Pubs and Bars Transform into Intimate Learning Spaces Across Indian Cities
Imagine walking into a dimly lit suburban resto bar, where quiet chatter fills the air and rows of chairs face a projector screen. At first glance, it might resemble trivia night, but this is something entirely different: a lecture on emotional neuroscience. Across major Indian cities like Pune, Delhi, and Mumbai, pubs and bars are undergoing a remarkable transformation, evolving into intimate learning spaces that host expert-led talks and niche lecture series.
Turning Nightlife into 'Thoughtlife'
Communities such as the Society of Intellectuals (SOI) and Pint of View (POV) are spearheading this cultural shift, effectively turning traditional nightlife into what they call 'thoughtlife.' In these venues, ideas replace idle chatter, creating environments where meaningful engagement takes precedence over casual socializing.
"I have been working on this initiative since last year, and the response has been absolutely amazing so far," says Muskan Bhalla, curator of SOI. "We attract people from all age groups to our sessions. Recently, we hosted a fascinating lecture by IIT Bombay Professor Rohit Manchanda on brain processes and emotional neuroscience. We've also organized sessions on how plants communicate, led by Sahil Pawar, and even explored sound healing techniques."
Each event typically draws between 80 to 110 attendees, fostering a highly interactive atmosphere. "We dedicate a substantial 40-minute Q&A session after every lecture, encouraging deep discussion and participant engagement," Bhalla adds.
Bringing Science Out of the Laboratory
Dr. Vidita A. Vaidya from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research recently conducted a session titled 'Mushroom for Discussion – From Ritual to Research' at one of these venues. "The lecture focused on understanding the brain's emotional circuitry, examining how life experiences and mood-modulating substances affect it, and exploring how changes in these circuits underlie disorders like anxiety and depression," she explains.
Reflecting on her experience at POV, Dr. Vaidya notes, "The informal atmosphere transformed the session into a wide-ranging discussion. It served as a powerful reminder that bringing science out of the laboratory is always a worthwhile and enriching exercise."
Casual Spaces Hosting Serious Conversations
Pint of View follows a similar format, creating spaces where casual environments facilitate serious intellectual exchange. "Last month, we hosted Sridhar Krishnamoorthy, a scientist, professor, artist, and novelist, who delivered an captivating lecture on extra-dimensional explorations," says co-curator Diya Sengupta.
Abhishek Shetty from POV adds, "Over the past six months, we've received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our community. People aged between 20 and 70 demonstrate genuine curiosity about diverse topics and appreciate learning in a casual, relaxed environment that breaks away from traditional academic settings."
Attendees Praise Meaningful Engagement
For participants, the appeal lies in the opportunity for substantive intellectual engagement. Puja Bajaj, a research analyst, shares, "These events are not typical pub parties or bar gatherings centered on meaningless chatter. They function as genuine incubators of thought. I've attended several sessions and absolutely love the experience."
Vineet Shah, an advertising executive, echoes this sentiment: "This was a refreshingly hatke session compared to the usual entertainment options we've encountered over the years. A friend and I recently attended a workshop on financial literacy and investing basics, and we walked away thoroughly impressed by how much we were able to understand and absorb in such an accessible format."
How to Participate in These Unique Sessions
Interested individuals can stay updated by following the social media pages of organizations like SOI and POV and registering through designated ticketing platforms. Age restrictions are strictly enforced according to government regulations for restaurant entry, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Each session typically spans two hours and is divided into two main segments: the lecture presentation and an interactive Q&A period. Upon arrival, attendees are offered a choice of beverages before the session commences. Following the formal presentation, many participants stay behind to exchange ideas, share feedback, and connect through continued conversation.
Global Inspiration and Local Adaptation
This innovative format draws inspiration from the 'Lectures on Tap' model, originally founded in June 2024 by Felicia and Tyrone Freely in New York City. That initiative features experts delivering engaging talks inside bars and taverns, seamlessly blending education with socializing. Mumbai's intellectual communities have now embraced a similar approach, creatively pairing knowledge dissemination with cocktails and conversation to create unique learning experiences.
