The Let’s Talk initiative looks to revive the art of conversation

Rangeeta Murada offers the city an opportunity for people engage in conversations that offer a varied perspective
Lets_talk_3
Lets_talk_3

We saw it in the movies; remember the plots of Before Sunrise, Serendipity or Love Actually—where strangers meet by chance and have a conversation that changes the course of their lives?. “So why not take a chance in real life?” says Rangeeta Murada. True, your dining partner may not be John Cusack or Kate Beckinsale. “But the best conversations almost always happen with a stranger,” Rangeeta continues. Opening up an avenue for conversations, this food-entrepreneur is giving the city an opportunity to meet people outside their daily routine at the Let’s Talk initiative at Cafe Totaram. “The idea behind the movement is to help people engage in conversations that offer varied perspective. What we feel about our truths may not be a complete worldview. It’s interesting to know how others see things and how they understand life,” she explains, adding that the movement is not a networking platform. Besides offering her own stories and insights, Rangeeta tells us that Chennai-based photography M A Rauf will be part of the initiative.

The event, which will take place at the cafe, will provide customers who wish to engage with others with a green flag at their table. “It is an invitation for a stranger to join and have a conversation.” Dividing discussions based on subject or theme, we learn that additional coloured flags will also be provided, indicative of the topic. For example, a yellow flag would denote a customer looking to engage in a conversation on art or culture, while a red flag would mean that the table is closed for additional people to join in on the conversation. “The only two topics that we have kept off the table are politics and religion.” 
While one could avail the suggestion and tip cards provided to help with the conversation, Rangeeta swears it is best to wing it. “You never know, you might have just had the most awkward conversation of  your life, or maybe you would find your own story in someone else’s story...you feel less alone.”

At Cafe Totaram. On June 9. From 12 noon to 4 pm.

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