ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Amish and Bhavna have once again joined forces, following the tremendous success of their collaborative venture, 'Dharma: Decoding the Epics for a Meaningful Life,' which boasts a remarkable 6 million copies in print. Their latest book, 'Idols: Unearthing the Power of Murti Puja,' serves as a companion volume to 'Dharma'. It explores the profound reasons behind idol worship. Amish is one of the best-selling authors in India, renowned for his works such as the 'Shiva Trilogy' and 'Ram Chandra Series'.In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the brother-sister duo delves into questions surrounding the enduring practice of idol worship. They unravel the mystery of why people continue to embrace this form of worship despite centuries of violence against it.Amish and Bhavna also discuss the benefits of bhakti and explore the role of religion in individual lives and society. They ponder whether such worship can guide individuals towards discovering their true purpose and ultimately lead to peace and prosperity.They also share their views on the ongoing debate over Sanatana Dharma. Amish and Bhavna also talk about the impact of foreign invasions on society and reflect on their own family background, and how it nurtured and shaped their careers as authors.

Nripendra Misra, an IAS officer of the 1967 batch, boasts a career spanning over 52 years with diverse roles. He served as the former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and currently chairs the committee overseeing the construction of the Grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This move is perceived as part of the Centre's strategy to closely monitor the temple's construction. He also held the position of Chairperson at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and was honoured with India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, in 2021.In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the challenges faced by the committee in building the Ram Temple and delves into the project's timeline. He shares insights into the dedicated efforts of the workers, working day and night, and reveals details about the placement of the 'Ram Lalla' idol. He narrates the story of how he was chosen by the PM to lead the construction panel for the Ram Mandir.Having worked closely with Prime Minister Modi from 2014 to 2019, He sheds light on the PM’s working style, highlighting what distinguishes him from other leaders. He also reveals the reasons behind stepping down as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and discloses the first person to be informed about demonetisation.

Shaurya Doval is the founder of the RSS-affiliated ‘India Foundation’. He currently serves as a state executive committee member of the BJP in Uttarakhand. He is also the son of India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. Shaurya is an economics graduate from Hindu College of Delhi University and holds two MBA degrees from the University of Chicago and the London Business School. Before establishing a think tank and entering politics, Shaurya worked with GE Capital and Morgan Stanley as an investment banker.In the latest ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shaurya Doval shares insights into how think tanks operate in India and where they receive funding. He discusses the multiplicity of views among think tanks in India. He also sheds light on how the battles of narratives between the left and right wings have evolved in India.He also addresses the widespread nepotism debate in the BJP and emphasizes the need for nationalism in a nation’s development. He also underscores the Hindutva influence in Uttarakhand state politics.

Lieutenant General Vinod G. Khandare, a distinguished former officer of the Indian Army, currently serves as the Principal Adviser in the Ministry of Defence. With a remarkable 38-year career, Gen. Khandare has worn many hats, including roles such as Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff for Intelligence from Nov 2015 to Jan 2018. His extensive experience in the Infantry involved operational tasks in Siachen, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, and the North East region.In the latest ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Gen. Khandare (R) delves deep into the pivotal role of Information Technology in national security. He talks about the Israel-Hamas war, highlighting the impact of the attack as a significant 'blot' on Israel’s intel prowess. He talks about his book 'Data Sovereignty,' asserting that data is integral to national security, serving as a vital tool in identifying, analyzing, and responding to threats.He also sheds light on Pakistan's nefarious designs against India, revealing the real reasons behind the Kargil war. He addresses the challenges faced by jawans at the daunting Siachen Glacier. Additionally, he shares an untold story from the Indo-Pak War of 1965.

Shehla Rashid, an activist, researcher, and academician discusses her shift in perspective on the central government's handling of the J&K situation. Topics include polarization and labeling in society, growing up in a conflict zone, censorship and awareness in Kashmir, positive steps towards peace in Kashmir, and challenging discriminatory narratives.

