We dive deep into the intriguing topic of what's considered vulgar versus artistic in music and art. Our guest for this episode is Professor Brahma Prakash, a writer and cultural theorist currently teaching at Jawaharlal Nehru University. He has authored insightful works such as "Cultural Labour" and the recently released "Body on the Barricades: L…

➡️⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI)⁠⁠⁠ Rahul Sonpimple's bold take on the idea of ‘romanticism’, contemporary culture, post-ideological Dalit Discourse, and Buddhism as a counter force. Rahul is the founder and president of the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA). We entirely depend on the support of our…

➡️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI)⁠⁠⁠⁠ We explore the politics of Veg food and the implications it has on society, particularly in the context of modern-day casteism discussions. The guest for this episode is Shoaib Daniyal, the political editor at Scroll. I kindly request your support in this initiative, as it requires a lot…

➡️⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI)⁠⁠⁠ A delightful and thought-provoking conversation with Zeyad Masroor Khan. We discussed his new book, "City on Fire: A Boyhood in Aligarh." Took a trip to the lanes of small town and explored the mysterious world of jinn folk tales, the 90s world of Pran and Raj comics, how cinema influences…

➡️⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI)⁠⁠⁠A wonderful conversation with Chirag Thakkar, Associate Publisher at Bloomsbury India, where we discuss the mysterious world of book publishing in India. From the process of getting published to exploring what India is reading, we covered it all. We discussed changing expectations from auth…

➡️⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI)⁠⁠⁠ Conversation with Atul Bhosekar on Buddhist philosophy. Atul Bhosekar is a speaker and Buddhist cave researcher. He has been conducting workshops on Buddhist caves for the last 25 years. As a Director of TRIBILS, a research institute, he has received the Limca Book of World Records for tea…

➡️⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI)⁠⁠ A conversation with Gaurav Pathania, who played the role of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in the upcoming film directed by Ava DuVernay, "Origin." Here, we discuss his journey from a town in Haryana to Hollywood and delve into fascinating insights into what it took to portray the role of a mega-ico…

➡️⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI)⁠⁠ Conversation with Rahul Sonpimple on Caste in the Age of Capitalism and hyperconsumerism. Rahul is the founder and president of the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA). This podcast doesn’t have any corporate funding so the contribution by listeners is very important …

➡️⁠⁠ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI)⁠ In this podcast, we discussed what is the meaning of joy and happiness anymore. Vijeta teaches English at St. Joseph's College, Bangalore. She is also a writer and has written for Firstpost, Huffpost India, India Today, The Hindu Business Line, Deccan Herald, amongst other platforms. She write…

➡️ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI) Sucharita Tyagi has been at the forefront of film criticism, notably embracing the YouTube medium for reviews as early as 2015. Back then, she was reviewing films on YouTube for the Film Companion website. This segment evolved into "Not a Movie Review" with Sucharita. A curated selection of episo…

➡️ ⁠Click or tap to Support AMVPodcast (Patreon/UPI)⁠ The guest of this week is popular satirist Dr Medusa. We talk about creative aspects of ADHD, finding a therapist who understands politics, reflecting on Y2K and its cultural changes, discussing the courage to poke fun in dangerous political times, and exploring Gen Z culture. We also look into …

This is a podcast in collaboration with the Bharatiya Junta Podcast. In this podcast, we delve into the concept of the colonial inferiority complex, discuss the debate surrounding vegetarianism, explore the right-wing influencer pandemic, consider how being apolitical is inherently political, and ponder the type of dictator the country desires. We …

Anoop Kumar founded the Nalanda Academy in 2013 in Wardha, Maharashtra. He is pioneering groundbreaking work by providing education to marginalized students from all over the country and has successfully helped hundreds of students from marginalized castes gain admission to top universities in India and abroad. His life, journey, and ideas are noth…

Sujat Prakash Ambedkar is a young activist, politician, and former journalist. He is the great-grandson of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the son of Prakash Ambedkar. Sujat is a youth leader in the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi political party. He studied at the Asian College of Journalism and Fergusson College. In this podcast, we discussed Sujat's life, Maharas…

In this relaxed and insightful episode, Ramkumar Singh delves into his memories of growing up in Rajasthan, exploring its celebrations, traditions, and dogmas. He reflects on his writing journey, offering insights into the life of a Bollywood writer, the loneliness of Mumbai, the concept of creativity in today's politically charged environment, and…

A joyful and fun podcast with Shrujna. I immensely love her artwork. Over the years she has developed a signature style of her own which is not just aesthetically stunning but also stirs the thoughts because of the political messaging. The experience of recording this podcast felt like two friends sitting together and discussing important issues an…

Inspired by recent cases of brutality against students by teachers, Prof. Ravikant Kisana (Buffalo Intellectual) takes us on a journey in this episode. He delves deep into the dark underbelly of education, exploring the high-stakes world of coaching, the intense school environment, education's transformation into a cutthroat competition, the chilli…

