Liberty, a revolution in my mind.

(Price winning entry in Liberty in Life essay competition, putting here just to recapture the memories)

I am Ayoob, ALSS, Delhi participant. The Advanced Liberty and Society Seminar by C C S was a great experience to me in all the sense. I am a Keralite. From the beginning of my trip from my home railway station, throughout the seminar and afterwards I really enjoyed it. After the seminar I went to Agra and Jaipur which were of a very fine experience to me. I went round Delhi in two days. I had a good shopping in the streets of Delhi. It was really amazing for me when I got inside the Parliament Of India with one of my friend. Thus I made my trip for ALSS worth it, "in all the sense' as I said.

When I first received the mail from Mana I was not sure that I will be going to Delhi. When I put the subject before my parents they too were not willing to let me go, there were many reasons. First of all I am not used to long trip alone and they thought I am only a kid and can't bear going alone. Another fact was that I was not really able to tell them for what I am going, every one asked me "what certificate you will get after attending the seminar?" see. I cannot really make things work for me. But still there was a hope, I said my father that I am very much interested in the subject and the part I will be having in Delhi will be helpful to me in a great extend , more than that such a long trip " alone " will be of great and great experience to me. He understood my will, also he know my craze to travel and at last "GRANTED". Thank god.

What happened to me after I attended the A L S S? This is the question which can tell what I will be doing after all. After attending L S S Cochin, I had felt there is something working with Parth, Raj and C C S. and it is actually that feeling led me to know more about. I had gone through some of the websites and read columns about liberal approach in many aspects; I have almost covered the P E R C web. After attending A L S S my thoughts and ideas almost got a strong base which made me able to talk about libertarian approach to anyone I wish and much time I succeeded in doing the same while talking to my cousins and some of my friends and proved it.

What I am going to do next? After A L S S I started reading Economic Times somewhat regularly. My way of thought to many problems around me took the shape of the libertarian ideas and I am so happy that I can prove it works. The part which is going on now is the "analysing part" of those facts you said, like the statistical reports about Indian economy, details about CAMFIRE Project etc. Many lectures in A L S S where worth by itself as they did some finishing works to my thoughts and approaches to problems. But I can never say the work (thinking) is finished and definitely it is prospering may be leaping its hands towards perfection. I wish. I am really proud to tell you what happened in train back to home. I got fine companions in my cabin. There was one family, two teachers and one business man. At some part of our talks we came across Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. There I said about the tax reduction given to him on importing Ferrari and made a talk on that. Hearing Sachin ...Ferrari and all some students next to our cab also joined the discussion. I extended the talk to many other facts we discussed. I enjoyed the whole time being in the centre of the hot discussion. It was really fine to think how I talked and I don't know how, but I was able to prove that there is something burning with the present system and approach. At last one of them said "it's fine that the college people are sending you students for such seminars so that "we" were able to know about all this". We talked about the present education systems, matters regarding different social issues. Throughout the discussion I tried to point out the defects of the present system and asked them how it will be saying the libertarian approach. I think I got a majority with me saying making a law doesn't mean that the whole trouble is solved, they said that the implementation part is greatly misused. Then I asked them, do we want such a law which can be greatly misused? I WON.

Back in home I talked to my cousins and some of my friends who are interested in the topic. I found many of my friends and colleagues turning my side after I talked about all this to them but I cannot say I am having a fine success in all my debates with friends and all. The problem happens in many cases is my lack of knowledge so I will be trying to read and know more about the approach of libertarian principles in much a deep sense. I just cannot stop talking about what I learned though my studies on the subject will take its way as it should.

I have planned to conduct some "arranged discussions" for much selected small groups, the plan is on the way and the first one of its kind is planned on next Tuesday in my college. I think I will be able to do it well. The reason why I am doing this is for just nothing but to form a group: may be a small group of Liberals by the help of which, I wish I can spread the message, I will be able to conduct some good sessions by experts about libertarian principles of Rule of Law, Competitive markets etc. I wish and I'll try to bring C C S to my college for the purpose and also some seminars in some of the clubs where I am working. Like OISCA (Nature and environment), Pain and palliative (Health care) like that. Here in my home town Kozhekod, we have a club called "Viewers Circle". We use to screen one or two documentaries or films a week. It is not a big club but the participants (I mean viewers) are those who are really serious about the global and regional affairs. I expect in future I'll be able to bring 'Stossel documentaries to screen in Viewers Circle.

I am very much interested in theater arts, photography and videography. I wish to do some work in those for spreading the message. I have found that a small skit, done well, will work really well than a one hour lecture. I hope I will. Also I have a plan to start "Friends of Freedom" club in my city, but only after fine sessions and classes on the subject. I don't know whether I had undergone a "brainwashing" from C C S, as many of S F I (a student political party) friends in my college say, but I am sure that what I wish to do is for good. As I really feel it by my heart.

Praying to do my part in the play well and with warm wishes....