Technically Optimistic

The India episode — tech and data in the Global South

Jun 12, 2024

Delving into India's data economy impact, the podcast discusses caste discrimination, tech worker challenges, empowering marginalized populations, and the future of AI in sectors like agriculture and healthcare. It explores the intersection of technology, human rights, and global collaboration through UN initiatives, highlighting the need for data governance for positive societal impacts.

01:04:33

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Quick takeaways

The podcast emphasizes the importance of making invisible issues visible, including data privacy and societal harms, by shifting perspectives beyond the American viewpoint.

Exploring the intricate Indian caste system, researchers shed light on its historical significance, social hierarchy, and pervasive influence on labor roles and human rights access.

Addressing caste discrimination in the tech industry, particularly against South Asian workers, highlights the need to combat casteist behaviors, promote inclusivity, and ensure workplace equality.

Deep dives

Importance of Making the Invisible Visible

The podcast discusses how making the invisible visible is crucial in understanding and addressing various issues, such as data privacy and societal harms. It highlights the different ways things can be invisible, from being deliberately hidden to being overlooked due to perspective. The impact of American perspective on global tech and the need to shift perspectives to see beyond the familiar American viewpoint are emphasized. The significance of changing perspectives and exploring regions like India with its complex history and social dynamics is underlined.

Intro

2min

Exploring the Intricacies of the Caste System in India and Its Impact on Society and Tech Industry

15min

Addressing Caste Discrimination and Socio-Economic Challenges in Legislation and Tech

14min

Empowering Rural Communities Through Innovative Technology and Education Initiatives

12min

Fair Compensation and Social Program Approach to Data Collection

2min

Empowering Data Workers and Promoting Human Rights in the Data Economy

2min

UN Office on Technology Issues and Global Collaboration

2min

AI Benefits and Data Governance for Development in India

11min

Exploring Challenges of Powerlessness and Promoting Human Agency in Tech and Democracy

3min

The data boom has had an outsized impact on India and the Global South. This episode explores how the data economy has changed life on the ground in South Asia — and for tech workers in the US. What does the future of caste look like for the South Asian diaspora, and in the tech world at large? What can be done to mitigate the harms of caste discrimination? How can tech help resource marginalized populations, enable social mobility, and design a more sustainable, empowered future?

Raffi speaks with caste and technology scholar Murali Shanmugavelan; anthropologist Sareeta Amrute; Manu Chopra, CEO of Karya; Pratik Rajurkar, educator and co-founder of Polymath AI; and United Nations under-secretary-general, Amandeep Singh Gill.

To learn more about Technically Optimistic and to read the transcript for this episode: emersoncollective.com/technically-optimistic-podcast

For more on Emerson Collective: emersoncollective.com

Learn more about our host, Raffi Krikorian: emersoncollective.com/raffi

Technically Optimistic is produced by Emerson Collective with music by Mattie Safer.

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Follow on social media @emersoncollective and @emcollectivepodcasts

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Technically Optimistic

The India episode — tech and data in the Global South

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Importance of Making the Invisible Visible

Understanding the Indian Caste System and Its Impact

Challenges of Caste Discrimination in the Tech Industry

Efforts Towards Combating Caste Discrimination

Empowering Rural Indians Through Technology

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
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AI-powered
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Discover
highlights

Technically Optimistic

The India episode — tech and data in the Global South

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Importance of Making the Invisible Visible

Understanding the Indian Caste System and Its Impact

Challenges of Caste Discrimination in the Tech Industry

Efforts Towards Combating Caste Discrimination

Empowering Rural Indians Through Technology

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

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Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
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