CHRISTINE MACHADO
NT BUZZ
Pint of View is redefining ‘classy’ bars. Launched by Meghna Chaudhary, Harsh Snehanshu and Shruti Sah, Pint of View, the Indian adaptation of the U.S.-based ‘Lectures on Tap’ series, began in Bengaluru in 2025 and has since expanded to more than 13 places across the country,
including Goa.
“Pint of View brings cutting-edge research and compelling stories to a wider audience through talks that are engaging, accessible and rooted in lived experience,” says curator of Pint of View Goa, Saumya Snehil.
She adds that they wanted to create a space where people could slow down and engage in classroom-style learning without the formality or intimidation of an institution. “It is a space where curiosity takes precedence over networking and
social performance.”
Each session is built around a lecture by a subject expert, often a university professor, researcher or practitioner with original work and extensive research in the field. Topics range from the arts and sciences to history, ecology, and anthropology.
The sessions are held at relaxed spaces like bars, bookstores and co-working spaces, followed by an extended Q&A with the speaker.
“We deliberately leave ample time for questions and discussion since the goal isn’t simply to listen but to engage with new perspectives, challenge assumptions and explore subjects in greater depth,” says Snehil.
The Goa chapter was launched after the organisers received requests on Instagram to bring the initiative to the state. Having worked with the founding team in Bengaluru as a photographer and videographer since its inception, Snehil was invited to relocate to Goa to establish the chapter.
“With Goa’s rich cultural life and a growing number of people from across the country and the world who choose to live, work or spend time here, it felt like the right place to create a space for discovery, dialogue and shared learning,” she says.
Before launching, she says, she spent time understanding Goa’s communities and pace of life.
Snehil adds that curating each event involves identifying speakers and selecting locally relevant topics. “We want every session to feel intentional, engaging, and worth people’s time.”
The response, after the first event has been encouraging as it drew students, young professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, retired professionals and senior citizens. “It was a wonderful reminder that the joy of learning doesn’t belong to any one
age group,” she says.
She adds that questions from people with different life experiences made the discussion richer than the lecture alone. “Some attendees stayed back after the session to continue conversations with the speaker and one another,”
she says.
According to her, audiences today are discerning, well-read and have access to more information than ever before. “That makes it important for us to bring in speakers who can offer perspectives that go beyond what’s commonly available in public discourse.”
Pint of View Goa plans to host sessions every two weeks for the time being. More frequent events planned as the
community expands.
“We often say that the antidote to ignorance isn’t knowledge, it’s curiosity. If Pint of View can inspire someone to pick up a book, follow a new line of thought or disappear down a rabbit hole of learning, we’ve done our job.”