ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we take a deep dive into Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy and how it continues to shape Indian politics. Joining the conversation are Dr. Guru Prakash Paswan, National Spokesperson of the BJP with a deep understanding of Dalit issues, and Kushal Mehra, a podcaster and author known for his sharp takes on politics and society.They discuss the role of Dalit votes in elections, how Ambedkar’s vision is understood today, and the political battles fought in his name. The conversation also touches on the rise of Hinduphobia in Canada and the USA—why it’s happening, who is driving the narrative, and what it means for Indian communities abroad.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:17 - Ambedkar's Legacy 12:52 – Neo-Feudalism in India16:15 - Caste Discrimination in the USA26:04 – Migration Patterns from India to the West34:27 - Merit vs Quota45:05 - ‘Hinduphobia’ in the USA52:40 – Caste Census in India58:04 – Dalit Icons statues1:06:42 - Dalits & Babasaheb1:18:53 – Indian Community in Canada & the USA1:29:49 – Dalit Politics in Punjab1:37:04 - Politics over Dalit Vote Bank

Pullela Gopichand is the second Indian to win the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championship (2001). A former Olympian, he coached Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu to Olympic success.Honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1999, Gopichand is often called the ‘Dronacharya of Indian Badminton.’ Since 2004, he has been running an academy in Hyderabad, where players like Srikanth Kidambi, Parupalli Kashyap, H.S. Prannoy, Sai Praneeth, and Sameer Verma have trained and brought glory to India.In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Gopichand addresses the controversy around his remark that "only the rich should play sports." He clarifies that his concern is about the lack of support for athletes after retirement. He points out that while one in a hundred may reach the top, the rest need a safety net.He also talks about how the government can do more to support athletes, the evolution of sports in India, and what it takes to create champions. He also discusses the impact of social media trolling on athletes’ mental health and the reality behind sports quota jobs.00:00 - Introduction00:49 - ‘Sports are for the Rich’ Controversy08:05 - Securing an Athlete’s Future13:44 - Post-Career Support for Athletes19:54 - Wealth Disparity in Sports25:27 - Government’s Role in Athlete Welfare25:49 - Struggles of Athletes28:04 - From Badminton Player to Coach36:42 - How Sports Have Evolved40:50 - Best Sports Choices for Kids44:11 - Coaching Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu48:08 - Bias in Coaching53:16 - Dealing with Social Media Trolling54:58 - An Athlete’s Diet: What It Takes58:11 - Southeast Asian vs. European Players01:01:25 - PM’s Role in Sports Development01:02:48 - Sports Career Options: Then vs. Now01:07:19 - Sports Quota Jobs

Born in Srinagar, Kunal Kemmu comes from a family of actors. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Raja Hindustani (1996), and Zakhm (1998).Kunal made his debut as a lead actor in Kalyug (2005) and went on to star in several films, including the Golmaal franchise, Go Goa Gone (2013), and intense dramas like Traffic Signal (2007) and Blood Money (2012).In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kunal opens up about the Kashmiri Pandit exodus in the 1990s and how it affected his family. He also shares why he chose to become an actor and what life was like growing up in Srinagar.Kunal talks about the attack on his brother-in-law, Saif Ali Khan, and recalls the terrifying incident when his wife, Soha Ali Khan’s, house was robbed, explaining how he dealt with the situation.He also discusses his directorial debut, Madgaon Express (2024), how fatherhood has changed him, and the important role fitness plays in his life.00:00 - Introduction00:44 - Growing Up as a Kashmiri Pandit08:33 - Will Kashmiri Pandits Return to the Valley?10:37 - Life in Bombay vs. Kashmir12:17 - Entering the Industry as a Child Actor18:50 - Transitioning from Child Actor to Adult Roles22:36 - Working with Different Directors24:00 - Directing 'Madgaon Express'29:50 - Film on the Kashmiri Pandit Exodus32:47 - Conversations at Actors' Family Dinners35:40 - Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Incident42:18 - Growing Up in the Public Eye as an Actor’s Kid45:27 - How Social Media is Affecting Children47:49 - Love for Travel53:35 - Staying Physically Fit1:06:37 - What’s Coming Up in 2025

General Upendra Dwivedi is currently serving as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army. He previously served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command. Before that, he was the Deputy Chief of Army Staff for Information Systems and Coordination and the General Officer Commanding of the IX Corps.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the Army Chief shares his views on several key issues. He discusses how the situation of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has changed after the abrogation of Article 370 and also talks about the Indian Army's role in implementing the theme of ‘Terrorism to Tourism” in Kashmir Valley. He also opens up about the Pakistani Army’s mindset regarding PoK and the motive behind infiltration bids by Pakistani terrorists.General Dwivedi also addresses how AI is transforming battlefields across the world and how the Indian Army is utilizing this technology. He emphasizes that civilian support for the army plays a major role and explains how an average citizen can be helpful to the Indian Army. He highlights the disengagement between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).General Dwivedi further reflects on the role of women in the Indian Armed Forces. He also discusses the budget allocated for the defence sector and the priorities that need to be addressed to boost the army's performance.00:00 – Introduction01:06 - India-China border Disengagement04:20 - Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Army Chief07:32 - Trump’s pitch to sell stealth fighters to India11:43 - Security situation along LoC14:16 - Decline in militancy in Kashmir16:47 - Mindset of Pakistani Army22:24 - Drones: Future of Warfare27:46 - Is Agnipath scheme helping Army?30:42 - ‘Gray zone’ and ‘Hybrid’ warfare38:31 - AI and Indian Army48:56 - Two classmates leading Indian Armed Forces55:59 - Recruits in the Indian Army59:22 - Budget allocation for Defence1:06:23 - Army pay scale compared to private sector1:12:02 - Civilian support for Army1:16:55 - When Army Chief visited Mahakaleshwar Temple1:19:05 - Childhood of Army Chief1:22:30 - Emotional impact of losing friends in combat

