This interactive session is the first episode of the “Young Thinkers Forum,” Sarayu Trust and Sangam Talks’ Perspective Series, in which the concept of the “Age of Consent” is examined through historical, legal, and Sanatana perspectives. The speaker explains that this concept originated in 1275 in England, where 10–12 years of age was considered appropriate at the time — this being the same “Magna Carta,” the “Mother of Democracy.” In India, this age progressed from 10 to 18. Today, demands are rising to weaken POCSO — the arguments behind these demands and their dangers are examined here in detail. In the Kama Sutra, the provision of three nights of celibacy after marriage; in Manusmriti, the injunction to wait until after puberty — in the Sanatana tradition, sexual relations have always been linked to responsibility and one’s life partner. Exposing “Manufactured Consent,” the Frankfurt School, and the anti-family conspiracy of capitalism and communism, the speaker calls upon the community to unite.

About the Speaker:
Prashant Pandey is currently the Director of the Centre for Hindu Identity Studies (CHIS). He worked as a journalist for nearly two decades and contributed to several leading national English newspapers. He has also been associated with the publishing industry. He has co-authored two books, one of which is the BBC’s True Lies.