For past few days, I have been following and thinking about this thread, and I have wondered how can we find a consensus in terms of a definition and also in terms of the timeline that we wish to explore. That too when all of us not participating on this forum so actively. So far, looking at the books that we have chosen, it looks like that we would end up covering a bit of InfoTech (mostly in first and third book cycle) and a bit of how Technology has been interacting with our social/economic/political spaces since the Industrial era began. We also have a few more readings related to 'a new possible story' and 'how Gandhiji looked at Technology' by the end of this program. To bring this thread to any conclusion, we may chose to make any of the following choices: 1) We stick to the books we have already chosen, and continue further to explore our central questions (which are obviously broader than the topics that the books cover). 2) We actively explore the fields/timelines that we wish to cover and therefore look at the resources that can enable us further (we can also choose to opt for this option after finishing this course, as our engagement won't necessarily end on Oct 4; we may choose to come together as a group for collective reading or further sharing). Do let me know what you think!

To understand the situation better, we would have to look at what emerges when Technology clubs along with the economic model in real time scenario. In present times, AI/Machine learning is being used with an intention to 'Make Profit', hence the technology is probably not able to serve us well in the times when we are low in mood. Imagine a different possibility. What if our economic system is truly designed (by ourselves or by others) to serve us, and not to push us for buying this or that; if such economic system uses Technology, there are very high chances that it would be encoded to not look for our 'weak/pain points' (so as to exploit them for profit), but to rather look for the parts of our personalities (strengths) that really uplift our moods/make us believe in ourselves more in the times of crisis (and that too at a very affordable cost). Technology is such economic environment may prove out to be a blessing for us! Lastly, about 'space of heart', I personally believe it exists, and it is beyond the usual patterns of our brains. The ones who are significantly aware of their thoughts and are able to silence their minds at times, are able to have access to this 'space of heart'.

For me, an equally important, if not more, question would be 'who owns the algorithm that processes our data?' What are the possibilities for us as a society to pass on the ownership of algorithms from large corporations or governments to the people/commons themselves? And how would this transfer of ownership impact the nature of algorithms itself? Would there remain any algorithms of the kind that we are destined to have for now? Or ,would we have different kinds of algorithms altogether? I guess it would then actually become a case of Technology changing Economics, and thereafter Economics in return influencing Technological advances to change their course. What do you think?

How much would you agree- is there no 'free will'; and is 'human intuition' only 'pattern recognition'?

What is the possibility of Liberalism joining hands with minimalistic/feminist/ecological economic model to give rise to a different kind of Technology?

Hello everyone this is Akash from Mumbai. Currently working with a startup known as ZineOne. Along with that associated with social organisations like Blue Ribbon Movement, Human Library Mumbai. Really looking forward to collectively reflecting on the relationship with technology since it's been a roller coaster one for me. P.S - Great to see so many people from Mumbai. Hopefully after lockdown an offline meet would be possible😁

Hello all, my name is Rohit. I am a second-year undergraduate student of Mathematics and Political Science at Ashoka Uniersity in Haryana I reside in Bengaluru, Karnataka. I am very interested in the fields of education and environment and I am looking to learn more about technology and our relationships to technology via this course :) Extremely excited to take this journey with all!

Hello everyone, Call me Som. A soldier and a military leader for past 31 years. Saw active service when I was deployed in Op Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 94-95, in Op Parakram in 2001-02 in Kupwara and I was back in Kupwara when I commanded my Unit in Counter Infiltration role on the LC in 2008-09. How am I here? It was in 2017-18 as my retirement started coming closer I got thinking what will I do with myself when I retire at a young age 😊of 54. I’ll retire in July 2021. I considered and rejected the thought of joining a corporate job - after serving the National Flag I didn’t want to become just another cog in the wheel of a profit-making machine. Serving the community and that too rural community was high on my agenda. Adopting a sustainable lifestyle and livelihood was next. Ensuring optimum utilisation of ancestral agricultural land as a trustee for the benefit of local community was also in my thoughts. I realised there were large skill, mindset and knowledge gaps which I needed to fill to make this transition from forces to farmland. From military to development sector. So I have been spending last two years attending various programs and fellowships - India Leaders for Social Sector( ILSS); Prashn Vikas Ka - a dialogue on rural development; LEAD India fellowship; NDNK-1 ; course on fish farming and an introductory course on Permaculture have been part of this effort. The best part of this journey is the amazing set of people I have met along the way. We are सह यात्री now.. Some of them are here - Ashutosh from ILSS, Sneha from Lead India, Ashish and Nitesh from Prashna Vikas Ka, Rahul Garg and Saurabh from NDNK 1, Shrikant and I did the Permaculture course together but we have known each other for some time now. I was a ‘Non-techy’ (a term used for humanities students ) at NDA and I suffer from tech and ‘matho-phobia’. So I was hesitant to join in this one.. but Ashish gave me courage. So I am here to learn from and with you all. I’m based at Bhagalpur in Bihar. ( I was driving the whole day- it’s a special day as today I kick started my fish farming venture by releasing fingerlings of Indian major Carps )

Namaskara I am Savitha from Bengaluru. Currently, working with Abheek Open Learning Center which is into alternative approaches to learning. Involved in designing these approaches, implementing and learning through it. I have had a long corporate career in IT. Last 3 years since I quit my corporate job, I have been an explorer. Associated myself with Bhoomi Network and pursued a program in Holistic Education and continue to work with them on approaches to using Indian Ancient Knowledge Systems in learning spaces. Looking forward to meeting you all and collectively exploring the mid path approaches to technology related to sustainability. Having read through all your introductions, we seem to be such a diverse group and looking forward to this journey!