Jaya Kishori started her spiritual journey at the age of seven. Raised in a spiritual environment, she developed a deep love for spiritualism, leading her to become a motivational and spiritual speaker. Her mission is to instill faith, positivity, and the importance of family, emphasizing that good parenting shapes successful and virtuous individuals. She ensures her teachings are simple and relatable for all ages.In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Jaya Kishori speaks about finding a balance between spirituality and a materialistic lifestyle, addressing the Dior bag controversy and how she deals with online criticism. She also talks about ego, the highs and lows of fame, and the importance of family support in her journey. Sharing her experience of studying the Bhagavad Gita, she talks about sacrifice, spirituality, and why she chose to change her name.She also discusses whether visiting temples or following a Satvik lifestyle is necessary for devotion, why today's youth feel disconnected from spirituality, and why some parents use their children for money. She also talks about the rise in suicide cases, the misuse of laws, how to handle anger, and the importance of chanting in life.00:00 - Introduction01:46 - Dior Bag Controversy09:45 - Online Criticism13:36 - Ego & Adulation16:29 - Career & Family Support18:21 - Bhagavad Gita20:48 - Sacrifice vs. Spirituality23:49 - How to Deal with Failure28:03 - Why Jaya Kishori Changed Her Name30:29 - Devotional Journey34:43 - Visiting Temple Importance37:11 - Youth and Spirituality44:11 - Satvik Life51:12 - How to Become a Spiritual Speaker54:46 - Kids in Spirituality & Devotion57:41 - Parents 'Misusing' Children for Money01:03:44 - Sacredness vs. Hypocrisy01:05:23 - Snap Reaction Segment01:36:36 - Misuse of AI01:43:28 - Rise in Suicide Cases & Misuse of Laws01:49:58 - Finding Hope in Difficult Times01:53:00 - Jaya Kishori's Go-To Chant01:57:01 - How to Handle Anger

Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as 'Gabbar' by his fans, has had a remarkable cricket career. He won the Golden Bat twice at the ICC Champions Trophy, and holds the record for the fastest Test century by a debutant, In August 2024, he announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket.In this podcast with Smita Prakash, Dhawan talks about the pressure social media creates in team selection and shares his views on the controversial Yo-Yo test. He also recalls his Test debut alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.He opens up about his mindset during the Champions Trophy, the challenges of sledging, friendships off the field, and why India can't play in Pakistan.Dhawan also talks about his bond with his son, how spirituality has shaped his life, and his journey from being dropped in 2022 to his thoughts on the future of Indian cricket.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:21 - The Pressure of Social Media05:37 - Champions Trophy 202508:11 - Dressing room conversations11:07 - Yo-Yo test18:11 - Story behind selection in Indian Team19:33 - Playing with Sachin in his debut Test21:14 - Sachin Tendulkar's retirement22:41 - Timing, fate, and hard work26:34 - Breaking Gundappa Viswanath's record29:57 - A captain’s advice for openers33:35 - Understanding the opponent’s abilities35:22 - Champions Trophy records & Mindset40:51 - Bid to upskill cricket coaches in India47:35 - Sledging in cricket49:33 - Should Team India travel to Pakistan?50:43 - BCCI's new rulebook for players52:06 - IPL success story54:16 - Dhawan as captain58:27 - Getting dropped from Team India01:00:43 - Having a godfather in cricket01:04:36 - Relationship with his son01:10:38 - Spirituality in life01:13:27 - Retirement decision01:16:33 - Advice to young players01:17:56 - Importance of physical fitness01:24:49 - Legends 90 League01:27:01 - Rapid Fire Segment

Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) is one of the youngest startups in India's defence sector, focusing on developing homegrown technology and intellectual property.The company is working on cutting-edge defence solutions, including the Next-Generation Hybrid Personal Combat Armour, a non-lethal system to stop vessels at sea, the 360 Advanced Battle Interface (ABI), and an Anti-Drone Defense System. These innovations have already been adopted by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Ramaswamy Shivaraman, co-founder of BBBS and head of research and product development, discusses how the Indian government is supporting homegrown startups in defence and why the private sector needs more government backing in the industry.He also speaks about the role of AI in modern warfare and its integration into defence systems. He also highlights the challenges Indian startups face in exporting defence products and underscores the importance of promoting Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the sector.*Audio Timestamps:*00:00 - Introduction 01:14 - India’s Defence Budget Allocation 02:38 - Anti-Drone System Deal 05:50 - How Big Bang Boom Solutions Started 09:14 - Products by Big Bang Boom Solutions 10:28 - Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War 12:24 - Govt’s Approach to Defence Startups 15:45 - Private Investment in Defence 18:07 - Deals with Indian & Foreign Govts 22:59 - Challenges in Foreign Markets 25:09 - Startups vs Big Defence Companies 30:14 - AI in Defence Systems 36:14 - AI and Drone Warfare 40:22 - Non-Lethal Naval Deterrence Tech 45:01 - Advantages of Doing Business in India 54:44 - Can Foreign governments invest in BBBS? 56:11 - Meeting with PM Modi 01:00:24 - Anti-Drone System: Vajra Shield 01:03:14 - PM Promoting Desi Defence Startups Abroad

Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, CEO and MD of IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd), is a pioneer in the fertiliser industry and has been honoured with the title “Fertiliser Man of India.”In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Awasthi talks about the major challenges Indian farmers face and what can be done to address them. He discusses whether India can become self-sufficient in fertilisers and how farmers’ incomes can be increased.He also sheds light on IFFCO’s Nano Urea, a breakthrough in green technology that not only boosts crop yield but also protects the soil—unlike conventional urea, which harms it over time. Dr. Awasthi believes that technology is the key to transforming Indian agriculture and ensuring a sustainable future for farmers.Additionally, he talks about why many young people are moving away from farming and what can be done to make agriculture a more attractive and viable profession.More on the future of Indian farming and the innovations that can shape it.00:00 - Introduction01:21 - What Does IFFCO Do?08:01 - Harmful Chemical Fertilisers12:46 - 'Stop Using Urea Fertilisers'14:32 - What Are Nano Urea Fertilisers?21:01 - Imports of Fertilisers26:16 - 'Fertiliser Man of India' Title27:42 - Adoption of New Technologies in Agriculture31:59 - Key Challenges Faced by Farmers35:24 - Why Do Farmers Resist New Technologies?37:56 - Why Are Most Farmers Poor?41:31 - Farming in Hilly Areas46:03 - Uses of Worm Compost in Farming47:51 - Will Nano Urea Replace Traditional Urea?49:16 - Revolutionary Initiatives in Indian Agriculture

Pawan Khera is currently serving as the Chairman of Media and Publicity for the Congress. He previously worked as the political secretary to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit from 1998 to 2013. Since 2015, Khera has been representing the party in debates and discussions on television channels.In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pawan Khera discusses Congress' prospects in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. He calls Arvind Kejriwal a 'megalomaniac' and claims that his party is a threat to democracy.He also talks about what went wrong with the INDIA alliance, why AAP and Congress are no longer fighting together, and why Congress' top leadership has recently started criticizing Arvind Kejriwal and his party.Khera further claims that mid-term elections will take place and that Prime Minister Modi will be ousted from power before 2029. He also shares insights on Sheila Dikshit’s legacy and Delhi’s development.00:00 – Introduction01:40 – Why is Congress targeting Kejriwal?08:08 – Congress’ prospects in the Delhi polls12:17 – What factors are working in Congress’ favour?16:25 – Hung assembly possible in Delhi?19:01 – Who will Muslims vote for in Delhi?25:37 – Voter controversy in the New Delhi seat30:41 – JNU report on illegal migration in Delhi32:42 – Bonding with Sheila Dikshit38:33 – Will India see mid-term polls?43:35 – AAP vs BJP vs Congress

Sanjay Kumar Jha is a member of the Rajya Sabha and serves as the National Working President of Janata Dal-United. He is also the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sanjay Jha discusses the challenges Bihar is facing, such as unemployment, poverty, literacy rates, migration, and GDP growth. He also reflects on what Nitish Kumar has accomplished for the state over the last 20 years.Jha speaks about Nitish Kumar's health and whether he will be fit for the upcoming state elections. He also clarifies whether Nitish Kumar will be the CM candidate for the 2025 Assembly elections in Bihar.Jha explains the relationship between Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar and criticizes Tejashwi Yadav for his ‘ineffective’ 17-month term as Deputy CM. He also addresses the recent BPSC protests and the possible influence of Prashant Kishor on Bihar politics.More on the Caste Census, India Bloc, Delhi Assembly elections, and the liquor ban in Bihar.00:00 – Introduction00:45 – Bihar: Poverty, Growth & Inequality06:48 – Literacy in Bihar11:44 – Liquor Ban in Bihar16:25 – Crime Rate in Bihar20:49 – Nitish's Chemistry with Lalu Yadav23:33 – Why Nitish Left the INDIA Bloc30:27 – Who Convinced Nitish to Rejoin the NDA35:18 – Seat-sharing for the Upcoming Bihar Polls38:23 – Prashant Kishor and BPSC Protests40:24 – Nitish Kumar’s Health43:04 – Caste Census47:35 – Will Nitish Switch Sides Again?52:54 – 2024 Lok Sabha Poll Mandate57:35 – Purvanchali Factor in Delhi Polls1:03:19 – Tejashwi vs. Chirag