Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav Mamoria

Utsav Mamoria
undefined
Jun 15, 2023 • 12min

How Sangam Landscapes shaped Tamil Food

27 Women poets, 102 anonymous and a total of 473 poets over centuries created a body of work, which came to define Tamil culture. And then most of it falls into oblivion for much of the second millennium AD. They were preserved by and rediscovered in the monasteries of Hinduism, particularly those related to the Shaivism sect, near Kumbakonam, by colonial-era scholars in the late nineteenth century. This week, we travel to Tamil Nadu and uncover how Sangam Literature shaped food in Tamil Nadu. Tune in, and discover, how our landscapes and ecology shape our foods, and how they get modified by the forces of time. Special thanks to the kickass producer of our show, Anthony for graciously taking time for this episode. He runs his own show Kannagi Kaviyam https://bit.ly/42IzzSG  Thanks also to Deepa Iyer, who kindly helped with research and gave direction to my curiosity for this episode. Go check out her Kolam's on her Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/dipsiyer/?igshid=NGExMmI2YTkyZg%3D%3D Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on IVM Podcasts website https://ivm.today/3xuayw9 You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: IVM Podcasts - Apps on Google Play or all other major audio platforms.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Jun 1, 2023 • 8min

How the Ice Age shaped Indian food

In the evolution from primates to humans, we lost our hair and developed a layer of fat. But as science is discovering now, we also lost our ability to synthesis a few compounds which were critical for the long term survival of humans. But what if I told you that the last Ice Age had a lot to do with it? This week, we uncover the fascinating story of how genetic mutations and climate change shaped Indian food, even before humans existed. Tune in, and discover the natural forces which impacted Indian food, in ways you would not have imagined. Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on IVM Podcasts website https://ivm.today/3xuayw9 You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42  ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: IVM Podcasts - Apps on Google Play or all other major audio platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
May 25, 2023 • 8min

How India developed a tense relationship with Alcohol

This week, we travel through time, through stories of Lord Buddha, and verses of Arthashastra to modern times, and understand how India developed a tense relationship with Alcohol. Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on IVM Podcasts website https://ivm.today/3xuayw9 You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42 ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: IVM Podcasts - Apps on Google Play or all other major audio platforms.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
May 23, 2023 • 12min

HDFC Investverse | Balancing Your Work, Finances, and Hobbies

Do you wish to buy a new car? Or build the house of your dreams? But don’t know how to plan for your goals financially. Well, worry no more we got you.  In today’s episode of Investverse, an investor education initiative by HDFC MF, Anupam will be in conversation with Utsav Mamoria, a consumer insights expert, traveler, and host of the podcast Postcards From Nowhere.   In this episode, we will cover everything from equity investment to the importance of setting long-term and short-term goals, and so much more. Follow HDFC MF on all platforms - HDFC Mutual Fund (@hdfcmf) • Instagram photos and videos (29) HDFC Mutual Fund: Overview | LinkedIn HDFC Mutual Fund (@hdfcmf) / Twitter Follow Utsav Mamoria on all platforms - Postcards from Nowhere (@whywetravel42) • Instagram photos and videos (17) Utsav Mamoria | LinkedIn Utsav Mamoria (@utsavmamoria) / Twitter Follow our host Anupam Gupta on all platforms Anupam Gupta (@b_50) • Instagram photos and videos Anupam Gupta (@b50) / Twitter (1) Anupam Gupta | LinkedIn You can check out this show on the IVM Podcasts website and app, or wherever else you get your podcasts from ----------------------------------------------------------------- This is an Investor Education Initiative by HDFC Mutual Fund For KYC, change of address, investor complaints redressal, etc. visit, https://www.hdfcfund.com/information/key-know-how Mutual Fund Investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
May 18, 2023 • 9min

Vedic Vices: The Story of 'Chakna'