An episode about anti-caste laws being passed in the USA. This episode was recorded a few months back. Kshama Sawant, an Indian-American politician and economist, has served on the Seattle City Council since 2014. She is a member of Socialist Alternative, the first and only member of the party to date to be elected to public office. In 2012, Kshama…

In this podcast, we discussed the vibrant independent Indian rap and hip-hop scene. On creating art in the age of commerce and dealing with unethical recording labels. The power of music to challenge societal norms at the same time being playful and super interesting in its approach. And finally the impact of the film "Gully Boy" on the rap and hip…

In today’s episode, I'm excited to present a delightful and informative conversation with Sohaib Daniyal. We'll be delving into our favourite topic: food. We'll explore the diverse history of cuisines, delve into stories and myths related to food, appreciate the aesthetics linked to culinary experiences, address the issue of violence associated wit…

I recorded a podcast with Manoj Mitta, author of the new book: Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India. In this podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating history of caste and social reforms in India. From detailing the strange laws during colonial times to the interesting courtroom debates and the lesser-known heroes, the narrative un…

In this podcast, Pranav, who runs the channel named "Science is Dope," explores the trend of increasing pseudosciences and fraudulent spiritual figures promoted by popular podcasts, YouTubers, and influencers in India. In his videos, Pranav often calls out pseudosciences and misinformation by providing scientific rebuttals. We delve into the unique…

I sat down patiently with Pratyush, the owner of a roastery named Pahadee Coffee Roasters in Himachal, to explore all things coffee. On this episode, we not only discussed famous brands and delved into the fascinating history and origin of coffee but also ventured into the captivating subculture surrounding coffee. We explored the unique rituals, t…

The Ban on Affirmative Action in the USA - Unpacking its History, Impact, and Implications. An insightful exploration in our latest episode as we delve into the recent ban on the 'American Reservation system'—more commonly known as affirmative action in the United States. Our esteemed guest, Pallavi Rao, guides us through the intricacies of this de…

In this episode, I meet Ajay, a middle-aged man from Himachal Pradesh whose life was shaped by his family's religious and superstitious upbringing. However, everything changed when he discovered Navayana Buddhism, a modern movement rooted in social justice and equality. As he delved into the teachings of Dr Ambedkar he began questioning the rituals…

In this Episode 67, I speak with Rahul Sonpimple, a PhD scholar in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University. We discuss his changing nature of higher education, insights on Buddhism, his experiences growing up in a slum, the counterproductivity of political correctness, his reading habits and the future of Ambedkarite politics. This podcast doesn…

Mayur Helia is a young Dalit student who worked as a sanitation worker with the BMC in Mumbai for 12 years. After his father's passing, Mayur took taking on his father's job as a garbage loader. However, Mayur's life took an unforeseen turn when he was offered a fully-funded PhD opportunity at Lancaster University in the UK. This chance allowed him…

In our latest episode, Greeshma discusses the surprising defeat of the BJP by the Congress in the Karnataka elections. This episode aims to explore the cultural realities of Karnataka, going beyond the usual analyses of voter demographics and factors favoring one party over the other. Our guest, Greeshma, will shed light on why the BJP and RSS lost…

A conversation with Ashok Gopal, author of A Part Apart: The Life and Thought of B.R. Ambedkar. Ashok Gopal shares insights on Dr Ambedkar's pragmatism, reading habits, views on religion, loneliness, and the modern myth of 'castelessness' in this fascinating podcast. Ashok Gopal, a history graduate, has a diverse professional background, including …

In this podcast episode, Yashica Dutt provides a critical analysis of the Netflix show "Indian Matchmaking," offering multiple perspectives on the show and sharing her insights into concepts such as love, marriage, and personal preferences, including how these preferences are formed. Additionally, she highlights how her article on the same subject,…

Today, our guest is the anonymous artist behind the widely popular internet sensation, Swineryy. She is known for creating unique Animoji art on Instagram that utilizes colourful characters to make absurd and humorous videos. In the podcast, Swineryy discusses a range of interesting topics. Firstly, she talks about the idea and reason behind being …

Thenmozhi Soundararajan is a Dalit American artist, organizer, technologist, and theorist. Currently, Thenmozhi is the Executive Director of Equality Labs, one of the largest Dalit civil rights organizations in the US and globally. She is a frequent contributor on issues related to South Asia, caste, gender, and race as well as interfaith issues an…

We discussed the history of social media and misinformation networks, about Elon Musk and if he is a genius or ruthless evil capitalist, about tech chaos and the future of the jobs market in the era of mass firing and so much more. Prof. Joyojeet Pal is an Associate Professor at the School of Information at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Pr…

Sagar is a writer and journalist currently working with The Caravan. In this episode he discuss in detail about the ideas, legacy and pragmatism of Saheb Kanshi Ram. Kanshi Ram is one of the biggest name in the Dalit movement in India’s political landscape. He launched the Bahujan Samaj Party in 1984, which went on to form the government in India’s…

