Life for Dalits in India is often marked by significant challenges. Being a Dalit in India means facing discrimination and social exclusion based on their caste status. They encounter difficulties in various aspects of life such as employment, education, and social interactions. Rahul Sonpimple, a Dalit activist with a PhD in Sociology from JNU, and formerly a leader of the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students Association, hails from Nagpur and currently heads the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association.In the recent episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rahul Sonpimple discusses the lifelong struggles faced by Dalits in India. He emphasizes Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's teachings and the effectiveness of reservations in fostering social harmony. Sonpimple highlights the severe underrepresentation of Dalits in politics and top national institutions. He advocates for extending reservations to the private sector.Sonpimple alleges that SC/ST reservations in government jobs have consistently gone unfilled since independence. He also discusses the impact of Uttar Pradesh's first Dalit Chief Minister, Mayawati, and her reforms for the Dalit community. Sonpimple proposes policy-level changes to improve the quality of life for Dalits.(0:00) Introduction (0:55) Activism vs Politics(9:50) Caste System in India(19:26) Caste Discrimination(24:20) Mayawati: An Icon of Dalits(29:25) Reservation in Private Sector(32:20) Lived Dalit Experience(36:25) Anti - Brahminism(40:30) Reservation in India vs USA(47:40) Dalits in Political Parties(52:30) Dalit Tokenism in Politics(56:25) Malnutrition Among Dalit Kids(1:00:22) Dalit Movements and Buddhism(1:02:46) Dalit Buddhist Movement(1:06:05) Hygiene & Attire in Dalits(1:11:50) Literature on Dalits(1:15:38) Caste Census(1:19:00) Terminologies for Dalits(1:25:20) Hope from Govt (1:28:42) Merit vs. Quota' Debate

The Wall Street Journal describes him as the "Henry Ford of heart surgery". In rural India, he is known as "bypass wale baba". Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty is a renowned heart surgeon who has brought high-tech healthcare to the financially challenged. In a country with over 12 lakh doctors, Dr. Shetty stands out. Over his three-decade career, he has performed more than 15,000 heart surgeries, including India’s first neonatal cardiac surgery in 1992, and has also served as Mother Teresa’s physician.He is the chairman and founder of Narayana Hrudayalaya, which provides heart surgeries at affordable prices in India. Narayana Health operates a network of 24 hospitals and 7 heart centers nationwide. Dr. Shetty has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, for his exemplary service and dedication.In an episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Shetty discusses the rising cases of heart attacks among young people. He addresses whether the COVID-19 vaccine is linked to heart attacks or not and shares tips for maintaining heart health. Dr Shetty advocates for an annual full-body check-up and outlines his plans to make health check-ups and heart surgeries more affordable.Dr. Shetty also highlights the shortage of female nurses in India and urges the government to take proactive measures to address it. As a top surgeon, he emphasizes how the Ayushman Bharat scheme is transforming healthcare and believes India will lead in decoupling health from wealth.(0:00) Introduction (1:26) Silent Heart Attacks(4:46) Preventive Checkup(11:32) Covid Vaccine & Heart Attacks(13:26) Impact of Pollution(16:19) Affordable Healthcare(22:21) Healthcare Insurance(28:04) Indian Healthcare Model(31:44) Nurses Shortage in India(41:28) Shortage of Doctors(45:06) Henry Ford of Heart Surgery(47:04) Treating Mother Teresa(51:02) Heart Attacks in Women(53:55) Need for a Healthy Diet(56:44) Importance of Yoga(57:52) Spirituality1:00:02Maintaining Family Life

Who were the Razakars? What was their role in the princely state of Hyderabad in the late 1940s? Were the Razakars engaged in violent activities against Hindus? What happened during 'Operation Polo' in 1948 that the Indian government launched to annex Hyderabad? What happened to the leader of the Razakars, Qasim Razvi?In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, two prominent journalists, Mir Ayoob Ali Khan and Syed Inam ur Rahman Ghayur, answer all these questions about the Razakars. The guests claim that the Razakars were formed as a volunteer force to support Nizam's rule and resist the integration of Hyderabad into newly independent India. They were organized and led by Qasim Razvi, who was a prominent leader of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) party.The Nizam's reluctance to accede to India and his desire to maintain Hyderabad's independence were key factors that led to the actions of the Razakars. The Razakars engaged in violent activities against Hindus causing widespread unrest and communal tension. In September 1948, the Indian government launched "Operation Polo" (also known as the Hyderabad Police Action) to annex Hyderabad. The Indian Army swiftly defeated the Razakars, and Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union. Qasim Razvi was arrested and later exiled to Pakistan.(0:00) Introduction(1:54) Who were Razakars?(4:55) Jinnah's meeting with Nizam(6:54) Operation Polo(7:35) Who created Razakars?(9:05) Razakars & Nizam(10:24) Types of Razakars(15:56) Hyderabad in late 1940s(20:04) Razakar leader Qasim Razvi(23:33) Qasim Razvi went to Pak(26:07) Minority rulers(27:18) Stories of Razakars' victims(30:41) Sufferers of Razakar movement(36:02) Remnants of trauma(38:04) Regions ruled by militias(39:01) Power of Nizam(43:11) AIMIM & MIM Connection(46:42) Teaching children about history(49:57) Rewriting History Books

