Creative Theory Group

The essence of Creative Theory lies in recognising and harnessing the innate creative potential of human beings. It acknowledges that humans possess a distinctive quality as a species, characterised by their capacity for generalisation and their ability to engage in theoretical thinking. This form of thinking arises from their consciousness of being in the world, achieved through their reflexive capabilities. This theoretical consciousness of liberation as being in the world serves as Creative Theory's wellspring.

Creative Theory operates on multiple levels: philosophy, theory, methodology, and empirical reality. Engaging with these levels deepens our understanding of the world and ourselves. It embraces a continuous process of expansion, wherein every project and endeavour enriches the meaning and scope of Creative Theory. Through this ongoing exploration, the theory aims to transcend boundaries in thought and practice.

One of the key tenets of Creative Theory is its emphasis on ontology. It views reality as a complex, multi-layered construct, interconnected at various levels. This perspective rejects reductionist approaches and encourages a holistic understanding of the world. Furthermore, Creative Theory advocates democratic engagement with diverse philosophical traditions to bridge the gap between the East and West. However, it remains conscious of the historical inequalities in knowledge exchange between these regions, particularly within philosophy and general knowledge. Consequently, it calls for rectification of this historical injustice by treating all knowledge systems seriously while subjecting them to critical scrutiny. In doing so, Creative Theory seeks to promote the well-being of humanity as a whole.

Creative Theory facilitates engagement with reality, other theories, and alternative perspectives to achieve its objectives. Drawing upon these diverse sources, it seeks to expand its understanding and continually cultivate an environment of growth. The theory recognises that this intellectual and theoretical development process can contribute to the struggle for a just and peaceful society.

Since 2014, the Creative Theory Group has been organising the Annual Creative Theory Colloquium, collaborating with the Indian International Centre and The RAZA Foundation. This event, held on September 5-6 each year, coincides with Teachers' Day in India and commences with a tribute to the inspirational teachers who have guided the project.

The Creative Theory Colloquium is a unique platform for theorists to unite, fostering a vibrant space for generating and analysing ideas. It offers an open and emergent environment where novel theories can take shape and develop. The colloquium aims to examine approaches that lie between the realms of ontology and epistemology while highlighting their creative power and potential.

The inaugural Colloquium 2014 provided a meaningful exploration of theory by delving into significant themes such as rights, democracy, knowledge traditions, religion, and philosophy. By examining the implications of these themes for the creative potential of human beings, the colloquium aimed to reevaluate their significance within the context of contemporary historical developments. The fundamental goal was to bridge the gap between ideals and their actual implementation, ensuring that democratic values and rights extend beyond rhetoric and manifest as tangible mechanisms for emancipation.

In subsequent years, the Colloquium continued to explore and connect various disciplines and concepts. The 2015 colloquium focused on the intersection of political theory, environmental issues, literature, politics, representation, society, and Creative Theory. This exploration aimed to uncover new themes relevant to Indian society and facilitate a deeper understanding of the dynamics of Indian society as a whole.

The 2016 Colloquium delved into epistemic reflections, envisioning new dialogues within Creative Theory. The discussions encompassed topics such as caste, capital, tradition, and rights, among many others. By critically examining these subjects, the colloquium sought to contribute to the evolution of Creative Theory and its understanding of societal dynamics.

The 2017 Colloquium centred around a creative reading of texts, asking, "Can we change the terms of discourse?" This inquiry stimulated sessions exploring the future of journalism in a post-truth era, as well as discussions on minority rights, discourse, contemporaneity, and the current crisis faced by democracy in India. Through these conversations, the colloquium aimed to challenge existing discursive frameworks and foster a transformative understanding of the world.

In 2018, the colloquium paid tribute to the life and work of Samir Amin, honouring his profound contributions to the academic world. Amin's insights on culture, politics, violence, gender, and literature provided enriching perspectives and expanded the dimensions of Creative Theory. By engaging with his ideas, the colloquium aimed to refine its understanding of these diverse facets further.

The 2019 Colloquium focused on Mahatma Gandhi's theory and philosophy of Satyagraha. By exploring Gandhi's teachings, the colloquium sought to unravel the workings of democracy, culture, and social movements. This colloquium aimed to draw attention to insights that could inform the pursuit of justice and peace by contextualising Gandhi’s philosophy within the contemporary moment.

The 2020 Colloquium navigated the space of republican democracy, analysing how it could be reclaimed and reimagined in the 21st century. By critically examining the concept of democracy in the contemporary context, the colloquium aimed to identify avenues for its revitalisation and relevance.

In 2021, the Creative Theory Colloquium focused on the debate between the local and the global, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delving into the political, economic, and grassroots responses to the pandemic, the colloquium aimed to unpack the mechanisms of power at play on these different levels. The objective was to develop a nuanced understanding of the hierarchical nature of society and politics and its implications for individuals and their creative existence.

As the Creative Theory Group looks to the future, it organises events, including seminars, talks, and annual colloquiums. These endeavours have become integral to its functioning, fostering creativity and intellectual growth. Notably, the group has consciously tried to engage with grassroots activists actively. By collaborating with these individuals, the group expands its research focus and ensures that its work remains connected to the dynamic expressions of people at the grassroots level.