

Bharatvaarta
Bharatvaarta
Bharatvaarta podcast is a commentary on politics, policy and culture focused on India. The podcast brings together people from different walks of life who have varied and interesting perspectives on what's happening around us.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 22, 2024 • 19min
Weekly #173: Exporting Power: India’s BrahMos Missiles Reach the Philippines
In this episode of Bharatvaarta Weekly, Roshan Cariappa and Abhishek Paul discuss a range of topics including the start of the Indian election, the largest electoral exercise globally, with insights on the turnout and technology's role. They delve into geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran, highlighting recent retaliatory missile strikes and the global call for de-escalation. The episode also covers a significant anti-Naxalite operation in Chhattisgarh, marking a continued effort against Maoist insurgents. Furthermore, discussions include India's defense sector milestone with the export of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, enhancing its strategic position in Asia Pacific. Topics:00:00 Election Fever Hits India00:29 Geopolitical Tensions: Israel Strikes Back at Iran05:45 The Naxalite Challenge: Security Forces' Success in Chhattisgarh08:46 India's Electoral Process Begins: Phase One Analysis12:25 India's Defense Milestone: Exporting BrahMos Missiles to the Philippines15:43 IPL Highlights: Standout Performances and Team Updates18:46 Wrapping Up

Apr 16, 2024 • 26min
Weekly #172: Will Iran-Israel tensions trigger a third world war?
This episode of Bharatvaarta Weekly, hosted by Roshan Cariappa with Abhishek Paul and Nirav Kanodra, discusses a range of topics starting with the escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel following Iran's missile and drone attacks. The conversation then shifts to India's achievements, including a significant reduction in urea imports, the acquisition of rights to operate Sittwe port in Myanmar, Prime Minister Modi's engagement with top Indian gamers to promote games based on Indian culture, and updates from the chess candidates tournament showcasing Indian talents. Topics:00:00 Opening Remarks and Geopolitical Tensions01:16 Iran-Israel Conflict Deep Dive03:59 Economic Implications of the Conflict05:47 India's Strategic Position and Potential Impacts08:19 Advancements in India's Agriculture: Urea Imports Reduction11:38 India's Overseas Port Rights in Myanmar15:53 Prime Minister Modi's Engagement with India's Gaming Community20:20 Chess Candidates Tournament 2024: India's Prospects25:33 Closing Thoughts and Invitations

Apr 12, 2024 • 1h 46min
EP 247: Exploring the life and legacy of Babur - The Timurid emperor! | Aabhas Maldahiyar(Architect, Historian & Author)
This episode of the Bharatvaarta podcast features a deep dive into the life and complex legacy of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, with Aabhas Maldahiyar. Aabhas shares his transition from aspiring Marxist to a history enthusiast, inspired by his experiences at the Ajanta Caves and a scholarly environment fostered by his historian father. Aabhas explores Babur's unique background, tracing his lineage back to the secular Mongol empire and the Islamic Timurid empire, setting the stage for a nuanced discussion on Babur's early life, motivations, and the distinction of his invasion to Hindustan. The conversation extends to Babur's complex legacy, examining his personal traits, the dark periods of the Timurid era, and the impact of Timurid rule on India, including educational setbacks and conditions fostering British colonization. Through objective historiography and a reevaluation of Babur's contributions and characteristics, Abbas aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of India's past and the deep-seated influences on its historical trajectory, paving the way for forthcoming explorations of Persian influence and the broader context of European colonization. Topics:00:00 Introduction00:25 The Unlikely Journey from Architecture to History Writing03:22 A Marxist Lens on History and Personal Transformation09:16 Discovering the Richness of Indian History Through Architecture16:29 Challenging Historical Narratives and Embracing Rationality33:54 The Role of Social Media and Literature in Shaping Historical Perspectives39:38 Fostering a New Generation of Historians and Cultural Researchers47:19 Exploring the Controversial Legacy of Babur and the Babri Incident52:11 Unraveling Historical GDP Data and Mughal Misconceptions57:39 Diving Deep into Babur's Life and Legacy57:41 Babur's Early Struggles and the Chessboard King01:04:12 Babur's Invasion of Hindustan: Motivations and Impact01:09:32 The Complex Legacy of Babur and the Mughal Dynasty01:27:21 Exploring Babur's Personal Life and Controversies01:42:34 The Future of Historical Narratives and Sequels

Apr 8, 2024 • 26min
Weekly #171: Did India really kill terrorists in Pakistan?
In this edition of Bharat Varta Weekly, hosts Roshan Cariappa, Abhishek Paul, and Nirav Kanodra discuss a range of topics from the Guardian article alleging Indian assassinations in Pakistan and its inaccuracies, to India-Sri Lanka territorial disputes, the Congress party's Punch Nyai Manifesto, and updates from the Indian Premier League (IPL). They critique the Guardian article for its biased reporting and inaccuracies and analyze the political implications of Prime Minister Modi's comments on the Kaccha Thivu row and the Congress party's manifesto promises. The episode also touches on India's diplomatic relations and culminates with insights into the IPL's recent matches, highlighting emerging talents in Indian cricket. 00:00 Introduction01:05 India's Alleged Assassinations in Pakistan07:10 The India-Sri Lanka Katchatheevu Row11:35 The Congress Party's Manifesto: A Dive into the Nyaya Patra21:22 IPL Updates: The Thrills and Spills of the Week25:51 Wrapping Up: Insights and Reflections on the Week

