Ep 178 - Hindutva, Muslims in India, Wokeism, Rahul vs. Modi ft. Abhijit Iyer-Mitra & Kushal Mehra

In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we bring you a perfect blend of humour, fun, and candid discussions. Joining the conversation are Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies, Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, and Author & 'The Cārvāka Podcast' host Kushal Mehra. The duo delves into discussions around the country's socio-political landscape amidst the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Abhijit and Kushal explore the rise of political Hindutva and the introduction of monotheism in India through Islam. Abhijit criticizes the rise of 'woke' philosophy in the West and its impact in India. The duo also talks about the pro-Palestine protests sweeping through Western universities, mainly in the United States.

In this podcast, they discuss the BJP-led Modi government, with Abhijit and Kushal questioning Rahul Gandhi and his leadership style. The duo also criticizes the Indian political system for its lack of space for free speech. Kushal also talks about his book 'Nastik: Why I Am Not an Atheist' and the thought process behind it.

Tune in! This podcast is also filled with fun, laughter, witty jibes, and playful banter.

(0:00) Introduction

(2:26) Rise of Hindutva

(11:26) Constitution Row

(14:41) Indian Muslims

(18:56) Western Media's Hypocrisy

(21:12) Rise of Wokeism

(33:26) Pro-Palestine Stir in U.S.

(40:26) Wokeism a Threat to India?

(42:51) Riddhi Patel Row

(44:46) Rahul Gandhi 'Merit' Controversy

(48:46) The Woke Narrative

(52:41) Rahul Gandhi is Dangerous

(0:59:16) Hypocrisy of Modi Critics1:03:56Veganism1:07:16Hindutva as a 'Disruptor'

(1:09:56) The Modi Factor1:12:46Pluralism in Indian Society

(1:25:26) Indian Secularism

(1:31:26) Mutual Respect & Tolerance

(1:36:56) Hindu Population

(1:44:06) YouTube & Hate Speech

(1:47:56) Freedom of Speech in India

(1:57:26) Muslims in Modi's India