Arnab Ray, also known as Greatbong, is one of India's most widely read bloggers, having won the publicly voted Indibloggies Blog of the Year in 2006 and 2008. He has written for The Washington Post, Outlook, and India Times. He is a Director of Cybersecurity and lives in the USA. Ray is known for his sarcastic takes on the Indian film industry, Indian politics, and society. Ray's book "Sultan of Delhi" has been adapted into a show on Hotstar. Another of his books, "The Mahabharata Murders," has been adapted into a series on Jio Cinema and Hoichoi. Arnab has now penned down a horror novel called "Shakchunni."In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arnab Ray talks about his obsession with Mithun Chakraborty and his movie "Goonda." He also claims that publishing has a significant left-wing bias favouring left-wing authors. Ray also delves into the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, explaining the power of political messaging and how it helps a party win elections.Arnab also talks extensively about Donald Trump, claiming he is poised to win the upcoming presidential elections in the USA, and explains what makes him so popular. Ray also discusses the cultural differences between the USA and India.(0:00) Introduction(1:19) Blogger cum Author(3:02) Love for Mithun(5:37) Mamata Banerjee(7:23) Shakchunni' Book Story(13:40) Bengal Famine(15:14) Actors' Political Views(16:56) Pop Culture & Politics(19:20) SRK at Modi's Oath Taking(20:05) Left Wing vs. Right Wing(21:01) Who is a Liberal?(24:52) Bias in Publishing(26:57) Gunda' Movie32:59:0090s Hindi Movies(35:45) Social Media39:01:00Wokeism in the U.S.(44:14) Comedy & Cancel Culture(48:49) TV Journalists turned YouTubers(53:20) U.S.- Russia Conflict(56:47) Racism in the U.S.(1:00:19) Trump's hush money case(1:03:21) RSS and BJP(1:05:12) Marjorie Taylor(1:06:33) Bharat Jodo Yatra(1:09:12) Modi's Campaign Speeches(1:11:41) BJP's Loss in Bengal(1:13:36) EVMs & Rigging(1:14:49) Tech Giants' Monopoly

He is a chef, cookbook author, columnist, and educator. Chef Suvir Saran wears many hats and is being called "the true ambassador of Indian cuisine and culture to the world." He left India at the age of 20 and later opened a restaurant in New York called 'Devi'. It was the first Indian restaurant in America to receive a Michelin star. He further gained fame as the breakout star of the 3rd season of Top Chef Masters.Saran is the author of three books: Indian Home Cooking, American Masala, Masala Farm, and his latest, Instamatic, a book of prose and photos. Suvir is open about his sexuality and the hurdles he faced in the early stages of his career and life. He is now the culinary director of Bastian Hospitality Private Limited and behind the brands of some of their restaurants like Bastian and Bizza.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Suvir explains why he left India and what made him fall in love with cooking. He also recounts the challenges he faced as gay individual and reflects on the support he received from his family and friends throughout. The Michelin star chef further argues that Indian restaurants are not up to the mark and are restricted to limited dishes when Indian cuisine offers so much more.He also shares his experience as a guest judge on MasterChef India, one of the most popular and loved shows in India. He settles the debate about where one finds better food, whether in Mumbai or Delhi. Chef Suvir also talks about his latest projects and why he moved back to India after facing difficult times in New York regarding his health.(0:00) Introduction(2:12) Cooking Journey(5:57) Societal Pressures(8:42) Kitchen As A Safe Haven(11:47) School Experiences(15:12) Academic Achievements(17:57) Bonding With Siblings(20:37) About Sexuality24:27:00Mother's Acceptance(28:12) Role Models32:27:00Life In New York35:47:00Cooking In New York(41:27) Western Influence On Indian Diets(46:27) Coping With Health Issues(49:27) Dealing Father's Demise(52:27) Near - Death Experience(55:57) Michelin Star Achievement(59:27) Master Chef' Experience(1:02:27) Current Projects1:05:27Indian Cuisine & Global Perception(1:08:27) Embracing Cultural Identity & Cuisine(1:11:27) Future Aspirations

