So. The Philosophy and Open Discussion Club.

We require absolutely no introduction. If you are anywhere in the vicinity of Sathyabama University, you have DEFINITELY heard of us. 

Affectionately called the Philo Club for short (let’s be honest, the full title is a mouthful), we have strived to be a community where people can be whoever they want to be and say whatever they want to say. It has been a year since we started this amazing community, and we have grown so much since!!

Have we ever faced any controversy? Of course we have, we wouldn’t be the Philo Club otherwise!

Did we see success? Duh, who the hell are you asking?!

Now, read along as we walk you through the journey of the most memed, the most controversial, and of course the most open club of ‘em of all, THE PHILOSOPHY AND OPEN DISCUSSION CLUB.

Orientation

On 18 October 2023, the Philosophy and Open Discussion Club organized its chaotic orientation program, marking the inception of the 40th club at Sathyabama University. The lecture hall was filled with students eager to get out of their boring classes and jump into more meaningful and open discussions.

The event started with Anish Inti, the club's president, who went on the microphone to explain the club's purpose: free expression and an open forum. "People should be able to talk, talk, and TALK", said Anish emphasizing the fact that it prevents misunderstandings through proper communication. He was enthusiastic about the spirit of the club, thereby pulling the audience with him.

After Anish, Sanjana Kavish, who was the vice president at that time shared a very detailed presentation explaining how the club works with varied teams like the Discussion Team, Design Team, Management Team, and The Newsletter Team. Sanjana introduced each of these teams with humorous insight into how they would function while ensuring that the core philosophy is maintained which is basically openness in discussions and creativity.

The origin of the club was talked about from the trivial desire of a student to be president to his idea of creating a community where people can be whoever they want to be. Truly embracing the OPEN DISCUSSION part of the club wasn't just fascinating; it was AWE to the BILLIONTH SQUARE SOME.

The orientation featured several interactive activities to engage the crowd. The first activity, where participants shared their philosophies on life, led to a variety of amusing and reflective insights from the audience. Next came the popular "One-on-One" discussion, where attendees were randomly paired with strangers to discuss various topics for three minutes. What started as a strange conversation turned into a lively exchange of ideas, thoughts, beliefs, convictions, views, opinions, etc. with participants connecting more than anticipated.

As the event mellowed out, it became clear that this club's real goal, open discussion and self-expression, really had come through to every person present there. Despite running for a very short time, the event ended in great spirits with a group photo and a spontaneous shout of "BABOOSHKAAAA!”.

The orientation successfully captured the essence of the club, leaving everyone with a sense of excitement and the desire to continue engaging in meaningful conversations throughout the year.

The Beach Day

On the mist-kissed, drizzly morning of Saturday, November 25, 2023, we embarked on a journey to the serene and iconic Blue Flag Beach, one of the pristine gems Chennai has to offer. It was a day etched in the collective memory of our club — the grand photoshoot of our philosophy club. Unlike our typical events, marked by scattered attendance, this occasion saw an extraordinary turnout, with nearly every member of our vibrant community gathered together.

Dressed in fine suits, chic blazers, and sleek business formals, the entire club radiated sophistication and unity. A few of our core members had just given their exams and hopped straight to the beach, eager to join the camaraderie. Meanwhile, others enjoyed a fun-filled prelude at a nearby mall with an exciting game at the turf, soaking up the excitement before heading to the venue.

Once we all assembled, the real magic began. We met, shared words and laughter, and forged friendships, creating cherished moments even before the photoshoot started. The session kicked off with individual team members’ stills, followed by the core team’s pictures, meticulously captured. Finally, the grand crescendo: a single photograph encapsulating the entirety of our club. Dhyani’s keen eye was the artist behind the lens, each click of the camera a stroke on the canvas of our memories. And of course, thanks to Anish for organizing this photoshoot for our club.

As we dusted off the sand and left the beach, we took with us more than just photographs. Some of us drifted toward home, while others, still caught up in the excitement of the day, ventured off to explore new adventures. A few found solace in theaters, letting the day linger a little longer.

This photoshoot was never just about the pictures. It was about creating memories — a mosaic of laughter, shared moments, and the quiet realization that, though we may be individuals, together we create something much greater than the sum of our parts. To all those who made this day possible: thank you for painting this masterpiece in time, a memory that will never fade, like the tide that forever shapes the shore. This day, this photoshoot will always remain alive, evoking countless memories every time we reminisce, serving as the foundation of our beloved club.

