The journey of Mukti began very modestly in 2003—with the small initiative of a few people, savings from pocket money, and a singular belief. There were no large funds, no established structure. There was only one question: “Can we do something?”
That very question gradually transformed into an initiative.
On March 9, 2005, Mukti was formally registered. Before that, several small meetings were held in Purba Sridharpur village, Raidighi (Sundarbans), and Kolkata—where I was living at the time. Not everyone showed interest. Some were hesitant. But the journey began with those who believed, those who thought—”Yes, we can try.”
Later, I had to move abroad for work. I still remember those days. Back then, I perhaps didn’t imagine that this small initiative would travel such a long distance. But as time passed, we crossed many years.
Today is March 2026. I am writing this on the occasion of our Foundation Day. In terms of time, it might not be very long, but in terms of experience, it is deep.
Over these years, we have done much—through collective effort, struggle, success, and failure. I have discussed those works in various Foundation Day programs and leadership meetings. But today, I want to bring forward some different subjects—matters that are perhaps more fundamental and long-term.
This writing is not just for today. I hope that when future generations discuss the history and philosophy of Mukti, they will read these thoughts, judge them, and perhaps criticize them— but try to understand what we were thinking.
For this reason, I am putting today’s speech into writing. Within this limited scope, I want to talk about a few important points:
This discussion is not a conclusion; it is a beginning. What we started with pocket money has today stood up as an organized initiative. But our goal is not just the expansion of work—it is the depth of thought.
Mukti Barta: The Journey of a Hundred Issues
This year’s Foundation Day holds another special significance. As Mukti enters its 21st year, our own newsletter, “Mukti Barta,” is reaching its 100th issue. Published regularly almost every fifteen days over the past few years, this newsletter has gradually turned into a vital medium of communication.
Mukti Barta is not just a newsletter; it is an archive of our thoughts, a running commentary on our work, and a document of our experiences.
It reflects stories of people from the field, experiences of workers, reports on various initiatives, and future visions. Through this 100th issue, we want to remind everyone—an organization survives not just through its actions, but through the continuity of its thoughts.
The Power of Questioning and the “Awakened Good”
If we look at the history of civilization, we see that the greatest changes did not come through the sword—they came through questions. Power can rule, but thought brings change. True change occurs only when people stop following blindly and start thinking.
In ancient Athens, there was a man who did not seek power, did not give speeches from grand stages, and did not try to establish his name by building an organization. He only talked to people. He questioned. And he told people—“Question yourself too.” He taught not to believe something just by hearing it. Question it, discuss it, and verify it with logic.
That man was Socrates. He said, “I cannot teach anybody anything; I can only make them think.”
Questioning is not always comfortable. It puts us in an uneasy position. But that very discomfort forces us to think. When we start thinking, change begins. People change, and when people change, society changes. Therefore, a question is not just an inquiry—it is the first step of a new creation.
This tradition is not just Greek. In Indian thought, too, the “Question” holds a deep place. Swami Vivekananda said that inquiry is the key to knowledge. He believed that infinite potential is hidden within the human mind.
Rabindranath Tagore wrote, “The good that stays awake amidst all conflicts and obstacles—that is the true good.” True good is that which can tolerate dissent, stand before criticism, and emerge clearer and stronger through the fire of conflict.
Free Thought, Word of Freedom (Mukta Chinta, Mukti Katha)
We want to give a formal structure to this culture of questioning. We call it “Free Thought.” Imagine a village meeting or a city community hall where 30 people sit together to discuss a specific problem logically and without fear.
When solutions emerge from this path of collective thinking, we call it “Mukti Katha” (Word of Freedom). A society burdened by problems is like an unfree society. Mental dependency ends when we learn to think together. This is the core philosophy of Mukti.
Mukti’s Current Organization and Future Guides
An organization stands on the people it creates for the future. The next chapter of Mukti depends on the “Mukti Sathi” (Partners of Mukti). Leadership is not born suddenly; it is nurtured.
Aristotle said, “Excellence is not an act, but a habit.”
A “Mukti Sathi” needs three things:
Mukti Work-Study Model: The Path to Building Leadership
Social work is not just a matter of sympathy; it is a multi-layered field. One needs to understand Economics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, History, and Sociology to be a true “Social Architect.”
To prepare such leaders, Mukti is introducing the Work-Study Model. We want to provide an opportunity for youth (starting after higher secondary) where they can work in the field and study these core subjects simultaneously.
Ethical Society, Democracy, and Civic Responsibility
We are building people because society is going through a deep ethical crisis. Democracy is not just a voting process; it is an ethical culture. But when democracy turns into a “voting market,” citizens turn into “consumers.”
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar warned, “Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living.”
We often blame leaders for corruption, but we must ask—who elects them? A society gets the leadership it reflects. If we are not socially advanced, we will fail to recognize an advanced leader. Therefore, Mukti’s job is to create Citizens—those who vote with conscience and question with logic.
In today’s world of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), these are not just report terms; they are the language of ethics.
Conclusion
Today, on Foundation Day, we are not just remembering the past; we are making a commitment to the future. Mukti is not just the name of an organization—it is a consciousness, a practice, and a moral responsibility.
Our strength lies not in projects, but in people; not in numbers, but in values; not in success, but in honesty. Let us pledge today: we will not just increase work, we will build people. We will not just seek freedom; we will practice free thought.
Because in the end, Mukti (Freedom) is not an external condition—it is an insight, an awakened conscience. That awakened conscience will show us the way forward.
Thank you. Stay well, stay healthy.
Sankar Halder
Founder & President, MUKTI