The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Gurcharan Das, a celebrated writer and former CEO of Procter & Gamble India, reflects on his remarkable journey from corporate titan to influential author. In this engaging conversation, he discusses the balance between ambition and humility influenced by his parents’ contrasting values. Das shares poignant insights into identity shaped by India's partition, critiques societal expectations, and explores the complexities of morality through literature like the Mahabharata. He emphasizes the importance of purposeful living and the transformative power of writing.

Gitanjali Babbar, a passionate journalist and social worker, is the founder of Katkatha, advocating for sex workers in Delhi. In their discussion, she reveals her enlightening journey from journalism to social work at GB Road, uncovering the harsh realities faced by marginalized women. Gitanjali shares insights on building authentic relationships, community resilience, and the complex dynamics of identity within the sex work ecosystem. She also explores societal conditioning around women's emotions, emphasizing the urgent need for empathy and solidarity.

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.

Tim Wigmore, a prominent British cricket journalist and author, delves into the fascinating history and evolution of Test cricket. He explores cricket's unique ties to society, touching on themes of class and race while comparing traditional practices to modern innovations like T20 formats. The conversation reveals cricket's complex colonial legacy and the influence of commercial interests. There's also a discussion on the future of Test cricket, emphasizing the need for better governance and adaptation to remain relevant in today's entertainment landscape.

Ira Mukhoty, an Indian author and historian celebrated for her insights on gender and Mughal history, dives into the layers of India's past. She challenges colonial and patriarchal narratives, advocating for a more inclusive historical perspective that highlights women's contributions. Mukhoty shares her experiences during the pandemic while publishing a biography on Emperor Akbar, reflecting on the complexities of identity, and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming women's voices in history and mythology. Her insights make for a compelling discussion on rewriting narratives.

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.