Bengaluru: Bengaluru is all set to witness a thought-provoking event as "The Wire Dialogues" returns, this time exploring the concept of Fraternity, one of the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. The event that will be held on Sunday, August 6, aims to delve into the significance of Fraternity as a principle, feeling, state of mind, and outlook that fosters both the dignity of individuals and the unity of the nation.

Hosted by The Wire, the panel discussion will feature renowned actor and political activist Prakash Raj in conversation with The Wire's Editor, Seema Chishti. Prakash Raj, a five-time National Award winner, will share insights into why India needs to embrace the idea of Fraternity, now more than ever, considering its constitutional significance.

The event promises to be candid and fearless, with guests speaking openly about their views. The engaging dialogue will be followed by a Q&A session with Prakash Raj, along with the founding editors of The Wire, Siddharth Varadarajan, and MK Venu.

"In this edition of The Wire Dialogues we explore, celebrate, and defend the idea of Fraternity - a principle, a feeling, a state of mind, an outlook – which assures both the dignity of the individual and the unity of India, with noted actor and political activist Prakash Raj." a statement from The Wire stated.

The evening will commence with a captivating performance by noted artist and singer, Shabnam Virmani, who will mesmerize the audience with her renditions of compositions by the mystic poet Kabir.

About the Participants:

Prakash Raj is a versatile actor and theatre personality, known for his multilingual performances and numerous accolades. Beyond his artistic pursuits, he is also a political activist who contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from the Bangalore Central constituency. His thought-provoking tweets under the hashtag #justasking have been instrumental in raising pointed questions to those in positions of power.

Shabnam Virmani is a renowned documentary filmmaker and artist in residence at the Shristi School of Art, Design, and Technology. As co-founder of the Drishti Media Arts and Human Rights collective, she has passionately performed Kabir's compositions during the Rajasthan Kabir Yatra, a six-day folk music festival, and the Jashn-e-Rekhta.

Seema Chishti, with extensive experience in radio, print, and digital journalism, holds the position of Editor at The Wire. Her strong leadership is responsible for the impactful and credible journalism that defines The Wire.

The event will take place at the St. John's Auditorium in Bengaluru, with gates opening at 17:00. Tea and refreshments will be served to attendees between 17:00 and 18:00. The first performance will commence at 18:00, and the audience is expected to adhere to the auditorium's rules.

The Wire Dialogues aims to provide a platform for open discussions on pressing societal issues, fostering a spirit of free expression and intellectual exchange. With the focus on Fraternity, the event holds the promise of thought-provoking insights and perspectives from the esteemed panelists.

CLICK HERE to book your tickets for the event.

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Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.

Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.

Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.

An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.

The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.

A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.

Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."

"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.

"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.

A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.