The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Siddhartha Basu, a revered figure in quizzing and television known for shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, shares his insights on India's evolving identity over the past decades. He explores the art of questioning and the impact of iconic programs on culture. Basu reflects on his journey from theater to quizzing, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and balance in knowledge. He also discusses the challenges of regional languages and the transformative power of childhood experiences, intertwining personal anecdotes with wider societal reflections.

Narendra Shenoy, an experienced accountant and SME owner, shares his insights into India's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), highlighting their crucial role in economic growth. He discusses the challenges of navigating bureaucratic hurdles and accessing funding. The conversation delves into the power of informal entrepreneurial networks and the transformative impact of new frameworks on task management and operational efficiency. Shenoy emphasizes the need for innovation and adaptability in the evolving business landscape, providing practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Pranay Kotasthane, a foreign policy expert, and Aditya Ramanathan, a military strategist, dive into the recent tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attacks. They discuss the evolving geopolitical dynamics and military strategies, highlighting the significance of public discourse in shaping national security. The duo examines the complexities of the Pakistani military jihadi complex, the influence of technological advances on warfare, and the implications of India's military preparedness. A fascinating exploration of strategy, narrative, and regional stability!

Pranay Kotasthane and Raghu S Jaitley, experts in public policy and writers of the newsletter 'Anticipating the Unintended', tackle the polarizing issue of the caste census in India. They delve into its historical background and the implications for public policy, discussing how caste classification has evolved into a political tool. The conversation explores the impact of caste reservations, the role of census data, and critiques of current policies, while also examining the intersection of caste dynamics with economic growth and representation.

The most astonishing men lie in the far, forgotten corners of history. Kavitha Rao joins Amit Varma in episode 416 of The Seen and the Unseen to shed light on the life and times of two magnificent failures, Chatto and Roy. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Kavitha Rao on Twitter, Instagram, Amazon and her own website. 2. Spies, Lies and Allies: The Extraordinary Lives of Chatto and Roy -- Kavitha Rao. 3. Lady Doctors : The Untold Stories Of India's First Women In Medicine -- Kavitha Rao. 4. Kavitha Rao and Our Lady Doctors -- Episode 235 of The Seen and the Unseen. 5. Chatto: The Life and Times of an Anti-Imperialist in Europe -- Nirode K Barooah. 6. In Freedom's Quest : A Study of the Life and Works of MN Roy -- Sibnarayan Ray. 7. The collected works of MN Roy. 8. Gods, Guns and Missionaries: The Making of the Modern Hindu Identity — Manu Pillai. 9. The Forces That Shaped Hinduism -- Episode 405 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Manu Pillai). 10. Ira Mukhoty on Instagram. 11. The Difficulty In Dating Good Men -- Aella. 12. Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus -- John Gray. 13. Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh — Shrayana Bhattacharya. 14. The Loneliness of the Indian Woman — Episode 259 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Shrayana Bhattacharya). 15. The Patient Assassin: A True Tale of Massacre, Revenge and the Raj -- Anita Anand. 16. Rama Bhima Soma: Cultural Investigations into Modern Karnataka -- Srikar Raghavan. 17. Lady Doctors on Goodreads. 18. The Spectacular Life of Prahlad Kakar -- Episode 414 of The Seen and the Unseen. 19. Vinayak Calling Vinayak — Episode 385 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Vinayak Chaturvedi). 20. Daughter of Earth -- Agnes Smedley. 21. The Gilded Age and The White Lotus. 22. Rumours -- Fleetwood Mac. 23. The Day I Became a Runner -- Sohini Chattopadhyay. 24, Brotherless Night -- VV Ganeshananthan. 25. Miss Austen, Wolf Hall and The Traitors. 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: ‘Lenin Speaks Bengali’ by Simahina.

Ramakrishna Desiraju, known as Ramki, is an advertising professional turned storyteller with a knack for engaging narratives. In this conversation, he reveals the power of daydreaming and how it fuels creativity. Ramki discusses the evolution of family dynamics, reading habits, and the shift to digital consumption. He shares insights on emotional storytelling in advertising, highlighting meaningful representations of everyday life. Additionally, he reflects on the journey of transitioning from corporate advertising to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in creative expression.

Prahlad Kakar, a legendary advertising filmmaker since the 1970s and author of "Adman Madman," shares captivating stories from his rich life. He discusses his adventurous career in advertising, lessons in leadership, and the impact of dyslexia on creativity. Prahlad also reflects on the art of visual storytelling and his experiences in the film industry. A thrilling anecdote about a python on set adds humor, while insights into the evolving advertising landscape reveal his views on creativity and personal growth in a changing world.

In this engaging discussion, Shaheen Mistri, the founder of the Akanksha Foundation and CEO of Teach for India, shares her inspiring journey to revolutionize education for underserved children in India. She explores the critical need for a compassionate approach to teaching, emphasizing lifelong learning and empathy. Mistri reflects on her personal experiences and highlights the transformative power of education, advocating for innovative, community-driven initiatives that prioritize curiosity and real-world relevance.

Probal DasGupta, a military historian and author of "Watershed 1967," shares intriguing insights into India's military triumphs and geopolitical dynamics. He highlights the often-ignored 1967 battle against China, revealing its significance in shaping contemporary ties. Probal discusses his experiences in the Indian Army and the personal growth derived from them, while reflecting on familial influences and the art of storytelling. His anecdotes, from competitive sports to moral dilemmas in military ethics, paint a vivid picture of resilience and curiosity.

Vishal Nevatia, the founder of True North, brings a wealth of experience from his journey in private equity, emphasizing the pursuit of values over profits. He shares his reflections on resilience after personal loss, navigating the complexities of leadership, and balancing ambition with integrity in business. Nevatia discusses the vital interplay between ethical practices and customer trust while advocating for a purpose-driven approach in professional growth. His insights on the importance of reading and connection to nature offer a refreshing perspective on holistic living.