Good morning everyone. I am kirti makhija, based out of ahmedabad. I have been working in social and development sector for around 12 years. This lockdown i somehow discontinued the last job, it has helped me slow down. Currently just enjoying reading, writing, love cycling and above all doing just nothing. I got connected to bhoomi network in bangalore 2 years back, pursued a year long sustainable living course. Trying to Explore low consumption lifestyle, eventually plan to find some piece of land and build a forest :) I try to maintain a safe distance from technology, it does play some disconnectivity within me. This course intrigued me to go deeper into the socio-cultural impact of technology. Looking forward to connect and converse with everyone, hopefully at a deeper level with few :)

Hi Everyone good morning. I am Sneha Krishnan.. currently holding up in Mumbai. I have a venture Called ETCH Consultancy which works on Environment, Technology and Community Health.. I am a social studies researcher, I teach environment studies at Jindal Global Uni and work with tech developers on improving solutions in equitable and just manner. I am an avid reader, I find them the most comforting.. so far I have read 68 books in the year, but unfortunately 5% are non fiction books.. I think this group will be hugely beneficial to improve my readings on tech and retain information through discussions.. Looking forward to joining the discussions tonight

Hi, I am Pradeep Pattem, one of those nudged by Ashutosh to participate here. Been exploring various aspects technology, social, political and financial issues through work, reading and some travelling over last 20 odd years of finishing the student life! Living in London and currently spend some time in Copenhagen where I run a real estate company. Have two kids (15 and 13) who keep me on thinking edge with regards to technology, design and social issues. Looking forward to the sessions, PM slots will work better (given the time zone). Given so many of us, think will need to be and will be flexible to adjusting my schedules to make slots work.

Hello Everyone, I am Madhusudan, a global investment management and FinTech professional with over 22 years of work ex. Engineer, MBA and hold the CFA charter. I am based in Mumbai, but well travelled around the world. Trying to balance and deepen interests in Technology, Innovation, Sustainability and Development Impact. Delighted to join this group to read, listen, learn and explore the next.

Hi, I am Saurabh from Motihari, Bihar. Currently, I look after my family business in supply chain but I am more inclined towards reading and thinking current and pertinent issues. I attended the 1st version of NDNK on 'Rethinking Economics' and in its continuity I look forward to attend it's 2nd part on Technology.

Hey my name is Rahul and I am a full time system thinker. I keep on exploring answers of all the things happening around us in biology, history, Economics, arts, stories etc. So I end up devoting a lot of time to reading, writing and watching. Professionally I was working as development sector consultant which I quit early this year. Currently I exploring what should I do next. In middle of a few half baked options will let all of you know as an when anything fluffs up. Along with these sessions I have registered for Public Policy certification with Takshshila Foundation which will be running in parallel throughout the course. So all charged up for the rollercoaster ride. Also, I am the moderator of Vasudhinity.org the platform Ashish ji mentioned and I am really grateful towards him for considering it as a discussion platform for the course. I am hopeful that it will server it's intended purpose. Looking forward to the amazing session ahead and wellcome everyone. Rahul

Hello Friends, My name is Shrikant Ramakrishnan. Professionally, am an Urban Agriculture and Sustainability Consultant and have been working with Innovation adaptation in this area since 2008. Personally speaking , am a father of a 15yr old daughter and my better half works in the IT sector in the Financial services domain. We hail from Bombay. My aim here is to interact and learn the art of balance - between head and heart in life. And hopefully implement the learnings to adapt a better sense of balance in life. Warm welcome to us all. Shrikant Ramakrishnan

Hello. My name is Shobita. I live in Mumbai. Ex travel professional. Currently self educating on assorted subjects while working to improve my writing skills.

Hi, I am Anil Mor, a software engineer, batch-16 IIT Roorkee, working with Wingify. I am from Hisar, Haryana. This lockdown made me stay with my family, so little bit thankful 😀, good to find positivity in a mess 😀 I got to know about this program from a freind, his feedback made me join this. Looking forward to learn, can't wait to get started!!🙂🙂

Hi My name is Ashutosh. I am a full time seeker and learner and part time (unpaid) cook 😀. The lockdown has allowed me to convert my hobby into an every day activity (now I wonder if I can still call it a hobby?!!! :) It brings most joy and satisfaction and allows me to experiment. I am also a mountain person having grown up in DDun but currently reside at sea level in Mumbai. I have always chosen the path less traveled - Be it in my corporate career of 23 years or personal choices or more literally while trekking in the Himalayas. In my corporate career I have worked from truck assembly line, to selling and marketing watches, tea and garments, to setting up many businesses, as diverse as a 2 Bn USD refinery to a UAV spin out from IITK. I was in PE and investment management function for 13-14 years till I chose to transition to the social sector 2 years back. After setting up the India operation of an international Foundation and launching some innovative ‘first in the world’ structures, I had decided just before the Covid avalanche reached our shores, to take at least a 6 month sabbatical. While I have not been able to do many of the things i had planned as must be the case with many of us, the last 6 months have been great and full of learning. They have allowed me to reconnect with myself and friends, going all the way back to the 1st standard. I participated in the sessions on Economics convened by Ashish, which got over 5-6 weeks back. I have in the interim been in an intense course on Making of Indian Contemporary History at Ashoka University under Prof Sunil Khilnani.l which gets over in 1st week of Sep. Technology and its impact has always been an area of fascination, when I got a chance to invest and nurture a few companies to scale and success. Having never studied the space formally, I am keenly looking forward to the next few weeks of reading and exciting discussions with all of you. Many of you are already known to me from our Economics class. I have persuaded a few of my friends from 25 and 21 years back to join this course. As you must have realised I can go on and on. So now I put a full stop to this long introduction. Can’t wait to get started. Happy reading and learning.