The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma Ep 423: Minar Pimple's Life in Social Work
Jul 28, 2025
Minar Pimple, a pioneer in social work and founder of Yuva, shares his remarkable journey in activism. He discusses the challenges of caste discrimination in India and the role of NGOs in human rights advocacy. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and self-reflection in social work. Pimple also delves into personal anecdotes from his childhood and reflects on navigating privilege and identity. His insights inspire a deeper understanding of social justice and the significance of empowering marginalized communities.
09:24:54
Taxi Driving Nights in Mumbai
- Minar drove taxis at night, learning Mumbai's geography intimately.
- He built relationships with diverse passengers while maintaining honesty in fare.
Taxi Talk: Choose When to Engage
- Choose wisely whom to engage within the taxi based on passenger moods.
- Maintain focus and avoid risks when encountering intoxicated or quarrelling customers.
Children as Social Work Entry Points
- Starting social work with children eases community entry and builds trust.
- Helping children provides mothers needed respite and fosters community rapport.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring Social Work and Human Rights in India
01:45 • 4min
The Journey of Self-Reflection Through Time
05:33 • 3min
Reflections on Childhood: A Journey Through Early Life
08:57 • 24min
Childhood Memories and Community Bonds
32:38 • 11min
Reflections on Privilege and Identity
43:14 • 29min
Navigating Family Dynamics and Identity
01:11:51 • 37min
Journey from Arrogance to Understanding
01:48:25 • 12min
Struggles with Discipline and Personal Well-being
02:00:08 • 5min
Transitioning to New Beginnings: Educational Journey in Bombay
02:05:11 • 5min
Transforming Challenges into Dreams
02:09:54 • 23min
Witnessing Struggles in a Tribal Village
02:32:40 • 4min
From Engineering to Social Activism
02:36:27 • 28min
Exploring Identity and Oppression Through Theatre
03:04:45 • 4min
Celebrating Tradition Amidst Struggles for Rights
03:09:08 • 3min
Empowerment Through Engagement: A Journey in Social Work
03:11:47 • 21min
Transforming Education and Activism
03:32:37 • 19min
Reflections on Relationships and Parenthood
03:52:03 • 21min
Navigating Moral Dilemmas in Social Work
04:13:11 • 2min
Navigating Household Dynamics and Responsibilities
04:15:10 • 5min
Foundations of Social Work Leadership
04:20:15 • 13min
Navigating Life from the Driver's Seat
04:32:50 • 14min
Evolution of Social Work in India
04:46:36 • 25min
Navigating Activism and Adult Education
05:12:00 • 25min
Exploring Essential Life Lessons Through Community Learning
05:36:51 • 1min
Exploring Relationships and Sexuality: An Authentic Journey
05:38:20 • 6min
Rethinking Marriage in Modern Society
05:44:02 • 9min
Navigating Gender Dynamics in Indian Society
05:52:33 • 27min
Curiosity and Learning: A Lifelong Journey
06:19:32 • 28min
Empowering Women in Social Change
06:47:54 • 29min
Empowering Future Leadership in Social Work
07:17:08 • 8min
Navigating Funding Challenges in Non-Profit Work
07:25:12 • 25min
Transitioning Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations
07:49:43 • 3min
Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Organizational Longevity
07:53:01 • 5min
Navigating Global Social Work
07:58:19 • 27min
Navigating the UN System
08:24:50 • 20min
Navigating Human Rights in India
08:44:43 • 14min
Navigating Social Work and Personal Aspirations
08:58:45 • 19min
Art, Influence, and Global Responsibility
09:18:08 • 7min
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Towards a philosophy of social work in India
Sugata Dasgupta
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Why I am an atheist
Bhagat Singh
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Selected Writings of Jotirao Phule
Jyotirao Phule
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#1206
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Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela
Long Walk to Freedom is an autobiography by Nelson Mandela that chronicles his early life, his education, and his 27 years spent in prison under the apartheid government.
The book describes his role as a leader of the African National Congress and his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement.
It also details his political ascension and his presidency of South Africa, as well as his efforts to rebuild the country after apartheid.
The book is an epic of struggle, setback, renewed hope, and ultimate triumph, and it has been praised for its insight into Mandela's life and his fight for human rights and racial equality.
#753
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The Moral Animal
Why We Are the Way We Are
Robert Wright
In 'The Moral Animal', Robert Wright delves into the world of evolutionary psychology to explain human behavior, emotions, and moral conduct.
The book uses Charles Darwin's life and personal conduct in Victorian England as a case study to illustrate how evolutionary forces shape human behavior.
Wright discusses topics such as jealousy, altruism, and social class, arguing that many of our actions are driven by subconscious genetic strategies aimed at survival and the propagation of our genes.
The book also explores the paradox of how moral and responsible actions can emerge from a strictly Darwinian interpretation of human behavior, suggesting that understanding our evolutionary past can help us override our primitive programming and develop a more common moral outlook.
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Gate of Angels
Penelope Fitzgerald
#1434
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Rules for Radicals
A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals
Saul Alinsky
Published in 1971, 'Rules for Radicals' is a seminal work by Saul Alinsky that provides a set of principles and tactics for community organizers and activists.
The book outlines 13 rules for radicals to use in their efforts to bring about social change, emphasizing the importance of understanding power dynamics, using ridicule, and maintaining constant pressure on the opposition.
Alinsky's work has been influential across various political spectra and continues to be a significant resource for those involved in social and political activism.