Devil’s Advocate

Don’t care, your opinion invalid

Do you dare to step into the spotlight and face the piercing eyes of a judgemental mob ready to dissect your every word?

“Devil's Advocate" marked the Philosophy Club’s first event - setting the stage for what would become a thought-provoking journey. The challenge was clear: voice your most contentious beliefs and defend them, even if they’re unpopular or unsettling. It wasn’t about winning a discussion; it was about wrestling with your convictions and forcing yourself to confront the ideas that often lurk in the shadows.

The event began with each participant sharing their boldest opinions, and the room instantly shifted. There was a certain tension as ideas that usually remain unspoken came to the surface. More than the dark opinions themselves, the nexus of the event was this: can your convictions stand the test of fire?

As the event unfolded, both participants and attendees were faced with a range of bold ideas. Some challenged popularly held beliefs, like “modern Western society has an unhealthy obsession with sex” and “women are fundamentally better than men.” Others chose to reshape the way that the systems of the world functioned - “public executions are effective at maintaining a peaceful society” to “serial murderers deserve a fate far worse than the death penalty.” 

However, the highlight lay in the most mundane of opinions - Curd rice is better than Biryani. The crowd roared in hilarity and disbelief, jumping to question the speaker as he dared to speak out against common sense and the foundations of good taste, and indeed, all of reality. Within a few words, the contestant outlined his expert opinion with incredible clarity: Curd rice is white. Biryani is brown. Now, tell me, which one is better? 

No matter how extreme, every idea can be defended with powerful rhetoric. From the most commonplace to the most controversial, minds can be shaped very easily when presented with convincing arguments presented with incredible conviction and passion. By the end, attendees were left with a sense of unsettling self-awareness, questioning their own beliefs and the power of words in shaping opinions. 'Devil’s Advocate' provided a rare chance to explore the darker side of human thought, pushing moral boundaries and testing the strength of persuasive discourse.

All of My Favourite Things

FEIN, FEIN, FEIN, FEINFEINFEIN, FEIN FEIN FEIN FEINFEINFEIN, FEIN FEIN FEIN FEINFEINFEIN, FEIN FEIN FEIN FEINFEINFEIN-  

“Blue electric guitars and singing Careless Whispers,

Bright smiling faces and Taylor Swift sing-songs,

People in pink humming their favourite songs,

This is ‘All of my Favourite Things’!”

The Music Club and the Philosophy Club joined hands to host their second event - "All of My Favourite Things", a heartwarming celebration of personal preferences and the universal power of music. This unique gathering brought together club members and attendees from outside the clubs to share and appreciate the diverse musical tastes that shape individual lives.

The event combined philosophy, music, and personal stories in a way that felt fresh and engaging. From heartfelt Indian ballads to popular Western tracks, each performance reflected the performer’s love for music. 

What made the event even more special was the personal connection shared by the performers. Participants took the stage to explain why their chosen song held personal significance. Whether it was a childhood memory, a pivotal life moment, or a deep emotional connection to the melody, these reflections allowed the audience to glimpse the profound impact music can have on an individual’s life. The stories were met with empathy and enthusiasm, fostering a lasting sense of camaraderie.

With a uniquely cozy blend of performances by talented musicians and passionate new talent, the event was a celebration of the power of music to bring people together. The room banded together to jam to their favourite tunes in an intimate sing-along, arm in arm as we sang our hearts out to our favourite Top 40 hits. 

The collaboration between the Philosophy and Open Discussion Club and the Music Club played a pivotal role in the event’s success. Their combined efforts ensured a smooth and engaging experience for all involved, from planning to promotion. Ultimately, "All of My Favourite Things" was a powerful reminder of music's ability to transcend boundaries, unite people, and foster deeper understanding through shared experiences.

Brewing Tales

Brew-tiful Conversations? Espresso Your Thoughts?? Hot Topics, Hot Beverages??? Steeped in Discussion???? Coffee with Controversy?????

Picture this: you walk into a hall and are served a steaming hot cup of coffee. Then, you take the stage - ready to debate your most controversial opinions in front of a lively crew of eager listeners waiting to hear you “spill the tea”! 

