In the Fireside Chat, Yamini Aiyar, Centre for Policy Research and Anurag Behar, Azim Premji Foundation explored how the core pillars of society view the state. They also reflected on their individual experiences of working with the state. Mr. Behar laid out some tensions between the state and the civil society while Ms. Aiyar discussed how frontline workers, who interact with the state every day, perceive their relationship with the state. This chat was a part of the ‘Future of Governance’ virtual forum, curated by us, and co-hosted with Arthan.