All Things Policy How Everyday Creativity Influences Public Policy
Nov 12, 2025
Astha Rastogi, Programme Manager for Defence & Foreign Affairs at the Takshashila Institution, shares insights on how everyday creativity drives public policy. She discusses civic projects like Bengaluru's walk audits and Chennai's lake art that empower local communities. Digital creators are reshaping perceptions through relatable content, making complex policies accessible. Astha highlights the power of narrative creativity in influencing welfare measures through storytelling in documentaries and films, emphasizing how creativity can make policy issues personal and urgent.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Walk Audits That Fixed Bengaluru Footpaths
- Ugly Indians ran walkability audits documenting broken footpaths, potholes and obstructions in Bengaluru.
- Their spot-fix approach and videos pushed BBMP to adopt a pedestrian-first emphasis and build extensive footpaths.
Creative City Actions That Changed Budgets
- Chennai's Urul Sevam used temporary creative art around polluted lakes to expose ecological degradation and build public pressure.
- Pune's cycling community staged slow parades and costume rides to push city budgets toward dedicated cycle lanes.
Creators Turn Policy Jargon Into Action
- Digital creators translate technical policy topics into relatable short videos that start public conversations.
- This awareness makes regulations like EPR and waste segregation easier for citizens to understand and adopt.