In the heart of our lively college, an event named "Brewing Tales" took place, offering a refreshing blend of hot coffee and intellectually stimulating conversation. Organized by the Philosophy and Open Discussion Club, this event served as a platform for exploring controversial and thought-provoking topics while fostering respectful dialogue.

The atmosphere was strikingly open-minded, with both organizers and attendees ensuring that each discussion remained civil and productive. Despite varying perspectives on the issues at hand, mutual respect, and intellectual curiosity prevailed, creating an environment conducive to genuine exchange rather than a heated argument.

The topics ranged from personal to societal, with discussions beginning with lighter themes like whether a guy and a girl can truly be best friends, and how the gym plays a role in modern relationships. These discussions naturally expanded into deeper questions about human connection, love, and attraction, prompting introspection and debate.

The discourse didn’t stop there. It ventured into more contentious territory, such as the pro-life versus pro-choice debate, where participants examined the complex interplay of individual rights and moral considerations regarding reproductive choices. This was followed by contemplations on the role of faith in contemporary society, where religious beliefs were examined alongside broader spiritual ideas, reflecting a growing curiosity about the nature of belief in an increasingly secular world.

Throughout all of these topics, a recurring theme emerged—the importance of autonomy and self-determination. From the right to choose one’s relationships and beliefs to personal decisions about reproductive health, attendees echoed a shared call for individual freedom.

In an age marked by polarisation, "Brewing Tales" served as a reminder of the power of respectful, open dialogue. It was a celebration of the enduring human spirit—ever-curious, ever-ready to explore new perspectives in the timeless art of conversation.

Among Us

Are you ready to get UNDERMINED, BACKSTABBED, and CHARACTER ASSASSINATED?

Six players at a table. Two of them, impostors. Five prompts. One topic. Who will emerge as the victor?

All’s fair in love and philosophy - and so, the “crewmates” dive deep into their topic of contention. With prompts being fed in two-minute intervals, the round table discusses their viewpoints and perspectives in an engaging battle of wits. Crewmates teamed together to exercise their analysis skills to sieve through the narratives of their fellow crewmates, while impostors were forced to think outside the box to think from alternative perspectives and put together a convincing argument to defend their place at the round table. As the net shrinks rapidly through each voting round, the stress is on for both parties - will they slip up? Will an insignificant detail let slip be their grand undoing? How many more impostors are left? Everyone claims to be your ally, and yet, you never know who might be wearing a mask…

From LGBTQIA+ Rights to Pessimism vs. Optimism, the event covered a wide range of socially and philosophically relevant topics. As the clock ticked, the rounds were eventually brought to a close - bringing with it many surprises. Triumphant exclamations of “YOU! I knew it was you!” rang throughout the hall, as people shared their final perspectives and let their masks slip.

Finally, the winners from each round were gathered together for a final round - religion and God. With five atheists and one secret theist, the game commenced as everyone else gathered around in suspense to witness the group dynamics of this philosophical showdown. A wide range of topics were discussed earnestly at the table - from the corporatization and mass manipulation of religious institutions to the scientific basis for the existence of an all-powerful Godlike being. The group banded together to weed out the single impostor as they fought to discern any flaws in each other’s arguments, eliminating each member one by one until the group ended their round, certain that the impostor was not among them. And yet, none were prepared for the final surprise, when it was revealed that the impostor was among them all along and that they had won!

The winners of the competition received a token of appreciation: a Chibi Among Us medal that was the envy of many. As the group gathered together for their final photograph, the spirit of philosophy and dialectics remained strong!

Foundations of Freedom

“What is freedom? Is it the ability to be able to make choices unrestrained by the bounds of society? Is it self-actualisation, the realization that no human being is free from the moment that they are born and that they shall never be free of the chains that bind them since their conception? The reality of our lives depends on the circumstances of their birth that tie them to their fate - the country of their birth, the historical period, their race, caste, and gender; everything is written in history the moment they sing their first cries. The sun never sets on the British Empire, but what about the grand shadow it casts to hide the bloody history that it has left in its wake!?”

“dude it’s 3 am stfu”

• - average philosophy club group chat discussions

• 

What does it mean to be really, truly free?

August 15th, 1947. Millions watch with bated breath as the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raises the tiranga over the Red Fort in Delhi - signifying true independence from the mire of the British Empire. In his iconic speech about our fledgling nation’s tryst with destiny, he goes on to say:

“All of us, to whatever religion we may belong, are equally the children of India with equal rights, privileges, and obligations. (...) No nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or action.”

