The Sandip Roy Show

India recently saw heated debates around the three-language formula — a policy suggesting students learn a modern Indian language like Hindi, and English. While some saw it as a backdoor push for Hindi, the real picture might be far more layered.But as we argue over Hindi versus English, or regional versus national languages, a deeper concern often gets overlooked: the hundreds of other languages quietly fading away. According to the People’s Linguistic Survey of India, the country had at least 780 languages in 2010 — many of them endangered, some down to their last handful of speakers.In this episode, we explore India’s vast linguistic diversity with two people who’ve spent their lives working to preserve it. Host Sandip Roy speaks to G.N. Devy, cultural activist and editor of the People’s Linguistic Survey of India, and linguist Anvita Abbi, known for her work on minority and tribal languages across India, especially those of the Great Andamanese.Produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

In 1975, Begum Wilayat Mahal and her children, Princess Sakina and Prince Ali Raza, moved into New Delhi Railway Station, claiming to be descendants of the House of Awadh. After a decade at the station, the government granted them Malcha Mahal, a 14th century hunting lodge deep inside a forest in Delhi. But were they really royalty, or was it all a grand deception? A new book, The House of Awadh by Aletta André and Abhimanyu Kumar, attempts to uncover the truth. In this episode, host Sandip Roy speaks to the authors about what their cross border reporting, archival research and intimate interviews uncovered.Produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Long before press freedom indexes were even conceived, the Urdu newspaper Pratap was speaking truth to power in undivided India — and paying a heavy price for it. Launched in 1919, Pratap quickly ran afoul of the British Raj but remained defiantly independent.After independence, its legacy continued with the launch of Vir Pratap, its Hindi successor. But how fearless did these publications remain after independence?This week, host Sandip Roy speaks to Chander Mohan, who served as editor of Vir Pratap for forty years, and his daughter Jyotsna Mohan, a journalist with nearly three decades of experience, to explore the journey and enduring impact of these pioneering publications.Produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

In this episode, we discuss how early Christian missionaries encountered Hinduism during colonial rule depending on where they landed and whom they met and how they saw very different faiths with different gods, rituals, and customs. Host Sandip Roy is joined by author and historian Manu S. Pillai to discuss his new book, "Gods, Guns and Missionaries," which explores how these cross-cultural encounters not only attempted to reshape India but also unexpectedly influenced the construction of a modern Hindu identity.Produced by Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

In a thought-provoking discussion, culinary scholar Sucharita Kanjilal and public health expert Sylvia Karpagam dive into how caste shapes food narratives in India. They explore the rise of diverse cookbooks that reflect both privilege and representation, analyzing their potential to challenge traditional views or reinforce existing divides. The guests also tackle the impact of economic status on dietary practices, the political nuances of food choices, and the necessity of integrating cultural wisdom into public health policies. It's a fascinating look at food as a lens for understanding social justice.

Yamini Narayanan, a Senior Lecturer in International and Community Development at Deakin University and author of 'Mother Cow, Mother India,' dives deep into the complexities of India's revered dairy industry. She discusses the irony of cows being seen as sacred while facing harsh realities like forced separation from calves and over-lactation. The podcast highlights the intersections of animal rights, socio-political issues, and the activism of marginalized communities, prompting listeners to reconsider ethical consumption and the true cost of dairy.

Raghunath Rajaram, a design guru and co-founder of Aramse, alongside finance whiz Namisha Parthasarathy and coffee expert Binny Varghese, delve into India's burgeoning specialty coffee scene. They discuss the shift from tea to coffee culture and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Transparency in coffee sourcing is highlighted as essential for ethical consumption. From tips on choosing the perfect roast to the rising popularity of cafes in smaller cities, the trio reveals how to navigate this flavorful landscape with confidence.

A renowned conservationist and writer, Gerald Durrell, was known for his unique ability to describe even the most mundane creatures, like slugs, with the same enthusiasm typically reserved for majestic animals. In this episode, host Sandip Roy is in conversation with Lee Durrell, the Honorary Director of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the late Gerald Durrell's wife. Together, they recount Gerald's compassion for wildlife conservation, his childhood experiences in Corfu that led to the creation of his most famous book, and his lasting legacy, particularly through beloved works such as My Family and Other Animals, which has also been adapted into a successful television series.Produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Once overshadowed by destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa, the Northeast is gaining recognition as a hub for unique travel experiences. Beyond the famed Kaziranga rhinos and Shillong waterfalls, cultural festivals like Arunachal’s Ziro Music Festival and Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival have firmly established the region on the travel map.In this episode, host Sandip Roy speaks with Nishant Sinha, co-founder of Chalo Hoppo, and Grace Marbaniang, co-founder of Escape to Meghalaya, to explore the rising appeal of Northeast India as a must-visit destination and examine whether the region is prepared for this tourism boom.Produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Award-winning journalist Neha Dixit, in her latest book, The Many Lives of Syeda X, tells the story of a young, working-class Muslim woman, spanning from the early 1990s to the present day. Through her narrative, Dixit also traces the profound social, cultural, and political transformations of a changing India.This week, host Sandip Roy speaks to Dixit about the inspiration behind the book, the challenges of capturing such a vast timeline, and how Syeda’s journey reflects broader shifts in Indian society.Produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar