Abhijit Chavda Podcast

Hassina Banoo is an Indian journalist based in Bogdang and Nubra in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Shantanu Gupta is an Indian author and political analyst. He has authored numerous books, including "101 Reasons, Why I Will Vote for Modi" and the Yogi Adityanath trilogy.

Dr. Brian Keating is an American cosmologist. He is the Chancellor's Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego where he and his team study the origin & evolution of space, time, & matter. He wrote Losing The Nobel Prize (2018), which was selected as a 'Best Science Book' at Science Friday and one of the best non-fiction books of all time according to Amazon. His second book, Into the Impossible, was published in 2021. Brian is a leading science communicator and hosts Brian Keating's Into The Impossible Podcast. He is on a mission to magnify curiosity, stoke imagination, & inspire minds of all ages.

Pankaj Saran is an Indian diplomat who served as the Ambassador of India to Russia from January 2016 to November 2018. Before his tenure in Russia, he was the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh. A career diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) since 1982, Saran has held various significant posts both in India and abroad, showcasing his expertise in international relations and diplomacy. He has also worked in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in India, dealing with foreign affairs and national security issues. His diplomatic career reflects a profound commitment to advancing India's foreign policy and maintaining robust bilateral relationships.

Dr. Kanwal Sibal is a distinguished Indian diplomat who served as the Foreign Secretary of India from 2002 to 2003. Born on October 4, 1941, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1966, embarking on a notable career that spanned over three decades. Throughout his tenure, Sibal held various key positions, including Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, and Russia, reflecting his expertise in international relations and policy-making. He is known for his articulate views on foreign policy issues, often contributing to major publications and forums. Post-retirement, Sibal continues to influence the discourse on global affairs as a respected analyst and commentator. His career highlights India’s diplomatic engagements and strategic priorities on the world stage.

Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is a prominent Indian geopolitical expert known for his outspoken and often controversial views on defense, security, and foreign policy. With a background in defense studies, he frequently contributes to discussions on strategic affairs, emphasizing India's military and technological capabilities. Abhijit is a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies in New Delhi and has testified before the Indian Parliament on matters of critical national interest. His expertise is regularly sought in media and academic circles, where he provides analysis on complex international relations and defense issues, bringing a sharp and candid perspective to the geopolitical dialogue.

Dr. Meenakshi Jain is a distinguished Indian historian known for her extensive research on Indian cultural and religious history. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Delhi and has been a former fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. Dr. Jain gained prominence for her work on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir case, particularly through her book which analyzes historical evidence regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi site. Her scholarly work often challenges conventional narratives in Indian history, focusing on Hindu temple architecture and the history of religious and cultural sites in India. Dr. Jain's contributions are pivotal in the discourse on India's historical heritage.

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri is an Indian Politician, Former Diplomat and Author. He was inducted into the Council of Ministers as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs in Sep 2017. He was given additional charge of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Civil Aviation and the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in May 2019. He was sworn in as Union Minister in July 2021 and currently, he is the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas. A 1974-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, he served as the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in Geneva and New York and served additionally in Tokyo and Colombo.

Manjeet Kripalani is co-founder and Executive Director, Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations. Prior to the founding of Gateway House, she was India Bureau chief of Businessweek magazine from 1996 to 2009. During her extensive career in journalism (Businessweek, Worth and Forbes magazines, New York), she has won several awards, including the Gerald Loeb Award, the George Polk Award, Overseas Press Club and Daniel Pearl Awards.

Sahana Singh is an Indian author and commentator known for her insightful contributions to discussions on water management, Indian history, and education. She holds an engineering degree and has a keen interest in the historical evolution of water supply systems across ancient civilizations. Sahana is celebrated for her thought-provoking articles and public speaking engagements. Her notable books include "The Educational Heritage of Ancient India: How an Ecosystem of Learning Was Laid to Waste" and "Revisiting the Educational Heritage of India," where she explores the rich legacy of India's educational systems before they were influenced by other cultures. Her work brings a fresh perspective to historical narratives.