The recently concluded 2024 Lok Sabha polls in India have taken pollsters and political analysts by surprise. While Prime Minister Modi is set to begin his third term in office, his party, the BJP, fell short of securing a clear majority as it had in the past two terms. The BJP needs allies to form the government.In the latest episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, the much-awaited "Samosa Caucus" returns with its familiar lineup of guests. Joining the discussion are Sushant Sareen, senior fellow at ORF; Tehseen Poonawalla, TV personality and political analyst; Anand Ranganathan, an author and scientist; and Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies.This episode will delve into the factors behind the BJP's failure to secure a majority and analyze the success of the opposition INDIA alliance, as well as the resurgence of Rahul Gandhi in the Indian political arena. Guests also discuss who the biggest losers and winners are in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.How will a coalition government look with Narendra Modi at the helm? Will the BJP be able to take big decisions as it has promised in its manifesto? Will Modi be able to carry allies with their own demands and political ambitions? What lessons should the BJP learn?(0:00) Introduction1:00Samosa Caucus 3.0(3:31) Election Results6:50Development Vs. Local Issues(10:20) 2024 Lok Sabha Results(16:20) Exit Polls21:00Nitish Kumar Memes(22:26) What Went Wrong for BJP?(28:20) BJP's 'Mistakes'31:12:00Jail' Experience35:12:00Tamil Nadu Politics(37:10) RSS Involvement in Elections(40:20) Manish Tiwari Controversy(41:40) Smriti Irani's Defeat(44:20) Wealth Redistribution' Row(47:30) Constitution Row(52:44) Rahul Gandhi's Resurgence(53:50) Akhilesh's Game Plan(55:15) JD(U) & TDP Legacy(58:00) Agniveer Scheme(1:00:06) Future of 'Welfarism'(1:02:00) Temple Politics & Reforms(1:05:15) Dalits in India1:07:20Consumption Patterns & Data(1:12:40) Malnourishment in India(1:17:50) Priyanka Gandhi Factor(1:20:45) Modi 3.0 Foreign Policy(1:22:52) Khalistan1:28:10Kashmir Politics1:33:40India's 'Drug' Problem(1:36:50) Indian Police System(1:40:00) Solutions for Kashmir(1:47:14) Counter-Insurgency in India(1:48:30) BJP's Bengal Failure(1:56:59) YouTubers Influencing Elections?(2:01:40) Legacy Media Becoming Irrelevant?(2:06:49) Sanatana Row2:08:30BJP's Political Ethics(2:13:35) YouTubers Impact(2:15:10) Rigged Exit Polls?(2:17:04) Abhijeet's Peacock Dance(2:22:00) Pune Porsche Row(2:24:00) Need for Judicial Reforms?(2:28:28) Closing Remarks

Polls just concluded in India—the world's largest democracy. Exit polls predict NDA's return, but what is the ground reality? What factors boosted BJP led NDA coalition? We will have all these answers and more from three seasoned ANI journalists, who extensively covered the Indian elections.Joining the discussion are Ashoke Raj, Siddharth Sharma, and Suchitra Mukherjee. Ashoke shares election insights from Punjab and Karnataka, Siddharth has covered polls in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala, while Suchitra reported on the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, the three ANI journalists delve into their experiences covering the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. They offer insights into the successes and challenges of the NDA and INDIA alliances and discuss the ground realities in the states they covered.(0:00) Introduction(0:28) North-South Divide(3:44) Who'll win Karnataka?(7:38) Siddaramaiah Schemes(13:10) BJP's '400 Paar' Slogan(14:39) Political Rallies Truth(19:30) SP-Congress Alliance(21:02) Why Priyanka didn't fight(26:30) INDIA VS NDA in UP(29:30) Rahul's Nyay Yatra(33:17) Kanhaiya's future in Congress(38:32) Mood in Punjab44:15:00The Modi Factor47:30:00K-Backer Amritpal(53:30) Punjab's Chitta economy(57:30) Odisha Exit poll1:00:50Cong Himachal govt to go?(1:05:20) Rae Bareli & Amethi(1:11:30) Personal Attacks in Polls(1:15:20) Piyush Goyal 'Blushing' Story(1:17:50) Main Issues in Bengal(1:28:13) Maharashtra politics(1:34:41) Exit Polls fallout1:45:30BJP vs Congress Cadres(1:48:20) Reporter Challenges(1:58:06) No interviews by Rahul(2:05:10) Exit polls or exact polls?

