FAQ
1. What is Ananta Aspen Centre?
Ananta Aspen Centre is non-partisan and endorses the path of humane leadership and constructive dialogue to build a just society.
Its unique development programmes work with leaders from all walks of life, strengthening their pursuit of bringing the change they believe in. Each programme is designed differently, keeping in mind that not all leadership journeys are the same.
The Centre also enables dialogues between leaders from within and outside the country so that the knowledge and perspective shared can lead to better policies on issues important to India’s development, foreign policy, strategic affairs and national security. The spectrum ranges from structured Track 2 Dialogues to informal public sessions.
Ananta Aspen Centre is registered on 16th February 2006 under the Indian Trust Act 1882 and is tax exempt under 12A. The donations to Ananta Aspen Centre are eligible under 80G of the Income Tax Act. It is headquartered in Delhi with pan India activities.
2. What is the Mission and Vision of the Centre?
Mission – Ananta Aspen Centre focuses on leadership development and frank and open dialogue on the most important issues and challenges facing society at large and helps foster the transformation of Indian society. It also engages with civil society, inclusive of business, NGOs, Governments and other stake holders on issues of importance to India’s development and national security. The centre aims to bring the brightest minds from diverse fields, combining their knowledge and expertise towards developing a robust and policy paradigm.
Vision – “Nurturing Change, Transforming India”
The Centre was formed with the vision of providing a non-partisan platform for various stake holders to come together and discuss important issues and challenges facing the society which were of local and global concern.
3. Who are the members of the Board of Trustees?
Ananta Aspen Centre is guided by an esteemed Board of Trustees who are accomplished in their respective fields. In addition to their professional stature, the Members bring to the Board their commitment to social responsibility and their personal experiences working for a better society. For details please click at TRUSTEES :
4. What is its association with The Aspen Institute, USA?
For over 60 years Aspen US has been fostering values-based leadership and providing a platform for discussing and acting on critical issues. A need was felt to have a similar organization in India which would focus on values-based leadership.
Mr Tarun Das, the then Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry and long-time proponent of the establishment of an Aspen Institute India, co-signed an official Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Walter Isaacson, the President and CEO of The Aspen Institute, USA in February 2004.
The Ananta Aspen Centre is a completely independent entity with only Indians on the Board and with complete Indian funding but is a part of the Aspen Institute Network of International partners which links together diverse groups of leaders from different countries to provide opportunities for Leadership development, balanced policy inquiry and dialogue. The Centre works closely with other Aspen
Institutes internationally to develop programs and Track 2 dialogues which are relevant for India and its people.
5. Who are the members of the Board of Trustees?
The Ananta Aspen Centre activities focus around 3 core pillars – Leadership & Education, International Relations and Public Policy.
The Trust is committed to building a society that is willing to listen, understand and most importantly, dialogue. To this objective, it convenes various programmes for exchange of ideas, broadening perspectives and enhancing capacities to create sustainable solutions on a wide variety of issues. The Centre addresses issues of significance through seminars, conferences, round tables, public sessions, Fellowships and policy programmes. The Centre undertakes multiple initiatives to generate informed debates on foreign policy issues and assist the policymakers to respond with more efficient strategies. These initiatives include Strategic Dialogues – Track 1.5 and 2, Round Tables, Public Sessions and Task Force / Working Groups Reports.
6. What are the landmarks achieved by the Centre?
The Ananta Aspen Centre over the years has grown rapidly and has successfully completed 7 Classes of Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship, 18 classes of The Shri Ram Ananta Aspen Leadership School and runs 10 Track 2 Dialogues around the world with USA, Japan, China, Singapore, Israel, Korea, UK and Europe.
7. What is Value-based leadership all about?
The essential characteristic of Value-based leadership is the belief that the ultimate goal is people’s welfare. The Ananta Aspen Centre on the same lines seeks to foster the next generation of young values-based leaders with an opportunity to better understand their own leadership values and those of their peers. It seeks to steer aspirants on a journey in leadership by opening the mind to a rich and diverse set of learning experiences.
8. How is the Centre funded?
The Ananta Aspen Centre is funded through grants and donations. For donations, please Click Here.
9. What kind of impact do the programs conveyed by the Centre have on the common man?
It gives a wide range of people exposure to interesting topics, platform to voice their opinions and an opportunity to meet and interact with many eminent personalities. It also aims to develop a new generation of values-based, action-oriented leaders to serve India.
10. What kind of outreach does it have?
The Ananta Aspen Centre has a very diverse and large outreach. The people involved range from corporates, Government, Media, NGO leaders to thought leaders from academic or political backgrounds, students and other stakeholders. Even if people are not able to attend the public programs, they can watch the programs on our website as all programs are videotaped and made available to the public.
11. Can one volunteer with the Centre?
Yes, the Ananta Aspen Centre encourages young minds to work on diverse subjects and explore and contribute to the intellectual growth of the organisation. Internships are available throughout the year.
12. What is the composition of the organization staff?
The Ananta Aspen Centre has full time employees and working professionals who guide, support and write country / region specific newsletters.
13. What kind of job opportunities exist in the Centre?
A wide range of possibilities exist at the Ananta Aspen Centre in the three verticals – Leadership & Education, International Relations and Public Policy. Besides, vacancies are often available in other associated fields like Fundraising, social media, IT services, becoming another critical area to handle for the Centre.
14. Is the Centre active on social media?
Yes, the Ananta Aspen Centre is active on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and through its website at https://anantaaspencentre.in/
15. How is it different from Ananta Centre?
Though both the Centres can receive donations, the Ananta Aspen Centre is tax-exempted and donations are eligible for tax-exemption whereas Ananta Centre is non-tax-exempted and can accept sponsorships and organise paid events.