August 16th, 2024 - 77 years later. To capture the same philosophical spirit like lightning in a teacup, the Foundations of Freedom gathers together a diverse net of people and enables them to speak on the same stage as equals.

There were several discussion panels on stage that day, each presenting a complex narrative that tied together historical events with modern-day perspectives and ideologies. The first panel went in-depth on the pervading effects of colonialism: how it still dictates a huge part of how we view the world today as well as the way that Westernization treats any mention of Indian history and culture as foreign, making us strangers to our own culture. Furthermore, a deep dive into the contrasting philosophies of Bose and Gandhi brought to light how much history was written by the winners, further highlighting the need for disruptive force to bring about revolutionary change. Sathyagraha and Ahimsa, the main ideologies bandied about as the changemakers of Indian History, were dissected in depth and their effectiveness questioned.

The spirit of change-making and revolution was truly lit and burned deep into the evening. Satyamev Jayate - Truth alone Triumphs.

Blitzkrieg!

Person 1: Are you hard?!

Person 2: From where da!? 

Person 3: From the lotion!

Person 4: I like your personality perspective!

Speed dating is scary (not that I have any experience with how that works TT TT.)

You have a few minutes to make an indelible impression on someone - the clock ticks as you attempt to convey how fascinating a person you are, leaving no room for awkward silences or slip-ups. It is a high-stakes performance to a one-man (or woman!) audience, as you try your best to find that right balance of charm and authenticity that will keep people hooked.

Now, make that speed-debating, throw in a Halloween theme, and what do you get?

Why, Blitzkrieg of course! The Philosophy and Open Discussion Club’s flagship event for the incoming batch of 2024!

Participants were thrown into a rapid-fire deluge of topics all themed around the philosophy behind fear, Halloween, and other such spooky subjects in one-minute intervals, switching around debate partners till they had rotated all around the room and faced off in quick succession with all of their fellow participants. With such creative titles such as Is gore really necessary to convey the message of horror? And Is the vampire-werewolf erotica genre parasitic as it tries to capitalize off of lonely teens? The debates were fascinatingly intense as the pairs faced off and engaged in sustained discussions about the similarities and dissimilarities in their worldviews.

Truly, the most romantic of evenings; arguing with someone you met a minute ago about how religion perpetuates narrow-minded viewpoints about death and rebirth while donning catgirl ears and whiskers.

CONCLUSION:

One year down, countless arguments and discussions, and a lot of chaos later- here we are! The Philosophy and Open Discussion Club isn’t here to play nice, we’re here to be real, we piss people off, and disappoint them because, in the end, we’re here to be ourselves; no apologies given.

We’ve created a voice that doesn’t hold back and a space where ideas collide. We’re a reminder that authenticity will always supersede conformity. All of this is exactly what makes us who we are, and let’s be real that’s what makes us unforgettable. And guess what? We’re just getting started and we’re here to stay!

AND REMEMBER:

Work Hard,

Play Hard,

and Family Hard!!!!

President's Note

So, after a grueling year of fortuity and hope, through struggles and of course, fortune!! We have created and achieved what we’ve aspired to be, a community where people can be whatever they desire when the idea of the club occurred to me, there was one problem I found in SIST and that is a lack of a forum for connections and each day I went to college, I struggled with the same, so I thought to myself, was what if there was a community, where people could get exactly that! This is what led to the inception of the club, from being a shower thought to becoming a community of around 400 people, this is something I couldn't have expected even in my wildest dreams, and it was all made possible by my team who has done everything and anything to get where we are, people always ask me “why do you love your club so much and why do you love your club members so much?’ to them I say wouldn’t you love your child, it’s the same way I have a love for the club, and my team, they are the most dedicated and hard-working people all of them smart and most importantly kind and good people so why do I love them, there’s so many internationally acclaimed student chapters and clubs in SIST, but my team chose Philo club to pour their all to, a random shower thought of mine, ofc I love them!!! And to end this off, I wanna thank every single one of you who’s reading this, all of the people who have seen our reels, and all the people who have come to our events, all of this is made possible because you exist, what’s a product without a market, what's a community with no people and you are the people who made this possible. So thank you and with that, I end off hoping for another year of unbridled success, laughs, smiles, and most importantly discussion!!!!

BABOOOSHKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWW!!!