Co-hosted by Free Society Coalition and Swatantrata Center, this virtual summit convenes leading voices from the United States and India to reflect on the enduring meaning of liberty, constitutional self-government, free enterprise, and civil discourse in a changing world. The occasion is especially timely as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Date: Saturday, June 27
Format: 1-day virtual summit Duration: 3-hour high-impact program
India (IST): 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM US East (EDT): 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM US West (PDT): 5:30 AM – 8:30 AM
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Thomas Jefferson
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, this moment offers more than national remembrance; it offers a chance to renew a global conversation on the moral and institutional foundations of a free society. America250 describes 2026 as a milestone for reflection on the nation’s past, ideals, and future, which makes this summit a fitting international forum for deeper democratic exchange.
Echoes of Freedom connects the ideas associated with 1776 to the evolution of India as the world’s largest constitutional democracy. Guided by principles that FSC links to liberty, human dignity, individual responsibility, and civil discourse, the summit invites participants to examine how free societies are sustained across borders, traditions, and generations.
Explore how liberty, individual rights, and constitutional government shaped democratic thought beyond America.
Analyze the Declaration of Independence as a foundational text for self-determination and freedom.
Trace links between global liberty movements, India’s Poorna Swaraj, and the 1950 Constitution.
Deepen students’ understanding of democratic institutions, free inquiry, and responsible citizenship.
Promote freedom-oriented education and public reasoning in universities, think tanks, and civic groups.
Build a lasting network for academic exchange, fellowships, and cross-border dialogue.
Celebrating the Ideas of Freedom: America’s Founding Principles and India’s Liberal Tradition
A moderated discussion on the ideas of independence, constitutional governance, and the historical resonance between America’s founding principles and India’s own journey toward liberty and self-determination
Lawrence W. Reed is president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE). A champion of liberty, he founded the Mackinac Center for Public Policy and taught economics at Northwood University. Reed has written eight books, over 2,000 articles, and delivered more than 1,000 speeches across 94 countries advocating for free markets.
Gurcharan Das is an acclaimed Indian author, commentator, and former CEO of Procter & Gamble India. Best known for his bestselling trilogy on life goals, including India Unbound, his work brilliantly explores India’s economic liberty and philosophy. He writes influential columns for major newspapers, advocating for governance reform and individual freedom.
Gunnam Gangaraju is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, producer, and writer prominent in Telugu cinema and television. He created the legendary sitcom Amrutham and won National Film Awards for producing the groundbreaking films Aithe and Bommalata. Through his production house Just Yellow, he has heavily influenced regional media with unique, individualistic storytelling.
Celebrating the Ideas of Freedom: Building Institutions for the Future of a Free Society
A focused discussion on the institutions that sustain free societies, including education, civic culture, rule of law, free enterprise, and open inquiry.
James M. “Jay” Lapeyre, Jr. is an American businessman, attorney, and prominent libertarian leader. He serves as president of Laitram, LLC, a global manufacturing innovator. Deeply committed to the ideas of liberty, free markets, and governance reform, Lapeyre serves as board chair for both the Cato Institute and The Atlas Society.
Tracie Sharp is the co-founder and long-time CEO of the State Policy Network (SPN), a major coalition connecting dozens of independent, market-oriented state think tanks. A prominent leader in the liberty movement, she has dedicated decades to advancing individual freedom, limited government, and decentralized, state-level policy solutions across America.
Yash Agarwal is a prominent public policy professional, communications strategist, and ecosystem builder in India. He is the founder of Public Policy India (PPI), the country’s largest pan-India community dedicated to making governance issues accessible and fostering policy careers. He also manages global stakeholder engagement for South Asia at ICANN.
Opening and Closing remarks
Raghavendar Askani is an Indian social entrepreneur, youth leader, and dedicated advocate for libertarian principles. He is the co-founder and president of the Swatantrata Center, where he champions individual liberty, free markets, and policy reforms. Through initiatives like “The Common Man Debate,” he empowers grassroots voices and builds leadership across India.
Dennis Jose Mattam is a prominent Indian public policy leader and strategist within the liberty movement. He serves as the Country Director for Students For Liberty (SFL) India, where he drives strategic growth and nurtures young leaders. His work focuses on promoting individual liberty, economic freedom, and grassroots leadership across South Asia.
This summit is more than a commemorative event. It is an invitation to think seriously about the moral and institutional foundations of freedom, and about how those ideas continue to shape democratic life across nations.
By placing the American founding in conversation with India’s constitutional evolution, the program creates a rare opportunity to explore what it takes to preserve liberty, encourage civic responsibility, and build societies where individuals can flourish.
University students and student leaders
Faculty members and researchers
Policy professionals and civic educators
Think tank and nonprofit leaders
Young people interested in constitutional democracy, liberty, and public affairs
A sharper understanding of the Declaration of Independence and its global significance.
Insight into the shared democratic traditions of the United States and India.
Greater appreciation of constitutional literacy and civic education.
Exposure to ideas that support free enterprise, rule of law, and human flourishing.
A meaningful academic and intellectual experience in a globally relevant forum.
Registration is free. This is a complimentary educational initiative created to broaden access to serious civic learning and cross-border dialogue
Free Society Coalition (USA) develops educational resources and civic frameworks that support educators, students, policymakers, and community leaders in promoting informed discussion on liberty, democratic institutions, and constitutional principles.
Swatantrata Center is a public policy and civic education organization that champions individual liberty, human flourishing, and constitutional democracy in India through research, dialogue, and educational outreach.
Public Policy India is a policy research and civic education initiative that strengthens public policy discourse in India through analysis, research, and dialogue on constitutional governance and economic reform.
Students for Liberty South Asia is a regional division of Students for Liberty that advances liberty-oriented education, campus activism, and youth leadership across South Asia through fellowships, conferences, and educational programs.
Pratha Indic Renaissance is an educational organization focused on reclaiming and revitalizing India’s intellectual heritage while promoting classical liberal values, civic literacy, and cross-cultural understanding in contemporary Indian society.
Indic International School in Hyderabad blends the CBSE curriculum with Indian Knowledge Systems, offering personalized learning, Sanskrit, and global arts to foster holistic, culturally rooted leaders.