicist, Dr. Jayant Narlikar. In light of his recent passing, his daughter, Dr. Leelavati, will accept the award on his behalf.
  • Remembering Jayant Narlikar —
    Reflections by Leelavati Narlikar and Ashish Mahabal
  • Suresh Dwadashiwar Speaks on Charvak —
    India’s First Rational Philosophy
  • Speech by Mr. Narendra Nayak (President FIRA) on Activities in various organizations, their social and financial challenges
  • Exploring the Cosmos: Observing Stars & Sky with Dr. Ashish Mahabal
  • Panel discussion on Media and Atheism – strengths, challenges, limitations.
    Panellist : Sunil Sukthankar (Film Director ), Vinod Shirsath (Editor Sadhana Weekly) and Alok Rajwade (Actor).
  • Gauhar Raza on Creating Space for Atheism, Rational Thought, and Scientific Temperament in Politics
  • Meraki Theatre Presents: A Dramatic Exploration of Charvak’s Philosophy

Schedule

Friday, 14th Nov 2025

  • Venue : Yatri Niwas
  • Up to 10:00 AM Breakfast and chitchat
  • 10:00 AM onwards Registration
  • 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch – Time for conversation; food is incidental
  • 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Narendra Nayak: Lecture and Demonstrations on Superstition
  • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Relax!
  • Venue : Nai Taleem
  • 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Shivprasad Mahajan: Welcome note
    Atul Prajakta: Introduction to FIRA, member organizations and others. Setting the Expectations
    Narendra Nayak: Work of FIRA member organizations, their social and financial challenges, and collaboration plans.
    Sharada Sathe: Constitution–A Framework for Rationality in Personal Life
    Javed Akhtar: Keynote Address (Expectations from organizations like FIRA, brights’)
  • 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Bio-break
  • Venue : Yatri Niwas
  • 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner – Time for conversation; food is incidental
  • 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM Drama by Meraki Theatre, Nagpur

Saturday, 15th Nov 2025

  • Venue : Yatri Niwas
  • Up to 10:00 AM Breakfast and chitchat
  • Venue : Nai Taleem
  • 10:00 AM – 12:30PM Sunil Sukthankar, Vinod Shirsath, and Alok Rajwade – How Media Shapes (and misshapes), Atheism, from stereotype to substance
    Javed Akhtar: Roles and Responsibilities of Media
  • 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch – Time for conversation; food is incidental
  • 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM unPlanned Session
  • 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Relax!
  • 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Suresh Dwadashiwar: Philosophy of Charvaka and its Relevance
    Javed Akhtar Presentation of Charvaka Award (to be received by Leelavati Narlikar)
    Leelavati Narlikar: Jayant Narlikar, the father
    Ashish Mahabal: Jayant Narlikar, the rationalist
    Gauhar Raza: Myths and Science
  • 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Bio-break
  • Venue : Yatri Niwas
  • 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner–Time for conversation; food is incidental
  • 8:30 PM onwards Ashish Mahabal: Sky watching and Star gazing–Discussion about myths

Sunday, 16th Nov 2025

  • Venue : Yatri Niwas
  • Up to 10:00 AM Breakfast and chitchat
  • Venue : Nai Taleem
  • 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Sudesh Ghoderao: About FIRA and its goals
    The Conversation: Asim Sarode, Vishwambhar Choudhari, Shamsuddin Tamboli, Kumar Ketkar
  • 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch – Time for conversation; food is incidental
  • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Javed Akhtar and Kumar Nage: Chitchat and resolution for freedom of expression
    Javed Akhtar – Closing Session
    Kumar Nage – About Brights and Vote of thanks
  • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Relax!
  • Venue : Yatri Niwas
  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM unPlanned Session
  • 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner–Time for conversation; food is incidental
  • 8:30 PM onwards Open suggestions and informal discussion
Note : The schedule is subject to change at the organization’s discretion without prior notice.

Registration for Wardha Conference

If you want to register your guest as well then kindly click on Add Guest*

Bright’s Society Manifesto

We refute the existence of any supernatural power, individual or object, affecting our world, as that existence is neither rational nor unequivocal. The like-minded may identify themselves as rationalists, naturalists, sceptics, materialists, humanists, agnostics or free-thinkers, as well as atheists, non-theists or irreligious individuals. We reject any and every religion / dhamma / deen / way of living that, regulates material life through supernatural principles. Rational decisions are superior; however, we are keen to continually scrutinize the validity of our decisions. We are not proud of our irrational opinions and thoughts. Through this manifesto, we declare solidarity with all atheists so as to connect with like-minded thinkers; and to safeguard our constitutional right to personal liberty and freedom of speech, from anti-rational, supernatural and other capricious principles.

Total:2000


  • Smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are not allowed within the premises.
  • The registration fee covers accommodation.
  • Accommodation provided will be clean, simple, and functional.
  • If you prefer hotel-style accommodation, you are welcome to make your own arrangements outside although registration fee will remain the same.
  • Participants will be permitted to take photos / videos using a handheld device without disturbing the experience of other participants.
  • Tripod will not be permitted.
  • By clicking the Proceed for Payment button, you confirm your agreement with Bright’s manifesto and the above conditions.
  • By clicking the Proceed for Payment button, you confirm your agreement with Bright’s manifesto and the above conditions, on behalf of yourself and your guest(s).
I agree to Manifesto and all above conditions. (Click here to view Manifesto)

How to Reach

location Gandhi Ashram, Sewagram

By Road

By Road

From Pune/Mumbai: Smariddhi Express way, take Arvi - Wardha interchange 4 exit. The Ashram is about 16 Kms from this exit

From Nagpur: Ashram is about 75 kms, 1.5 hours away. Nagpur - Wardha Bus service costs around 200/- and is very regular. A private taxi would cost around 2000/- for the drop

By Train

By Train

Via Sevagram Junction (formerly Wardha East), about 4 kms from Ashram. It lies on both the Howrah – Mumbai and New Delhi - Chennai main lines. Auto-rickshaws for the Ashram cost about 100/-

Via Wardha Junction, about 8 km from the Ashram. Many trains stop at Wardha Junction. Auto - rickshaws for the Ashram cost about 150/-

Via Nagpur: It is a major railway station and all trains to/from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Banaras stop here

By Air

By Air

Nearest major airport is Nagpur

🚗 Get Directions

Contact Us

Travel & Accommodation

Bharat

bharat.mohoni@gmail.com
98227 36808

Harshvardhan

mediamotif@gmail.com
98232 31475

Online Registration

Shrikant Kirve

Shrikantkirve@gmail.com
98219 13123

Mayur Kulkarni

mayurkulkarni.IT@gmail.com
99238 67987

Other Discussion Point

Shivprasad Mahajan

bilvpatra@gmail.com
9867691688