The BRICS were an analytical concept, a futuristic projection, an investment strategy well before they became a group of states. Since the first formal summit in June 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia, there have always been voices that have expressed deep scepticism about the rationale, role and prospects of the BRICS grouping. However, the current downturn in the domestic situation of some BRICS member countries have strengthened the BRICS sceptics, many of whom now regard the BRICS as yesterday’s story. The US multinational investment banking firm Goldman Sachs, which first coined the term BRICS as part of its strategy to predict the future path of global capitalism, has now wound up its BRICS desk. On the other hand, it is also clear that the BRICS could have a distinct and much-needed impact on core issues of global governance. To further understand it's role in today's world the International Centre Goa is organising a lecture cum interactive session on “BRICS : Yesterday’s story or a sign of the coming times?” by Professor Varun Sahni, Vice Chancellor of Goa University on September 29, 4 pm at International Centre Goa, Dona Paula.
Sahni is also Professor in International Politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (currently on deputation leave). He was conferred the prestigious VKRV Rao Prize in Social Sciences for 2006. The lecture will be chaired by Eduardo Faleiro, former Union Minister of State for External Affairs and is part of ICG Lecture Series by Eminent Persons. Entry to the programme is free and open to general public.
