The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Arnold Kling, a renowned author and thinker on political discourse, dives deep into the polarization of contemporary politics. He discusses his concept of 'slow political thinking,' advocating for thoughtful dialogue over quick judgments. Kling highlights the significance of understanding diverse political ideologies and emphasizes how our identities shape political beliefs. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by social media and the impact of historical contexts on governance, ultimately urging a more nuanced approach to political discussions.

Amrita Agarwal, a former high-flying consultant turned healthcare advocate, dives deep into the complexities of India's healthcare system. She discusses the power of first-principles thinking and how personal experiences shaped her journey. The conversation touches on the role of philanthropy, navigating market failures, and the importance of community engagement. Amrita also shares skincare tips and reveals the impact of literature on her life, reflecting on how narratives can challenge societal norms. Get ready to rethink healthcare and wellness!

Vijayendra (Biju) Rao, an innovative economist, emphasizes the necessity of integrating sociology and anthropology into economic analysis. He passionately critiques conventional methodologies, advocating for a more human-centered approach to understanding societal challenges. The conversation touches on the importance of cognitive empathy in research, the interplay of democracy and community participation, and rethinking the notions of well-being and welfare. Biju also shares personal anecdotes that shape his unique perspective on economics and the role of mentorship in academic journeys.

Shephali Bhatt delves into topics such as the influence of algorithms on digital experiences, the challenges of digital addiction, the influence of ancient texts on perspective, career evolution in storytelling, and the impact of the creator economy on society.

Sanjiv Sharma, a veteran in Indian entertainment, shares his journey from advertising to pioneering ad filmmaking and television production. Topics include embracing life's journey, family relationships, creativity in filmmaking, adapting international formats for Indian television, and reflections on fame in the industry.

Bhargavi Zaveri-Shah discusses navigating the regulatory state at the intersection of law & economics. Topics include gender dynamics in workplaces, governance and regulation comparisons, central bank independence, challenges in regulatory agencies, childhood in Bombay, interdisciplinary law and economics, bureaucratic process in India, court reforms, and academia-policy expertise.

Niranjan Rajadhyaksha shares insights on embracing the bystander role in journalism and policy, navigating evolving perspectives with age, and exploring multilingual upbringing. He discusses regional identities, feminist literature, childhood memories, and passion for economics. The conversation covers financial journalism in India, mentorship values, editorial vision, and driving reforms through understanding incentives. Rajadhyaksha reflects on the evolving landscape of journalism, impact of regional languages on entertainment and economy, and shares book, film, and music preferences. He offers advice for young economists and journalists.

Rajeswari Sengupta, a renowned economist specializing in the Indian economy, dives into the complex landscape of India's economic journey over the past 75 years. She explores the challenges of poverty, critiques government welfare schemes, and discusses the contrasting economic philosophies of Nehru and Ambedkar. Rajeswari emphasizes the importance of learning from past missteps, the impact of central planning, and the urgent need for reforms in agriculture and the informal sector. Her insights shed light on the intricate connections between policy choices and economic realities in India.

Urban transport pioneer Shashi Verma discusses reshaping urban transport, London's post-war challenges, navigating dual commitments, and revolutionizing London's transportation with contactless payments in an insightful and engaging conversation.

Historian Vinayak Chaturvedi discusses Hindutva's history, complexities, and controversies with host Amit Varma. They explore Savarkar's legacy, Gandhi's influence, and the evolving concept of Hindutva beyond Hinduism. From academic challenges to personal anecdotes, they shed light on the importance of understanding historical behaviors and identity politics in shaping modern India.