Apr 1, 2024 • 26min
Weekly #170: Is the Govt. trying to cripple the opposition?
The Bharatvaarta Weekly is our reaction to the news headlines of the week that was. In this episode Roshan Cariappa, Nirav Kanodra and Abhishek Paul discuss the the latest news from the week and more!If you liked this episode, then don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and share this content. You can stay updated with everything at Bharatvaarta by following us on social media: we're @bharatvaarta on Twitter, facebook.com/bharatvaarta.in on Facebook, and @bharatvaarta on Instagram). Topics: 00:00 Introduction01:14 The Mysterious Demise of Mukhtar Ansari05:02 Congress Party's IT Notice Controversy10:31 Election Vibes: The Calm Before the Storm?12:27 India's Stand on International Meddling by US and Germany16:37 India's Defense and Space Milestones: A Leap Towards Self-Reliance20:13 Tech Talks: PM Modi's Conversation with Bill Gates21:31 IPL Season Updates: Highs and Lows

Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 8min
EP 246: "The World will be a better place if it becomes more Hindu!" - Ami Ganatra
Join us on a new episode of the Bharatvaarta podcast featuring a deep and engaging conversation with author and columnist Ami Ganatra. This discussion spans a wide array of topics relating to Indian society, culture, and politics, revolving around the critical role and understanding of Dharma. Ganatra, known for her books 'Ramayana Unraveled' and 'Mahabharata Unraveled,' discusses the relevance of Itihasa in contemporary times, feminism in the context of Indian epics, and the profound impact of the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishthan on national consciousness. The conversation also delves into the essentiality of Sanskrit for grasping the nuances of Indian philosophy and the importance of Dharma for societal sustenance and progress. This episode of the Bharatvaarta podcast is in collaboration with Swarajya Topics:00:00 Sneak Peak00:35 Introducing Ami Ganatra: Unraveling Indian Itihasa for Modern Times08:10 The Cultural and Political Significance of the Ram Mandir Movement14:15 Reclaiming Hindu Dharma: A Civilizational Perspective19:06 The Potential for Reclaiming Other Sacred Sites21:06 Understanding India's Civilizational Continuity Beyond 194723:07 The Interplay of Culture, Politics, and Dharma in Ancient India30:47 Seeking Happiness and Meaning: The Contrast Between East and West34:24 The Impact of Extreme Individuality on Society35:00 Reclaiming Spirituality and Solutions from Bharat35:28 Gender Roles and Societal Changes36:29 Inclusion and Acceptance in Culture37:54 Feminism and Its Evolution38:00 The Role of Technology in Shaping Gender Roles39:16 Empowerment vs. Destruction: A Feminist Perspective45:15 The Complexity of Modern Roles for Women and Men46:20 Learning from Epics: Decision Making and Dharma52:52 The Misinterpretation of Anti-Heroes in Epics01:00:39 The Importance of Language in Understanding Culture01:07:16 Concluding Thoughts and the Value of Language Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBfBd-1kvCOPxVll8tBJ9Q/join

Mar 25, 2024 • 30min
Weekly #169: Is Indian democracy dying?
The Bharatvaarta Weekly is our reaction to the news headlines of the week that was. In this episode Roshan Cariappa, Nirav Kanodra and Abhishek Paul discuss the the latest news from the week and more!If you liked this episode, then don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and share this content. You can stay updated with everything at Bharatvaarta by following us on social media: we're @bharatvaarta on Twitter, facebook.com/bharatvaarta.in on Facebook, and @bharatvaarta on Instagram).

Mar 19, 2024 • 26min
Weekly #168: Are Electoral Bonds really a Scam?
The Bharatvaarta Weekly is our reaction to the news headlines of the week that was. In this episode Roshan Cariappa, Nirav Kanodra and Abhishek Paul discuss the the latest news from the week and more!If you liked this episode, then don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and share this content. You can stay updated with everything at Bharatvaarta by following us on social media: we're @bharatvaarta on Twitter, facebook.com/bharatvaarta.in on Facebook, and @bharatvaarta on Instagram). Topics:00:00 Introduction00:44 Electoral Bonds07:13 CAA Implementation13:42 Lok Sabha elections dates announced19:20 Resignation of Haryana CM ML Khattar21:47 DRDO's MIRV missile tests and Navy's fight against pirates

Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 6min
EP 245: India’s Political Pulse: Reflections and Projections with Vijay Chada(x.com/@centerofright)
Join us on this insightful conversation as we delve into the dynamic world of Indian politics with Vijay Chada, a prominent political commentator and social media influencer. Vijay, known by his Twitter handle @centerofright, has been a keen observer of India’s political evolution over the past decade. In this episode we learn about Vijay’s journey—from his early days as a civil engineer to becoming a respected voice in political discourse. Vijay and Roshan talk about the evolution of political discourse on social media, the milestones in the past 10 years and more! Topics: 00:00 Introduction01:40 How PM Modi has evolved as a political force since 2012-2013 09:48 Evolution of political discourse on Social media15:24 Milestone moments in the past 10 years26:30 Key issues for this election32:13 Will Ayodhya Ram Mandir have an impact on the election?34:24 Has Modi ji become more of a statesman?36:00 Has Modi ji's fan/voter base increased?37:34 PM Vajpayee v/s PM Modi42:48 The state of political opposition in India52:15 What will a term 3 be about?54:33 Who after PM Modi?01:00:00 Democracy in the BJP01:01:54 Looking ahead and Vijay's advice for youngsters Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBfBd-1kvCOPxVll8tBJ9Q/join

Mar 11, 2024 • 28min
Weekly #167: India's Unemployement Rate hits RECORD low in 2023!
The Bharatvaarta Weekly is our reaction to the news headlines of the week that was. In this episode Roshan Cariappa, Nirav Kanodra and Abhishek Paul discuss the the latest news from the week and more!If you liked this episode, then don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and share this content. You can stay updated with everything at Bharatvaarta by following us on social media: we're @bharatvaarta on Twitter, facebook.com/bharatvaarta.in on Facebook, and @bharatvaarta on Instagram).