Ideas of India

Kushagr Bakshi, a Michigan International Law Scholar and SJD candidate, dives into the nuances of constitutional interpretation and federalism in India. He discusses the implications of Jammu and Kashmir's unique constitutional status and the effects of Article 370's abrogation. The conversation explores asymmetric versus heterarchical federalism and the importance of historical context in legal interpretations. Bakshi advocates for a more inclusive approach to constitutional analysis, emphasizing participatory democracy and the complexities of local governance.

Aarushi Kalra, a PhD candidate in Economics at Brown University, sheds light on the intricate relationship between social media algorithms and digital polarization. She discusses her research on online behavior, specifically how recommendation systems can amplify toxic speech against minorities. Kalra explores user engagement with harmful content, the demand for toxicity, and the challenges of platform regulation. She highlights the complexities of defining toxicity and emphasizes the proactive nature of users in shaping media narratives.

Abishek Choutagunta, a PhD in economics and an Emergent Ventures India Fellow, delves into Indian federalism and constitutional design. He discusses the controversial use of President's Rule, highlighting its misuse as a political tool. The conversation explores the complexities of local governance, issues of authority delegation, and the impact of centripetal federalism on state autonomy. Additionally, Abishek addresses the challenges of coalition governments and the implications of the SR Bommai case on political dynamics, revealing deep insights into India's governance structure.

Atanu Chatterjee, a PhD candidate in geography and lecturer, dives into the complexities of slum rehabilitation in Ahmedabad. He explores the origins of slums and the state-led in-situ rehabilitation scheme's successes and failures. Chatterjee discusses the tension between consent and coercion in housing policies and highlights the vital roles of community dynamics and governance. He critiques how slum developments can overlook resident needs, advocating for more inclusive approaches that truly empower local communities.

Steven Brownstone, a PhD candidate in economics at UC San Diego, shares his insights on agricultural mechanization in Telangana. He explores the impacts of mechanized drum seeders on productivity and labor displacement. The discussion delves into stagnant wages, women’s evolving roles in farming, and the necessity of government intervention for successful mechanization. Brownstone also addresses historical land concentration effects on current agricultural practices, emphasizing the complexities of subsidies and their implications for food security.

Deepika Padmanabhan, a PhD candidate at Yale, dives into the intricate ties between language and identity in South India. She discusses how dominant languages like Hindi and English shape the identities of regional speakers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The conversation highlights the politics of linguistic diversity, exploring how language acts as a nation-building tool and the implications of imposed languages on local identities. Additionally, she reflects on the complexities of bilingualism and the impact of technology on language accessibility.

Sukrit Puri, a PhD candidate in political science at MIT and Elinor Ostrom fellow, dives into the entanglement of business and politics in India. He discusses how family-run firms differ from management-led businesses in their political engagement and strategic decisions. The conversation highlights the unique relationships family firms maintain with political entities, revealing distinctions in political donations and the impact of new electoral financing schemes. Puri sheds light on the broader implications of these dynamics for corporate responsibility and market behavior.

Rolly Kapoor, a PhD candidate in Economics at UC Santa Cruz, shares her groundbreaking insights on women's urban mobility and employment in India. She discusses her research on how travel buddies significantly boost women's attendance at job interviews by enhancing safety and social support. Kapoor also elaborates on the unique challenges women face while commuting, the implications for job search behavior, and the need for gender-sensitive travel policies. Her work highlights the critical connection between travel safety and female labor force participation.

Ruchir Sharma, Chairman of Rockefeller International and Financial Times columnist, dives into America's economic quandaries and the future of capitalism. He examines alarming debt levels and the pitfalls of US monetary policy. Sharma critiques the cronyism that stifles competition and discusses the fragility of 'zombie companies.' He also tackles demographic challenges, like declining birth rates, impacting growth, and contrasts India's market-driven evolution under Modi with Western approaches, offering insights into navigating fiscal crises.

Amol Agrawal, an author and economics professor at Ahmedabad University, dives into the evolution of banking in India, shedding light on both colonial and post-colonial influences. He discusses the unique attributes of South Canara’s banking success, including fostering community trust and resilience during economic turmoil. The conversation also addresses the challenges of bank failures, the impact of nationalization, and the innovative pygmy deposit scheme aimed at enhancing financial inclusion for the underbanked.