The 1949 Prohibition Act in the Bombay Province gave rise to a clandestine alcohol operation in the city called Aunty Bars. Apart from serving locally brewed alcohol, they also saw hawkers selling snacks, which eventually came to be known as Chakna. But Chakna is not a modern invention, and in fact has documented history tracing back to Vedic times. This week, we travel from present-day India into ancient times and uncover the story of ‘Chakna’, the snacky necessity which accompanies every drinking session in India. Tune in, and discover how has Chakna evolved to what it is today, or basically Who moved my Chakna! Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on IVM Podcasts website https://ivm.today/3xuayw9 You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @‌whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42 ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: IVM Podcasts - Apps on Google Play or all other major audio platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
May 11, 2023 • 9min

Colonial Tamil Nadu's Coffee Puranam

Would you believe me if I said that Tamil Nadu once hated filter coffee? If this sounds absurd, this week we travel in time to colonial Tamil Nadu and discover the story uncover the story of how the state went from hating to loving coffee Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on IVM Podcasts website https://ivm.today/3xuayw9 You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42 ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: IVM Podcasts - Apps on Google Play or all other major audio platforms.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
May 3, 2023 • 9min

How food, caste and class defined Tamil worship rituals

Every year in early January, thousands of people, barefoot walk about 160 miles to the town in Tamil Nadu. They are devotees of the Tamil god Murugan, and carry a specific food item with them. Similarly, in the peak of summer, another set of men take the same journey, but carry a different food item with them. But why do they do so? This week, we travel to the Palani (Pazhani) region of Tamil Nadu, and uncover the complex food, caste and community dynamics of the worship of Lord Murugan, and what it teaches us about encountering new religious practices. Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on IVM Podcasts website https://ivm.today/3xuayw9 You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42 ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: IVM Podcasts - Apps on Google Play or all other major audio platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Apr 27, 2023 • 9min

How Buddhism shaped Sri Lankan food

543 BC, Lord Buddha had left the earth, and his body was cremated in a sandalwood pyre at Kushinagar, in modern-day Uttar Pradesh. His left canine tooth was retrieved from the funeral pyre by his disciple, Khema. Over the decades, it changed hands and found itself in Kandy, Sri Lanka. So important was this tooth, that palaces were built around it. And thus began a tradition of ritual offerings at these palaces. This week, we travel to Sri Lanka and uncover how Buddhism shaped the food of the country, and how its principles are incorporated into everyday Sri Lankan food practice. Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on IVM Podcasts website https://ivm.today/3xuayw9 You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42 ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: IVM Podcasts - Apps on Google Play or all other major audio platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Apr 20, 2023 • 10min

How caste made foods taboo : The story of cooking dogs.

Each year, Yulin in the Guangxi province of China catches the worlds attention for its dog meat festival, and receives harsh criticism. Closer home, activists have been trying to ban the dog meat among the tribes of Nagaland, even though the tribes enjoy protection under section 371A of the constitution. This week, we travel back in time, browse through the Manumriti and the Upanishads, discover the connections between dog eating and caste, and why we must not judge people for their food choices. Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on IVM Podcasts website https://ivm.today/3xuayw9 You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42 ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: IVM Podcasts - Apps on Google Play or all other major audio platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Apr 13, 2023 • 10min

Catalonian Human Pyramids, Dahi Handi and Marathi Sants

On 16 November 2010, UNESCO declared this among the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This is usually seen in the Catalonian region of Spain, the Balearic islands and Valencia. This also has a sibling 7000 kms away on the coast of India. This week, we travel from Catalonia in Spain to the town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra to find the similarities between the two art forms. We uncover the Warkari movement, its impact on Hinduism and the story behind the much loved 'Dahi' of Dahi Handi. Tune in, and discover the true spirit of Dahi Handi and the lessons its holds for us. Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees You can check previous episodes of 'Podcasts from Nowhere' on IVM Podcasts website https://ivm.today/3xuayw9 You can reach out to our host Utsav on Instagram: @whywetravel42 (https://www.instagram.com/whywetravel42 ) You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: IVM Podcasts - Apps on Google Play or all other major audio platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app