Bring Back the Adda: The Lost Art of Wisdom through Conversation

Growing up in Kolkata, adda was more than just a pastime—it was a way of life. There isn’t a perfect English translation, but imagine agenda-less conversations where ideas flowed freely, opinions clashed with passion (not malice), and everyone left a little wiser.

The history of adda is as fascinating as the tradition itself. Its roots can be traced to the intellectual and cultural awakening of 19th-century Kolkata during the British colonial era. Spaces like Hindu College , later Presidency University and College Street (there's actually a song about the iconic coffee house and the addas) became breeding grounds for passionate debates and vibrant intellectual exchanges. Even earlier, village gatherings at the chandimandap fostered community through shared discussions. Over time, adda evolved into a cornerstone of Bengali culture—a place to learn, unlearn, and connect.

But by the 90s, the tides had shifted. As competition intensified—not just in schools but also in workplaces and society at large—adda was seen as indulgent and unproductive. Students were told to focus on academics, professionals on their careers, and families on their responsibilities. The idea of agenda-less, unstructured dialogue was dismissed as a “waste of time.” Slowly but surely, this vibrant cultural phenomenon began to disappear.

But what was adda, really? It was a masterclass in humility and intellectual curiosity. In a typical adda, you’d find neighbors, friends, and even strangers gathered in a street corner or a home, passionately debating politics, economics, sports, or philosophy. No topic was off-limits, and no one entered with unshakable beliefs. Opinions were put forth boldly yet held loosely, ready to be reshaped by better logic or evidence. Disagreements weren’t barriers—they were bridges to greater understanding.

Here’s the paradox: while we’ve gained efficiency and focus, we’ve lost depth and connection. Today, we talk about authenticity at work, yet how often do we create spaces where people feel free to say, “I don’t know enough about this” or “Here’s my different point of view” without fear of judgment? Social media amplifies voices, but does it foster real dialogue? Polarization thrives where adda once built bridges.

The Impact of the Loss

• We’ve weakened our social bonds: You knew your neighbor in an adda; today, you might not even know their name.
• We’ve lost our intellectual edge: Adda demanded you stay informed or risk being schooled on the latest debate topic.
• We’ve become less curious and accepting: The ability to genuinely consider opposing views has diminished, replaced by echo chambers.

As workplaces and communities, we can bring this back. Experiment with “intellectual jam sessions”—agenda-free gatherings where diverse minds engage, debate, and learn. No metrics. No pressure. Just honest conversations.

“We must learn the art of disagreeing without being disagreeable.” This sentiment captures the essence of adda, where passionate debates coexisted with mutual respect, leading to collective wisdom and deeper social bonds.

Let’s revive the adda. Let’s sharpen our debating skills, rebuild our social fabric, and rediscover the joy of learning from one another. Intellect. Wisdom. Connection. If nothing else, it’ll remind us that a difference of opinion doesn’t mean a difference in humanity.

#BringBackTheAdda #WisdomThroughDialogue #CulturalHeritage