Chhaya Sharma is a senior IPS officer, currently serving as Joint CP-Eastern Range in Delhi. With over 23 years of experience, she has served as DGI at the National Human Rights Commission and as the director of the Central Vigilance Commission. She is widely recognised for her pivotal role in apprehending the perpetrators of the infamous 2012 Nirbhaya rape and murder case.In the latest ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, IPS Chhaya Sharma shares insights into how she achieved the first breakthrough within 18 hours in the Nirbhaya rape and murder case, a shocking incident that deeply affected the nation. She explores the broader implications of the Nirbhaya case and its impact on changing rape laws in India.IPS Chhaya Sharma also criticises those policemen involved in extra-judicial killings, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. She discusses navigating political pressure while solving a case and dispels myths about how real police officers operate, distinguishing it from the portrayal seen in movies like 'Singham.' She also commends the 'Delhi Crime' series for realistically depicting the challenges faced by officers while solving a case. The web series is based on her character and investigation into the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman.She underscores the need for a shift in societal mindset to promote women's empowerment. Additionally, she sheds light on the tactics used by Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar to entice female actors with luxury gifts.

Lt Col Pavithran Rajan (R) is a Military Veteran, Tech Entrepreneur, and Academic. He has served as an Advisor at the Ministry of Home Affairs and holds the position of Adjunct Faculty at the Cyber Security Research Centre at Punjab Engineering College. Additionally, he serves as an Advisor for the Cyber Peace Foundation. He is also the author of the book "Engaging China: Indian Interests In The Information Age".In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he provides insights into CBS' interview with "Five Eyes" intelligence leaders, where they issued warnings about China's global espionage campaign. Furthermore, he sheds light on India's preparedness, or lack thereof, to combat cyber attacks and information warfare. He also discusses the exploitation of data for electoral gains and underscores the importance of education in countering fake news and misinformation.

Karnal Singh is an IPS officer from the batch of 1984, who headed the Enforcement Directorate from 2015 to 2018. In his impressive 34-year career, Singh led the Special Cell of the Delhi Police and as ED Chief, Singh also took charge as the Director of India's Financial Investigation Unit (FIU), playing a key role in shaping the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.During his tenure, Singh led investigations related to white-collar crimes and was the driving force behind the Batla House encounter, a case that made national headlines.In our latest ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Singh takes you behind the scenes of the Batla House encounter, unveiling its role in dismantling the Indian Mujahideen and its far-reaching political consequences.He also delves into the cases of fugitives like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. He addresses opposition allegations that ED is being ‘misused’ by centre to suppress dissent.Singh offers insights into the Indian justice system and the reasons behind delayed justice delivery. He also shares stories about the intricate relationship between politicians and criminals in our country.

Adil Hussain hails from Assam’s Goalpara, is renowned for his critically acclaimed performances in theater and movies like ‘Mukti Bhawan’ and ‘Othello - A Play in Black and White.’Adil has worked in more than 80 films, including a standout role in Ang Lee's Oscar-winning ‘Life of Pi,’. He won National Award for his lead roles in ‘Mukti Bhawan’ and ‘Maj Rati Ketaki.’He studied at the National School of Drama from 1990-1993, followed by a brief stint at the Drama Studio London through the Charles Wallace Trust Scholarship.In this episode of the Ani podcast with Smita Prakash, Adil opens up about his childhood, the inspirations that led him to pursue acting. He shared stories about his early days as a stand-up comedian mimicking Amitabh Bachchan.Adil delves into his unique experience of spending two and a half years on a river island in Karnataka, where he explored the art of acting alongside an international group of performing artists.Adil also shares his experiences working with icons like Sridevi, Tabu, and Manisha Koirala. He sheds light on the challenges faced by actors in breaking free from conventional character portrayals.He also shares his experience working as a teacher in Amsterdam and at the National School of Drama in Delhi.

Manoj Tiwari has worn many hats throughout his life, transitioning from an actor, singer, music director to becoming a Member of Parliament representing the North East constituency for the BJP.Regarded as one of the most successful and prominent stars in the world of Bhojpuri cinema, Tiwari gained recognition with a series of hit songs in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Fans of Bhojpuri music fondly remember his songs like ‘Rinkiya Ke Papa’ and ‘Bagalwali Jaan Mareli.’ From 2016 to 2020, Tiwari also held the position of Delhi BJP President.In this latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tiwari doesn’t hold back as he critiques the Delhi AAP government, referring to them as ‘looters.’He also takes aim at Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for spending an ‘exorbitant’ amount of money on the CM house, calling it a ‘sheeshmahal.’Tiwari doesn’t shy away from addressing those who attack the essence of Sanatana Dharma. He asserts that those who attack Santana Dharma will ultimately harm themselves. He also credits Prime Minister Modi for inspiring his foray into politics. Tiwari claims his songs are not just meant for entertainment; they aim to highlight issues like unemployment and VIP racism in society.