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Annihilation of caste
Arundhati Roy
B. R. Ambedkar
B. R. Ambedkar
S. Anand
Bhimrao R. Ambedkar
Written in 1936, 'Annihilation of Caste' is an undelivered speech that critiques the Hindu caste system and its religious underpinnings.
Ambedkar argues that the caste system is a divisive force that impedes social cohesion, destroys public spirit, and undermines ethics and morality.
He rejects traditional defenses of caste based on division of labor, purity of blood, and historical legitimacy, instead advocating for the destruction of the religious notions that support the caste system.
The essay was self-published by Ambedkar after it was deemed too controversial by the conference organizers who had initially invited him to deliver it.
#1514
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Pedagogy of the Oppressed
Paulo Freire
Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" is a seminal work in education theory that critiques traditional, banking-style education and advocates for a more liberating approach.
Freire argues that education should be a transformative process that empowers students to critically analyze their world and challenge oppressive structures.
He emphasizes dialogue and participatory learning as essential tools for fostering critical consciousness and social change.
The book's enduring influence lies in its challenge to traditional power dynamics in education and its call for a more just and equitable learning environment.
Freire's work has inspired educators and activists around the world to rethink their approaches to teaching and learning.
#189
• Mentioned in 69 episodes
The Communist Manifesto
Friedrich Engels
Karl Marx
He founded the iconic organisation Yuva 50 years ago when he was in his early 20s, pioneered social work in India, and went on to drive change for the UN and Amnesty. Minar Pimple joins Amit Varma in episode 423 of The Seen and the Unseen to talk about his life, his learnings and the ceaseless tumult in our society. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Minar Pimple at Yuva and Instagram. 2. An ISDM case study of Yuva. 3. Sudhir Sarnobat Works to Understand the World — Episode 350 of The Seen and the Unseen. 4. India’s MSME Landscape — Some Useful Frameworks -- Episode 419 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Sudhir Sarnobat and Narendra Shenoy). 5. The Atheism Episode -- Episode 83 of Everything is Everything. 6. Ayn Rand, Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Mao Zedong and Friedrich Engels. 7. The Communist Manifesto -- Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. 8. The Annihilation of Caste -- BR Ambedkar. 9. Paulo Freire and Saul Alinsky. 10. Towards a Philosophy of Social Work in India -- Sugata Dasgupta. 11. Hussain Haidry, Hindustani Musalmaan — Episode 275 of The Seen and the Unseen. 12. India’s Problem is Poverty, Not Inequality -- Amit Varma. 13. Stay Away From Luxury Beliefs -- Episode 46 of Everything is Everything. 14. The Gate of Angels -- Penelope Fitzgerald. 15. The Moral Animal -- Robert Wright. 16. Young India — Episode 83 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Snigdha Poonam). 17. Dreamers: How Young Indians Are Changing Their World — Snigdha Poonam. 18. The Loneliness of the Indian Man — Episode 303 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Nikhil Taneja). 19. Adolescence — Created by Stephen Graham & Jack Thorne. 20. The Mayor of Casterbridge -- Thomas Hardy. 21. All My Sons -- Arthur Miller. 22. Sowmya Dhanaraj Is Making a Difference — Episode 380 of The Seen and the Unseen. 23. Salil Tripathi and the Gujaratis -- Episode 409 of The Seen and the Unseen. 24. The Gujaratis: A Portrait of a Community — Salil Tripathi. 25. The Intellectual Foundations of Hindutva — Episode 115 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Aakar Patel). 26. Aakar Patel Is Full of Hope — Episode 270 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Aakar Patel). 27. The Case for Nuclear Electricity -- Episode 78 of Everything is Everything. 28. Pyaasa -- Guru Dutt. 29. Samna -- Jabbar Patel. 30. Phule -- Anant Mahadevan. 31. Long Walk To Freedom -- Nelson Mandela. 32. Why I am an Atheist -- Bhagat Singh. 33. Selected Writings of Jotirao Phule -- Edited by GP Deshpande. 34. IPTA Mumbai. 35. Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi on Spotify. And here are the episodes mentioned by Amit in the introduction: 1. The Art of Podcasting -- Episode 49 of Everything is Everything. 2. The Life and Times of Shanta Gokhale — Episode 311 of The Seen and the Unseen. 3. The Life and Times of Jerry Pinto — Episode 314 of The Seen and the Unseen. 4. The Life and Times of KP Krishnan — Episode 355 of The Seen and the Unseen. 5. Devdutt Pattanaik and the Stories That Shape Us — Episode 404 of The Seen and the Unseen. 6. Ajay Shah Brings the Dreams of the 20th Century -- Episode 402 of The Seen and the Unseen. 7. The Life and Times of the Indian Economy -- Episode 387 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Rajeswari Sengupta). This episode is sponsored by CTQ Compounds. Check out The Daily Reader and FutureStack. Use the code UNSEEN for Rs 2500 off. Amit Varma and Ajay Shah have launched a new course called Life Lessons, which aims to be a launchpad towards learning essential life skills all of you need. For more details, and to sign up, click here. Amit and Ajay also bring out a weekly YouTube show, Everything is Everything. Have you watched it yet? You must! And have you read Amit’s newsletter? Subscribe right away to The India Uncut Newsletter! It’s free! Also check out Amit’s online course, The Art of Clear Writing. Episode art: ‘Praxis’ by Simahina.