Author: Gaikwad, Anjali Patil
Place: New Delhi
Publisher: Project For Economic Education Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung
Year: 1999
Pages: 152
Keyword: Liberalism, Individual Freedom, Human Rights, Economic Freedom
Classification: 330
Shelf: C2R2
Accession No: B745
Contents: Preface, Introduction, Welcome Address, Inaugural Address, Panel Discussions: Panel A: The Liberalisation of the Indian Economy and Social Justice Concerns, Panel B: Freedom of Speech & Expression. The Right to Information, Panel C: Technology and Human Development, Panel D: Minority, Humna Rights and Rule of Law, Panel E: Active Citizenship
Abstract: A symposium titled *”Liberal Priorities for India in the 21st Century”*, jointly organized by the Project for Economic Education and the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung (FNSt), was held in New Delhi on November 23–24, 1999. It followed an earlier 1996 conference on liberal values. The event emphasized individual freedom, human and civil rights, and economic liberty as key liberal principles. Liberals advocate for open, rule-bound societies where individuals can make decisions independently and thrive through global cooperation and competition. The FNSt promotes civic education and liberal values globally, including supporting NGOs in South Asia working on civil rights and economic liberalization. The Project, FNSt’s oldest partner in India, realized through a decade of work that economic reforms must be integrated with societal changes to truly benefit the common man. It highlighted the common misconception that liberalization equals liberalism. A year-long outreach across Indian cities revealed continued interest in liberal values, leading to the creation of “Liberal Position Papers” discussed at the symposium. Eminent liberals Dr. Abid Hussain and Mr. Soli Sorabjee opened and closed the event. The symposium aimed to foster deeper understanding and promotion of liberal values in India’s evolving social and economic landscape.