About Indic Cafe - MFIS Study Circle
Indic Cafe is a unique platform of the MFIS which engages with the young, budding scholars interested in studying India in a peculiar dialogue-discourse format. Currently, MFIS Study Circle is Indic Cafe's flagship activity. Spread out in the several sessions, we along with young students and researchers deliberate on various aspects, topics, ideas, issues which are integral to study Indian realities. Study Circle is also a forum where we attempt to build in students an Indian outlook to understand and analyse various facets of Indian culture, society, philosophy, politics etc. Indic Cafe is the place where we literally Savour the "Food for Indic Thoughts".
Upcoming Indic Cafe Study Circle
Indic Cafe | MFIS 4th Study Circle on "Studying Socio-Political Ideas in the Indian Context”
The MFIS Study Circle is a six-session learning programme for UG and PG students to explore socio-political ideas in the Indian context through interactive discussion, critical reading, and practical application. Participants will engage with themes of state, nation, nationalism, ideology, social realities, and political thought, with an opportunity for publication
MFIS
12th Oct, 2026
6:00 PM
Pune
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Testimonial
Sameeran Galagali
Participant of 1st Study Circle
It was a great experience to be a part of the first cohort of the MFIS study circle. Interactive and rigorous sessions, interesting and intriguing study materials, and most importantly, the expertise and guidance of Dr. Akshay Ranade and Dr. Sanhita Joshi made the six sessions really fruitful. The study circle imparted crucial research skills in me and, more importantly, provided an alternative lens for theorisation and understanding of Indian sociopolitical realities. I was also fortunate enough to be able to write an article series for MFIS, which definitely added great value to my understanding of the various aspects of methods of inquiry for Indic Studies!
Radhika Bhide
Participant of 1st Study Circle
The MFIS Study circle was an extremely insightful series of sessions. The Indian society is intricately woven in its culture, values and thought. The study circle focused on an objective yet multidisciplinary perspective which enhanced my understanding of the socio-political thought. An amazing experience that emphasized the gravity of "context" and the role it has to play in shaping individuals and society equally.
Sachin Mamgain
Participant of 2nd Study Circle
Don't join the study circle if you get uncomfortable having your beliefs questioned. Don't join the study circle if you're not curious about political science, history, or philosophy. BUT Do join the study circle if you're genuinely curious about the world. Do join the study circle if you want to witness the Socratic-dialectical approach in action, led by Akshay Sir. Do join the study circle if you're not afraid of re-learning and discarding deeply held beliefs. The Mimamsa Foundation's study circle has been one of the best experiences of my life. I am forever grateful to Samhita Mam, Akshay Sir, and all my peers in the study circle. Because of them, I am a more informed person and a better learner than before.
Anagha Kulkarni
Participant of 1st Syudy Circle
Joining the study circle has been truly transformative for me. It wasn't just about absorbing knowledge passively; instead, I actively engaged with diverse viewpoints shared by fellow members, under the insightful guidance of Mr. Akshay Ranade Sir and Sanhita Ma'am. Personally, this experience has sharpened my critical thinking skills, honed my ability to articulate socio-political ideas effectively, and fueled my curiosity and passion for learning. The study circle helped me understand the facts and their real-life application in an unfiltered way; which was contrary to the way I was taught ideas with a biased and only theoretical approach. Mimansa Study Circle has inculcated in me an ability to approach the world in the sense of scientific inquiry.
Sanmit Adawadkar
Sanmit was participant of 1st Study Circle
I consider myself a lucky person, as I was part of the very first INDIC CAFE initiative, i.e., the Study Circle. It was an amazing ride altogether, as we were all learning new things about the day-to-day concepts from an Indic perspective. Concepts like secularism, the difference between dharma and religion, the concept of the state, etc. were discussed with deep analysis. Unlike any other regular class, it was an exchange of ideas, which led to development of new perspectives...!
Saachi Sahasrabuddhe
Saachi was participant of 1st Study Circle
I joined MFIS to gain insight into the Indian perspective on various concepts, and the course truly lived up to its description through its discussions and viewpoints. As a political science major, I already had a basic understanding of the ideas and ideologies, but the in-depth discussions provided me with a new path of thinking. Akshay Sir, with his wealth of knowledge, remained humble and patient, always listening to us and encouraging us to express our opinions. Sanhita Ma'am was also incredibly supportive throughout the study cycle. All eight sessions were never intimidating or stressful; in fact, I looked forward to our discussions each week.