

Abhijit Chavda Podcast
Abhijit Chavda
Conversations with Abhijit Chavda: Indian & world history, science, geopolitics, power, culture, art, education, technology, philosophy, the future of humanity, and everything in between and beyond.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 23, 2024 • 1h 5min
#57 - Prakhar Shrivastava on Gandhi Assassination: Could Godse Have Been Stopped?
Prakhar Shrivastava is a seasoned Indian journalist with over two decades of experience in television journalism. He has worked with prominent news channels like India TV, Zee News, Aaj Tak, NDTV, and News 24. Known for his versatility, Prakhar has handled various roles, from reporting and anchoring to managing large teams and producing news bulletins on diverse topics such as politics, crime, sports, and more.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 21min
#56 - Ashwini Upadhyay - India's PIL Man on Triple Talaq, Illegal Immigration & Minority Schemes
Ashwini Upadhyay is an Indian lawyer and activist, widely recognized for his extensive involvement in public interest litigation (PIL). Often referred to as the "PIL Man of India," Upadhyay has filed numerous cases addressing a wide range of issues including electoral reforms, environmental protection, and anticorruption measures. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he has also served as its spokesperson. Upadhyay's legal initiatives often focus on enforcing existing laws more effectively and advocating for legal reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in Indian governance. His work has significantly impacted legal and public policy discourse in India.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 13min
#55 - Swami Brahmaviharidas Ji On Making History With First Hindu Temple In Middle East
Swami Brahmavihari Das is a distinguished Hindu monk and senior figure within the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an international Hindu organization known for its spiritual, cultural, and social activities. He is highly regarded for his deep knowledge of Hindu scriptures, his eloquent oratory skills, and his ability to connect with a global audience. Swami Brahmavihari Das has played a pivotal role in promoting Hindu values and teachings internationally, and has been instrumental in numerous humanitarian and community service initiatives. He is also actively involved in interfaith dialogue, promoting peace and harmony among different religious communities. His work extends to overseeing temple activities, educational programs, and youth development projects globally.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 22min
#54 - Anuj Dhar on Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Mystery - Was Indian PM Poisoned in the USSR?
Anuj Dhar is an Indian author and researcher, renowned for his work on the mysterious disappearance of Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. Born in Delhi, Dhar pursued a career in journalism before dedicating himself to historical investigations. His most notable book, "India's Biggest Cover-up," sparked significant public interest and debate over the fate of Bose. Dhar's research has led to parliamentary questions and the push for declassification of secret files concerning Bose's disappearance. He is actively involved in advocating for transparency and continues to engage in extensive archival work and public speaking to unfold the many untold stories of India's past.

May 23, 2024 • 57min
#53 - Anand Narasimhan on Reality of Media, Geopolitics & Bharat's Rise
Anand Narasimhan is an Indian journalist. He pursued his college degree in journalism at Vanderbilt University, honing his writing and reporting skills. Narasimhan's journalistic journey began in earnest when he won a competition hosted by ESPN Star Sports in 2005, which launched his career as a sports presenter in Singapore. He joined Times Network in 2009, where he served as an anchor and senior editor until 2018. Subsequently, he moved to CNN-News18, becoming the deputy executive editor and later the managing editor for special projects. Known for his distinctive reporting style that blends conversational tones with in-depth analysis, Narasimhan has become a recognizable figure in Indian media. He has also received several accolades for his work, including the ENBA Award for Best Anchor in English in 2021 and the Society Achievers Awards for excellence in media and broadcast journalism in 2022.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 17min
#52 - Dr. Awanish Pandey - IIT Delhi Professor on Semiconductors & India's Tech Revolution
Dr. Awanish Pandey is an Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, where he is part of the Optics and Photonics Centre. His expertise lies in silicon photonics, microwave photonics, and radiation-hardened optical links. He continues to explore and contribute to the field of imaging science and photographic technology, advancing knowledge in his specialized areas.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 28min
#51 - Tarun Yadav on Representing India At Asian Games & Why Jiu-Jitsu Is The Supreme Martial Art
Tarun Yadav is an emerging mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from India, known for his dynamic fighting style and resilience in the cage. Born in Haryana, Tarun developed a passion for martial arts at a young age, initially training in wrestling and boxing before transitioning to MMA. He made his professional debut in 2018 and has since competed in various national and international events, earning recognition for his striking skills and ground control. He is an 8 time national champion and ADCC champion.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 13min
#50 - Daaji on Kanha Shanti Vanam, Man-Made Rainforest & Miracles of Meditation
Kamlesh D. Patel, widely known as Daaji, is an influential Indian spiritual leader and the current guide of the Heartfulness meditation movement. Born on September 28, 1956, in Gujarat, India, he pursued a career in pharmacy and moved to the United States in 1980. Daaji's spiritual journey began early, and he became a disciple of Chariji, the former Heartfulness guide, in 1976. As a teacher, he emphasizes a balanced approach to life, integrating spiritual practice with everyday activities. Daaji became the fourth guru of Heartfulness in 2014, succeeding his mentor. He is renowned for his simple, practical, and profound teachings that focus on heart-based meditation aimed at inner transformation.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 10min
#49 - UGC Chairman Dr. M. Jagadesh Kumar on Transforming Indian Education
Dr. M. Jagadesh Kumar is an accomplished Indian academic and electrical engineer currently serving as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) since February 2022. He previously held the position of Vice-Chancellor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from January 2016 to February 2022. An alumnus of IIT Madras, where he completed his M.Sc and PhD in Electrical Engineering, Kumar has made significant contributions to the field of nanoelectronics, including several high-profile publications and co-authoring books on semiconductor technology.

May 23, 2024 • 2h 5min
#48 - Abhijit Iyer-Mitra on US Elections, Khalistan, Chinese Decline, Armenia's Future
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.


