Dakshin Dialogues, the annual thought conclave of South First, is back with its fourth edition, to be held on 28 January in Bengaluru.
Published Jan 07, 2026 | 5:00 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 08, 2026 | 9:11 PM
Dakshin Dialogues 2026.
Date of conclave: 28 January 2026
Venue: Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru
Register for Dakshin Dialogues 2026 here.
Dakshin Dialogues, the annual thought conclave of South First, is back with its fourth edition, to be held on 28 January in Bengaluru. Dakshin Dialogues aims to highlight issues that matter to all, discuss concerns, present solutions, and celebrate people, ideas, innovations and achievements with a southern perspective.
Although the five southern states make up only 20 percent of India’s population, they collectively contribute over 30 percent of the GDP and are estimated to increase that contribution to 35 percent by 2030.
Titled States, Economy and the Working Class, Dakshin Dialogues 2026 will explore what makes the South tick and what matters to the working class — the backbone of India’s economy.
The third edition of Dakshin Dialogues was held in Hyderabad on 5 October 2024 with the theme People and Technology: Governance for Tomorrow.
While Hyderabad hosted the inaugural edition of Dakshin Dialogues on 17 September 2022, the second edition was held in Bengaluru on 7 October 2023.
The Dakshin Dialogues 2026: States, Economy and the Working Class will discuss the issues that influence the lives and livelihoods of common people.
1. South — the growth engine of India.
2. End of MGNREGA: What it means for states, the working class
3. Gig economy: Where does the trouble lie?
4. Parliament today: Functioning and challenges
The Dakshin Dialogues conclave has been serving as a platform highlighting key issues and policies affecting South India, while bringing national attention to the region.
At the inaugural edition of Dakshin Dialogues in 2022 in Hyderabad, the conversations focused on federalism. It brought together policy makers, thought leaders and civil society to discuss the need and role of stakeholders in upholding federalism. The event saw the participation of several big names from Southern states, including former Telangana Governor Dr Tamilsai Soundarajan, Dr Shashi Tharoor, Dr Palanivel Thiagarajan and KT Rama Rao, delving into topics of political and social significance.
Dakshin Dialogues 2023, held in Bengaluru, was bigger, better and a landmark event in Karnataka’s political arena. Inaugurated virtually by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, it witnessed discussions on delimitation, judiciary-executive face-off and southern models of governance. It was attended by dignitaries such as Shashi Tharoor, DK Shivakumar, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Khushbu Sundar, Justice Jasti Chelameswar, and Justice S Muralidhar, among others.
Dakshin Dialogues 2024, in Hyderabad, focused on the crucial partnership between governments, academia and industry to take technology forward for the betterment of society. The sessions focused on skill gaps and employability, the urban-rural digital divide, making India a global brand, and how Artificial Intelligence could become the leader in this transformational journey. The third edition saw the presence of BVR Mohan Reddy, Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, P Rajeeve, Sridhar Babu Duddilla, Prof PJ Narayanan, Prof Ramesh Loganathan and others.
With a focus on the working class, Dakshin Dialogues 2026 is expected to host discussions on people, innovations, and ideas that could influence policymakers to rethink and frame people-centric policies.
Meet the team behind the stories you read on South First. Interact with policy makers, ask questions to politicians, officials and stakeholders on issues that matter to you. Share a meal with team South First and go home with SF souvenirs. Register for Dakshin Dialogues 2026 here.
