At the same time with the EU-India summit in Helsinki, the Democracy Forum Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam will organise two civil society dialogues on democracy. The organizers wish to bring the experiences and the goals of the marginalized majorities into the discussion on Indo-Europe relations. The Indian concept swaraj (self-rule) as enriched by M.Gandhi is highlighted along with Nordic and European perspectives. Welcome to join debate on the Indian economic boom and the possibilities for comprehensive democracy in the two sub-continents.

Thursday 12th October at 3 pm, Helsinki

Indian Economic Boom and the Last Person
Present are Indian activists Vijay Pratap, Ghanshyam and professor V.B. Singh, and Marko Ulvila from Democracy Forum in Finland.

Kepa, Aurinko-room, Töölöntorinkatu 2 B (library entrance)
Contact: marko.ulvila[a]kaapeli.fi, puh. 044-5332368

Friday 13th October from 9 am to 3 pm, Helsinki
Vanha ylioppilastalo/Old student house, music hall (Mannerheimintie 3)

I session: How could India and Europe show leadership in democratizing economy.
Initial presentations byVijay Pratap, Satu Hassi, Thomas Wallgren and more. Comments: Vesa-Matti Lahti and others.

II session: Ecological Democracy: indigenous people and sustainable livelihoods
Initial presentations by Ghanshyam, Tord Björk, Tove Selin, Ville-Veikko Hirvelä and more

Contact: anastasia.laitil[a]kolumbus.fi, puh. 045-138 5706

Saturday 14th October from 10 am to 1 pm, Tampere

India - Europe Dialogues on Democracy and Swaraj:
South Asian and Scandinavian Traditions as Resources to Another World

City library Metso, lecture hall 2, 2nd floor
Initial presentations: Tord Björk, V.B. Singh, Satu Ranta-Tyrkkö. Comments: Unto Tähtinen, Tere Vaden, Vijay Pratap and others.
More information about the events: http://www.demokratiafoorumi.fi/swaraj.html anastasia.laitila@kolumbus.fi, tel +358-45-138 5706