Mukto Chinta Mukti Kotha

1. ‘Mukto Chinta Mukti Kotha’: A Bold Step by Mukti to Promote Critical Thinking and Expression In the remote yet resilient landscapes of the Sundarbans, where voices often remain unheard and questions go unasked, Mukti — a grassroots social development organization — has initiated a pathbreaking movement to awaken minds and ignite conversations. Through its bold and timely workshop titled “Mukto Chinta Mukti Kotha” (translated as Free Thinking, Free Speech), Mukti is not only promoting education but also nurturing the foundations of critical thinking and expression in rural Bengal. This workshop, recently conducted at Purba Sridharpur in South 24 Parganas, brought together students, educators, local leaders, and creative minds to participate in an open dialogue about the importance of questioning, sharing, and thinking independently. With over 150 enthusiastic participants, the initiative represents a vital shift from traditional passive learning to active engagement and intellectual freedom. A Culture of Silence, Now Breaking In many rural settings across India, education is often synonymous with rote learning, obedience, and silence. Children are rarely encouraged to ask “why,” let alone challenge outdated norms or propose new ideas. ‘Mukto Chinta Mukti Kotha’ aimed to disrupt this norm by building an

2. atmosphere where curiosity is rewarded and voices are valued. The day-long workshop was designed not as a lecture but as a conversation. From thought circles to interactive performances, every element was crafted to help participants explore ideas, question realities, and find the confidence to speak up. Sankar Halder, Founder of Mukti, remarked: “We believe empowerment doesn’t come only from jobs or education certificates. True empowerment begins when people think for themselves and speak for justice, truth, and change.” Interactive Sessions: A Platform for Every Voice One of the most impactful parts of the workshop was the “Freedom Wall,” where participants anonymously pinned questions they’ve been afraid to ask — in school, at home, or in society. Questions such as “Why are girls not allowed to dream big?” or “Why must poor students always give up first?” sparked powerful group discussions. Another popular session, “Circle of Thought,” gave participants a chance to speak freely about issues close to their hearts. Young girls spoke about the pressure of early marriage, while boys shared how toxic masculinity prevents them from expressing emotions. A 17-year-old participant shared:

3. “For the first time, I realized my question was valid. I matter. My thoughts matter. I want this freedom every day.” Training Teachers as Enablers of Thought Recognizing that true change starts with educators, Mukti dedicated a significant part of the workshop to empowering teachers. Sessions focused on critical pedagogy, dialogue-based teaching, and creating safe spaces in classrooms. Teachers reflected on their own journey and how, over time, they had been trained to suppress rather than nurture questioning minds. Many expressed a renewed commitment to encourage students to be bold thinkers and compassionate listeners. Ruma Mondal, a local school teacher, said: “This workshop transformed me too. I now understand that real teaching is about unlocking minds, not controlling them.” Art, Theatre, and the Power of Expression

4. Expression isn't always verbal — and Mukti understood that well. To include children and youth who express themselves through art, the workshop featured creative platforms such as mural painting, poetry writing, and street theatre. A skit performed by a group of teenage girls highlighted the hypocrisy around gender roles in rural households. Their performance received a standing ovation and sparked meaningful dialogue between different generations in the audience. A collective mural titled “A Window to Freedom” portrayed books, birds, and blooming flowers — visual metaphors of liberation through knowledge and voice. Laying the Groundwork for Long-Term Change Though ‘Mukto Chinta Mukti Kotha’ was a single-day event, its vision goes far beyond a workshop. Mukti has already planned long-term follow- ups to keep the momentum alive: Monthly student dialogue circles in schools Training modules for teachers on child-centric, thought-provoking education A youth-led publication sharing local stories, opinions, and creative work

5. An annual Free Thought Festival inviting artists, writers, and thinkers from across Bengal Through these efforts, Mukti aims to establish a culture where critical thinking and expression are not occasional activities, but everyday practices. Conclusion: Freedom Starts With a Thought With ‘Mukto Chinta Mukti Kotha’, Mukti has taken a significant step in revolutionizing rural education and social empowerment. In a world overwhelmed by noise yet full of silence in the places where voices matter most, this initiative serves as a reminder that real freedom is the freedom to think — and to express those thoughts without fear. By giving rural youth the tools, space, and encouragement to question, imagine, and speak, Mukti is planting the seeds of a more conscious, courageous, and creative society. The success of ‘Mukto Chinta Mukti Kotha’ is not just about the event—it is about every mind it awakens and every voice it helps rise. Would you like this article translated into Bengali, converted into a press release, or formatted for your website or newsletter?