“At a time when Valentine’s Day almost assumes that everyone is coupled, married or dating, single people often feel invisible, even excluded,” Ketaki said.Single studies is about understanding a growing demographic: people who are single by choice or circumstance, and examining how society views them through the lens of gender, sexuality, culture and economics. “While markets and businesses are slowly recognising solo travellers and ‘meals for one’, social acceptance of singlehood still lags. Why is only romantic love celebrated? What about love for friends, family, or oneself? This lecture is about questioning social norms and creating acceptance for different ways of living,” she said.The lecture is designed as an academic session presented in a relaxed, informal setting. “Anyone can listen to a serious academic conversation, but in a fun, accessible way,” she added.The Talking Pint is the brainchild of Sanika Deshmukh and Riana Mammen, undergraduate students at MAHE, who wanted to take learning out of rigid academic spaces and into more casual environments like cafés and bars.“We are an informal lecture club. The idea is to bring curiosity and learning into relaxed spaces. We invite passionate professors and experts, not just from academia, to talk about subjects they love,” they said.Inspired by similar initiatives in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi, The Talking Pint models itself on popular formats such as the Pint of View and Society of Intellectuals. “We are huge nerds. We always wanted a place in Manipal that allowed for learning without assignments, submissions and grades looming, where you could attend a lecture and have a beer or a cocktail while doing it, and learn simply for the joy of it. Manipal is a ‘micro-universe’ filled with curious, intellectually inclined people. Nerds are hiding in every nook and cranny here. We wanted to create a space where people can relax, discuss ideas and start interdisciplinary conversations,” Sanika said.The upcoming lecture is the third event organised by The Talking Pint. Earlier sessions featured Dr Kamlesh Mumbrekar, who spoke on evolutionary biology, and Dr Praveen Shetty, who explored Tulunadu’s cultural roots and resonance.