Anurag Singh Thakur is a BJP MP in the Lok Sabha representing the Hamirpur constituency in Himachal Pradesh. He currently holds the positions of Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs, and Minister of Information and Broadcasting in the Second Modi Ministry. His father, Prem Kumar Dhumal, was a former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.Previously, Thakur has also served as Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs. Additionally, he was the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from May 2015 to February 2017.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Anurag Thakur discusses the development in Himachal Pradesh during the NDA rule. He also criticized Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, stating that Congress promises in the state remain unfulfilled and accusing him of politicizing the Himachal flood situation.Thakur also emphasizes PM Modi's popularity, particularly among women voters, and highlights the benefits of the Agnipath scheme for the country's youth, discussing its potential impact on the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.(0:00) Introduction1:00Fifth Term MP?3:31Amit Shah's Appreciation(5:47) Popularity Among Voters(7:15) Modi Developing HP?(12:58) Agnipath Scheme(16:58) Gandhis Took Chinese Money?(19:24) Atmanirbhar in Defence...(22:32) Modi's Women Voters(27:45) HP Congress Govt. is a Laughing Stock(32:13) Kargil War35:11:00Himachal is Veerbhumi(36:49) We Can Raze Pak Down To Dust(40:05) Who Will Win LS Polls 2024?(45:05) Foreign Media's Election Coverage(47:13) INDIA Alliances's Ban List(49:28) Social Media Influencing Elections?(50:50) Personal Attacks in Election Campaigns(52:22) Constitution Amendment Row(54:30) Sansad Mobile Swasthya Seva(58:42) Cricket Career0:59:43I Will Win...1:01:10PM Modi's Commitment(1:04:42) Family is My Asset

Elections are currently underway in India, the world's largest democracy. However, as the voting progresses, there's a noticeable shift in political discourse. The focus has moved away from core issues towards topics like identity, caste reservation, and the constitution. But why are political parties deviating? What lies beneath this shift? We'll delve into these questions to uncover the truth.Joining the podcast are Suhel Seth and Advaita Kala. Suhel Seth is a brand guru, author, and columnist. Advaita Kala is an author, columnist, and screenwriter, best known for her work on the critically acclaimed film 'Kahaani.'In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Suhel Seth and Advaita Kala discuss the election narrative for the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha Polls. They delve into legacy media's coverage of the elections, with Kala claiming that there is a general level of distrust towards mainstream media. She also suggests that social media platforms may be controlling the narrative through their extensive systems. The conversation also touches on PM Narendra Modi, his farsightedness, and his immense popularity among the masses, with Seth claiming that 'brand Modi' is more popular than that of RSS and BJP combined. Tune in for an episode filled with jibes, sarcasm, and satire.(0:00) Intro1:47Summer Elections(2:42) Seth's Jibe at Kala(5:20) Legacy Media's Election Coverage(6:45) Indian Electorate(10:30) Brand Modi15:30Toothless Election Commission?(17:44) Hindu Identity Politics(26:20) Laws Have Exonerated Modi(29:20) 1984 Sikh 'Genocide'(30:50) Congress Controlled Media?(32:45) Lutyens' Gang'34:50:00Distrust in Legacy Media(39:14) Hate Economy is Thriving(43:40) Seth's Meeting with Modi(45:10) Sensational' Campaigns(48:00) Western Media's Agenda(51:35) Primetime Debates(54:10) Indian Political Discourse(1:00:12) Tech Platforms Controlling Narrative?(1:02:30) Politics Affecting Relationships?(1:04:14) Swati Maliwal Row(1:06:00) The AAP Campaign(1:10:40) AAP's Punjab Connection(1:13:16) Election Reforms?(1:15:20) Digital Activism(1:17:17) The Labharthi Factor

Taranjit Singh Sandhu is a former Indian diplomat who served as India's ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024. He played a key role in the establishment of the Indian embassy in Ukraine. He also served as the First Secretary in Washington, held the position of Consul General in Frankfurt, and was the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he held various key positions within the Ministry of External Affairs in India.In March 2024, Taranjit Singh Sandhu joined the BJP and was selected as the party's candidate for the religiously important Amritsar constituency in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, former ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu discusses the law and order situation in Punjab, addressing the drug crisis affecting the state's youth.He criticizes the Aam Aadmi Party for failing to manage the situation and provide jobs for Punjab's younger generation. According to Sandhu, there is widespread dissatisfaction with AAP's performance, leading to a strong anti-incumbency sentiment in the northern state.Additionally, Taranjit Singh Sandhu outlines his vision for transforming Amritsar into a tourism and start-up hub to boost the city's economy.(0:00) Introduction0:35Diplomat Turned Politician(2:52) Why Joined Politics(4:20) Family Roots to Amritsar(9:53) SGPC Connection with Family(15:00) Parents' Legacy17:53Higher Education in Delhi(18:35) BJP's Amritsar Jinx(20:58) Problems in Amritsar(23:25) Unemployment in Amritsar(26:51) Startup Culture in Punjab(29:30) VFS & U.S. Consulate in Amritsar(31:25) Agriculture in Punjab(36:16) Punjab Cargo Facility(41:15) PM Modi's Policies(42:13) Punjab's AAP Sarkar(45:48) On Sukhpal Khera Row(48:19) Amritpal Singh Poll Debut(51:02) SAD-BJP Breakup(52:17) Friendship with Sukhbir Badal(56:19) PM's Sikh Diaspora Connect(58:35) India-U.S. Ties