South Central

Sreejan Balakrishnan, a senior journalist, shares his insights on the profound legacy of V.S. Achuthanandan, highlighting his relentless fight for social justice and environmental causes in Kerala. Environmentalist Sridhar Radhakrishnan discusses VS's influence on grassroots movements and his role in key legislation like the PANI Wetland Protection Act. Meanwhile, Anisha Sheth explores the controversial gag orders surrounding the Dharmasthala case, revealing the dark history of unexplained deaths in the region and how it affects media coverage.

Sam Thomas, President of the Airlines Pilot Associations of India, and Amit Singh, aviation safety expert, delve into the controversial details of the Air India crash report, questioning pilot communication during the incident. Meanwhile, Shabbir Ahamed and Kavitha Muralidharan examine actor Vijay's political debut in Tamil Nadu, exploring whether his film fanbase can translate into electoral success. They discuss the complexities of his political strategy amidst a changing landscape, raising critical questions about engagement and voter sentiment.

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran, Pooja Prasanna, and Leena Reghunath discuss the Vijay Mallya podcast and why political patronage for big businessmen is detrimental. Joining them is senior business journalist Sucheta Dalal. In the second discussion, the hosts delve into the Bharat Mata image controversy in Kerala and the impact of university VCs and Governors endorsing such symbols.Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction00:01:05- Announcements 00:05:40- Headlines00:11:05 - Vijay Mallya’s Half-Truths01:00:32- Saffornisation of Bharat Mata1:16:47 - Recommendations Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chandan Gowda, a political commentator and dean at Vidya Shilpa University, dissects the leadership tussle between DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, predicting its implications for Karnataka’s future. The conversation dives into the BJP's controversial stance on amending the Constitution's Preamble, emphasizing the nuances of socialism and secularism in Indian politics. The discussion also critiques RSS hypocrisy and its influence on democratic values, urging a reevaluation of constitutional principles in light of developments over the last 75 years.

Honey Trehan, a veteran Bollywood director known for 'Punjab 95', discusses the absurd censorship demands targeting his film, centered on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Amandeep Sandhu, a Punjabi writer, and MG Radhakrishnan, a senior journalist, join the conversation about the clash between artistic expression and governmental control. They delve into the implications of censorship on storytelling, the film’s critical themes on human rights, and explore the political dynamics post the Congress-led UDF's electoral victory in Nilambur.

Sivapriyan ETB, an experienced journalist specializing in Tamil Nadu politics, and Rohin Bhatt, a non-binary lawyer and Supreme Court practitioner, delve into the Keezhadi excavation's challenge to the Union government's narrative, emphasizing the looming political implications ahead of the 2026 elections. They also analyze the Sonam Raghuvanshi murder case, discussing the societal pressures surrounding forced marriages and the intricate dynamics of caste, patriarchy, and women's choices that reveal broader issues of violence and agency in contemporary India.

Chinmayi Sripaada, a celebrated playback singer and activist, joins the hosts to discuss her brave stance against sexual harassment in the Tamil film industry, sharing her journey of isolation and resilience. She reflects on her emotional comeback through her recent Thug Life performance, highlighting the ongoing struggle for women's voices in music. The conversation also delves into the chaotic aftermath of the Bengaluru stampede, questioning accountability and the challenges of ensuring public safety during large events. It's a deep dive into art, activism, and society.

Join journalist Venkat Ananth, who unpacks the branding strategy of RCB, as he discusses the shockingly tragic stampede that occurred during the team's victory celebrations, claiming 11 lives. Purushothama Bilemale, President of the Kannada Development Authority, dives into the heated debate around Kamal Haasan's comments on Kannada’s origins and the broader implications for Dravidian languages. They dissect the intersection of language, culture, and sports while advocating for better safety and planning for large public events.

Join Seema Chishti, editor at The Wire, and TM Krishna, a renowned Carnatic vocalist and activist, as they tackle pressing issues in Indian politics. They delve into the BJP's conflicting messaging about Muslim representation, shedding light on communal tensions and political narratives. The duo also grapples with the ethical quandary of separating art from the artist, discussing the moral responsibilities tied to controversial creators. Their insights spark a rich conversation about accountability in both art and governance.

Join Shabbir Ahmed, Chennai Bureau Chief of The News Minute; Sudipto Mondal, a commentator on societal issues; and Vinay Srinivasa, an activist known for his relentless protests. They dive into Shashi Tharoor’s potential exit from Congress, dissecting the internal strife within the party. The discussion also addresses alarming instances of police brutality in Tamil Nadu and systemic violence in Indian policing, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in law enforcement and the protection of marginalized communities.