Abhijit Chavda Podcast

Hassina Banoo is an Indian journalist based in Bogdang and Nubra in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Shantanu Gupta is an Indian author and political analyst. He has authored numerous books, including "101 Reasons, Why I Will Vote for Modi" and the Yogi Adityanath trilogy.

Dr. Brian Keating is an American cosmologist. He is the Chancellor's Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego where he and his team study the origin & evolution of space, time, & matter.

He wrote Losing The Nobel Prize (2018), which was selected as a 'Best Science Book' at Science Friday and one of the best non-fiction books of all time according to Amazon. His second book, Into the Impossible, was published in 2021.

Brian is a leading science communicator and hosts Brian Keating's Into The Impossible Podcast. He is on a...

Pankaj Saran is an Indian diplomat who served as the Ambassador of India to Russia from January 2016 to November 2018. Before his tenure in Russia, he was the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh. A career diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) since 1982, Saran has held various significant posts both in India and abroad, showcasing his expertise in international relations and diplomacy. He has also worked in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in India, dealing with foreign affairs and national security issues. His diplomatic career reflects a profound commitment to advancing India's foreign policy and maintaining robust bilateral relationships.<...

Dr. Kanwal Sibal is a distinguished Indian diplomat who served as the Foreign Secretary of India from 2002 to 2003. Born on October 4, 1941, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1966, embarking on a notable career that spanned over three decades. Throughout his tenure, Sibal held various key positions, including Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, and Russia, reflecting his expertise in international relations and policy-making. He is known for his articulate views on foreign policy issues, often contributing to major publications and forums. Post-retirement, Sibal continues to influence the discourse on global affairs as a respected analyst and commentator. His career highlights India’s...

Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is a prominent Indian geopolitical expert known for his outspoken and often controversial views on defense, security, and foreign policy. With a background in defense studies, he frequently contributes to discussions on strategic affairs, emphasizing India's military and technological capabilities. Abhijit is a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies in New Delhi and has testified before the Indian Parliament on matters of critical national interest. His expertise is regularly sought in media and academic circles, where he provides analysis on complex international relations and defense issues, bringing a sharp and candid perspective to...

Dr. Meenakshi Jain is a distinguished Indian historian known for her extensive research on Indian cultural and religious history. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Delhi and has been a former fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. Dr. Jain gained prominence for her work on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir case, particularly through her book which analyzes historical evidence regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi site. Her scholarly work often challenges conventional narratives in Indian history, focusing on Hindu temple architecture and the history of religious and cultural sites in India. Dr. Jain's contributions...

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri is an Indian Politician, Former Diplomat and Author. He was inducted into the Council of Ministers as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs in Sep 2017. He was given additional charge of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Civil Aviation and the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in May 2019.

He was sworn in as Union Minister in July 2021 and currently, he is the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas.

A 1974-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, he...

Manjeet Kripalani is co-founder and Executive Director, Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations. Prior to the founding of Gateway House, she was India Bureau chief of Businessweek magazine from 1996 to 2009. During her extensive career in journalism (Businessweek, Worth and Forbes magazines, New York), she has won several awards, including the Gerald Loeb Award, the George Polk Award, Overseas Press Club and Daniel Pearl Awards.

Sahana Singh is an Indian author and commentator known for her insightful contributions to discussions on water management, Indian history, and education. She holds an engineering degree and has a keen interest in the historical evolution of water supply systems across ancient civilizations. Sahana is celebrated for her thought-provoking articles and public speaking engagements. Her notable books include "The Educational Heritage of Ancient India: How an Ecosystem of Learning Was Laid to Waste" and "Revisiting the Educational Heritage of India," where she explores the rich legacy of India's educational systems before they were influenced by other cultures. Her work...

Dr. Bhagat Oinam is professor and Chairperson, Centre for Philosophy, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is also the Chairperson, Special Centre for the Study of North East India at JNU.

He specializes in existentialism and phenomenology, philosophical anthropology, social & cultural philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, contemporary Indian philosophy, indigenous knowledge traditions, religion, ethnicity, identity politics, conflict, and gender.

Professor Gautam R. Desiraju is a renowned Indian chemist and educationist who has contributed substantially to the themes of crystal engineering and weak hydrogen bonding. He is one of the most highly cited Indian scientists with over 450 research papers, 60000+ citations and an h-index of 100.

He is also a trained Carnatic singer.

In this podcast we discuss denigration of Carnatic music, vilification of Hindu spirituality and Hinduphobia - in the context of the ongoing TM Krishna controversy.

Surya Roy is a Heritage Conservationist, explorer & an independent Indic History researcher whose research spans across the History & Culture of Vraj Mandal, Kurukshetra, Odisha, Bengal, Mewar & the Maratha history. He is a keen student of archaeology & focuses on the enlistment of Heritage properties & preservation of ancient manuscripts. A Life Member & Researcher with INTACH New Delhi HQ, he is also an Associate Member of ICOMOS (International Council of Monuments & Sites) which is an UNESCO body formed under the Geneva Council of 1974 for the preservation & conservation of Archaeological sites. Most recently he has also been appointed as Director of North India...

