The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Shruti Rajagopalan, a public intellectual and conference organizer, joins Pranay Kotasthane, a policy commentator, to share insights on friendship and life's winding paths. They explore the magic of spontaneous conversations at unconferences and the importance of vulnerability. The trio discusses the balance between structure and spontaneity, emphasizing small, meaningful gestures in daily life. They also delve into the fun of learning equestrian skills, reflect on personal growth, and recommend books that foster humility and creativity.

Nitin Pai, a public policy thinker and founder of the Takshashila Institution, is joined by Pranay Kotasthane, a policy scholar and colleague, to discuss their revolutionary journey in reshaping India's policy landscape. They explore the evolution of Takshashila, advocating for constitutional values and economic freedom. The duo shares insights on building a networked think tank, the importance of nurturing young thinkers, and the balancing act between advocacy and education. Their approach to addressing misinformation in public discourse is engaging and profound.

Vasant Dhar, a professor at NYU Stern and an AI pioneer, shares his extensive journey in artificial intelligence, from the 1970s to the present. He discusses how tools like ChatGPT have transformed public engagement with AI. Vasant debunks common myths surrounding AI and elaborates on its implications for human cognition. He reflects on the balance between technology and human roles in education and warns of AI's risks, including the potential erosion of truth. The conversation navigates exciting possibilities and serious challenges in our rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Ghazala Wahab, a journalist and editor of Force magazine, delves into the complexities of the Hindi heartland, a region richer in diversity than the USA. She shares her journey as a Muslim woman navigating social media's rough terrain and reflects on the erosion of decency in public discourse. The conversation explores the evolution of language, the political implications of caste, and the future of warfare in a digital age. Ghazala predicts scenarios for 2040, hoping for coexistence but warning against deepening divides.

Aneesh Pradhan, an accomplished tabla player and scholar, shares insights from his rich journey in Hindustani music. He discusses how curiosity fuels lifelong learning and the balance between physical limits and deeper musical understanding as one ages. Aneesh emphasizes the importance of humility and context in performance, and reflects on the challenges of merging tradition with innovation. He also advocates for musicians' rights, the significance of mentorship, and the enriching experience of cross-genre collaborations that broaden creative horizons.

Rudraneil Sengupta, an author and longform journalist known for his works on Indian wrestling, dives into his journey of immersive storytelling. He discusses embedding with the Delhi Police to craft authentic narratives for his crime novel, revealing the intricate dynamics within law enforcement. The conversation touches on his love for cultural exploration through music and literature and debates the ethical dimensions of violence in sports. Rudraneil shares his writing process, illustrating how he balances research and creativity to bring characters to life.

Narayani Basu, a biographer and historian known for her works on significant Indian figures, dives deep into the art of writing and the complexities of friendship. She shares how solitary biography work intertwines with building meaningful relationships, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability. Narayani discusses the evolution of her subject, KM Panikkar, exploring his intellectual journey and the personal influences shaping his legacy. They also touch on the challenges of navigating life, love, and career in a fast-paced world, and recommend favorites that bring joy amid the hustle.

Vijay Lokapally, a veteran Indian sports writer and author known for his empathetic cricket coverage, shares his journey through a lifetime in cricket journalism. He fondly recounts his childhood influences, the thrill of live reporting, and the art of storytelling from the sidelines. Vijay discusses the impact of the IPL on cricket culture, the emotional struggles during the match-fixing era, and the importance of clear writing. He also emphasizes mentoring young journalists and staying active in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Shubha Mudgal, a celebrated vocalist known for her mastery in Hindustani classical and popular music, discusses her remarkable journey in the arts. She reflects on the influence of her family on her aspirations and shares personal anecdotes on the importance of empathy and listening in growth. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of music education, the challenges of navigating the industry, and the delicate balance between artistic integrity and fame. Shubha emphasizes the value of diversity, mentorship, and the role of women in music.

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.