Vijeta teaches English at St. Joseph's College, Bangalore. She is also a writer and has written for Firstpost, Huffpost India, India Today, The Hindu Business Line, Deccan Herald, amongst other platforms. She writes extensively on her blog, which is titled as rumlolarum which has a dedicated following and admirers. In this podcast, we discussed her…

Here, we talk about the meaning of labour in art and who controls the power to define the ‘pure’ culture. The reasons for marginalization of folk performances in India. How the idea of taste in art is shaped by the role of caste and class. Prof. Brahma Prakash is an Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at the School of Arts and Ae…

At the tender age of 13, Bhanwar Meghwanshi started attending the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh's shakhas in Rajasthan without any idea about the organization. Meghwanshi began to take immense pride in his Hindu identity and wished to dedicate his life to RSS's ideology. But one incident shook him immensely, and his entire life changed afterward. Meg…

Born in 1975 in Rajasthan, Bhanwar Meghwanshi is a journalist and an activist who has been part of the Dalit movement in Rajasthan for many decades. His recent book is: I Could Not Be Hindu: The Story of a Dalit in the RSS, Published by Navayana Publishing House. In this podcast, he decodes how in Rajasthan, behind the glitch and glamour of beautif…

Umar is an aeronautical engineer working in New York, USA. He is originally from Lahore. This podcast doesn’t have any corporate funding or support so the contribution by listeners is very important for its survival. Please support it here: 1. Patreon (Most preferred medium): https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma 2. BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buy…

Season 2 of AMV podcast with Neeraj Ghaywan. Neeraj is an Indian film director and writer who works in Hindi films. He is the winner of several accolades including a National Film Award and two Filmfare Awards. Neeraj made his directorial debut in 2015 with Masaan which received wide acclaim and won two prizes at the Cannes Film festival including …

Season 2 of AMV podcast with Rofl Gandhi. Rofl Gandhi is one of the best Indian satirists. He challenges the ruling party's propaganda through his sharp wit and political humor. He has gained a massive audience on Twitter who always wait for his unique takes on the contemporary socio-political situation in the country. Rofl Gandhi is one of the bes…

Season 2 of AMV podcast with Lifafa. In 2013, Suryakant started recording jazz music for Peter Cat Recording Co., a New Delhi hemp jazz outfit. It is one of the most unique and experimental bands to emerge from India. A few years back, Suryakant started his solo electronic project called Lifafa. Lifafa carries a unique sound and aesthetics. It flow…

Season 2, Episode 50 with Syed Mohd Irfan. He is the host of a popular show named Guftagoo. An interview format show started in 2011 on Rajya Sabha TV. Guftagoo is an explorative-inquisitive and intimate conversation with celebrated personalities from various fields of Cinema, Theatre, Visual Arts, Literature, and Culture. As a host and media perso…

Nalin Yadav is a stand-up comedian who was co-accused in a case where he was arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, for the jokes he didn’t even crack. This incident turned his life upside down and forced 25-year-old Nalin Yadav to quit his passion as a stand-up comedian and work as a laborer for many days. He was arrested along with …

This is a special two-part podcast. In part one Major Priyadarshi Chowdhury dissects the current situation and gives us an insider view of these kinds of wars and operations. In Part two Ananta Barvey tells her story about how she has been able to cross the border from the warzone and the situation of the students who are still stuck in Ukraine. Th…

Recorded the podcast with Ananta Barvey, a 21-year-old student at National Medical University in Kyiv, Ukraine. She, along with many students, is currently stuck at the hostel where they are hiding in underground bunkers. In this podcast, she narrates the human story of living in the middle of a War. Students are currently seeking help in amplifyin…

In this episode, we discuss the nuances of the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia, its implications, Propaganda of Russian Media, the danger of dissent in Putin’s Russia, Putin’s fantasy of bringing back the glory of civilization and so much more Zbigniew Janic (Zibi). He was born in Poland and grew up in London. Studied international relations i…

In this episode, we discussed the various facets of anti-hijab politics and Muslim identity with Heba Ahmed and Shireen Azam. Heba is Ph.D. Student at the Centre for Political Studies, JNU. Her thesis is on Bihari labour migration in colonial Calcutta. Pursued M.Phil from the same center in JNU and MA in International Relations from Jadavpur Univer…

Disha is an advocate practicing in the Supreme Court. She has also headed a legal resource center set up under a project by the London School of Economics. She is co-founder of CEDE, an organization to address the problem of the under-representation of minority communities in the legal profession and the judiciary. This podcast doesn’t have any cor…

Kaustubh is a Ph.D. student at the University of Pennsylvania researching Goan history. He’s also an award-winning playwright. This podcast doesn’t have any corporate funding or support so the contribution by listeners is very important for its survival. Please support it here: 1. Patreon (Most preferred medium): https://www.patreon.com/anuragminus…