Sumeer Bhasin is a noted Indian geopolitical expert specializing in international relations and strategic affairs. He has a significant background in analyzing the geopolitical dynamics of the Indian Subcontinent and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Bhasin’s expertise is often sought by think tanks and policy institutes where he contributes through incisive research and policy recommendations. He frequently appears as a commentator on national and international media platforms, providing insights on security, diplomacy, and economic implications of regional conflicts and alliances. His work also includes advising governmental and non-governmental organizations on foreign policy and defense strategies, enhancing understanding of...

Rakeshh Gupta is the founder, chairman and CEO of SayeNvest Group, a British conglomerate headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

The group provides consulting and advisory services across sectors, i.e. Automotive, Asset & Wealth Management, Energy including Renewables, Healthcare, Information Technology and Enabled Services, Infrastructure, Private Equity and Wealth Management, Oil and Gas including speciality Chemicals, Real Estate, Telecom, Media and Entertainment with its global team operating out of 12 locations across the globe. The group owns SayeNvest Caps Advisory, SayeNvest Asset Management, SayeNvest Real Estate Advisory, SayeOne Media Corporation and SayeTech Technologies.

Rashmi Samant is an Indian student who came into the spotlight during her time at Oxford University. In 2021, she made history as the first Indian woman elected as President of the Oxford Student Union. However, her tenure was short-lived due to controversy surrounding past social media posts, which led to her resignation. Samant holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, India, and was pursuing a Master’s in Energy Systems at Oxford. Despite the challenges, she continues to be an advocate for inclusivity and diversity in education. Rashmi’s story highlights the complexities of cult...

Pradeep Bhandari is a well-known Indian psephologist, political analyst, and the founder of Jan Ki Baat, a people’s platform that conducts opinion polls and surveys in India. His expertise lies in electoral analysis, leveraging grassroots data to predict election outcomes. Bhandari gained prominence with his accurate predictions in several key Indian elections, which have often challenged mainstream media forecasts. His method involves a blend of on-ground surveys, demographic research, and data analytics. Besides his work in psephology, Pradeep is a regular contributor to various media outlets where he discusses politics and election strategies, influencing public discourse in India.

Dr. Surya Prakash Upadhyay is an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) who specializes in sociology of religion, urban sociology, and post-reform India. He received his PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in 2011 and is from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Ashwini Upadhyay is an Indian lawyer and activist, widely recognized for his extensive involvement in public interest litigation (PIL). Often referred to as the "PIL Man of India," Upadhyay has filed numerous cases addressing a wide range of issues including electoral reforms, environmental protection, and anticorruption measures. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he has also served as its spokesperson. Upadhyay's legal initiatives often focus on enforcing existing laws more effectively and advocating for legal reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in Indian governance. His work has significantly impacted legal and public policy discourse in India.

Anshul Jubli is an emerging mixed martial artist from India, making his mark in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born in Uttarakhand, India, Anshul began his professional MMA career in 2019 and quickly distinguished himself with an undefeated record in the regional circuits. Known for his striking skills and grappling ability, he earned a spot in the UFC through the "Road to UFC" tournament, a platform designed to discover and nurture talents from Asia. Anshul's fighting style, marked by aggression and technical finesse, has garnered him a growing fanbase and positioned him as a promising talent in the lightweight division...

Prakhar Shrivastava is a seasoned Indian journalist with over two decades of experience in television journalism. He has worked with prominent news channels like India TV, Zee News, Aaj Tak, NDTV, and News 24. Known for his versatility, Prakhar has handled various roles, from reporting and anchoring to managing large teams and producing news bulletins on diverse topics such as politics, crime, sports, and more.

Ashwini Upadhyay is an Indian lawyer and activist, widely recognized for his extensive involvement in public interest litigation (PIL). Often referred to as the "PIL Man of India," Upadhyay has filed numerous cases addressing a wide range of issues including electoral reforms, environmental protection, and anticorruption measures. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he has also served as its spokesperson. Upadhyay's legal initiatives often focus on enforcing existing laws more effectively and advocating for legal reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in Indian governance. His work has significantly impacted legal and public policy discourse in India.

Swami Brahmavihari Das is a distinguished Hindu monk and senior figure within the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an international Hindu organization known for its spiritual, cultural, and social activities. He is highly regarded for his deep knowledge of Hindu scriptures, his eloquent oratory skills, and his ability to connect with a global audience. Swami Brahmavihari Das has played a pivotal role in promoting Hindu values and teachings internationally, and has been instrumental in numerous humanitarian and community service initiatives. He is also actively involved in interfaith dialogue, promoting peace and harmony among different religious communities. His work extends to overseeing...

Anuj Dhar is an Indian author and researcher, renowned for his work on the mysterious disappearance of Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. Born in Delhi, Dhar pursued a career in journalism before dedicating himself to historical investigations. His most notable book, "India's Biggest Cover-up," sparked significant public interest and debate over the fate of Bose. Dhar's research has led to parliamentary questions and the push for declassification of secret files concerning Bose's disappearance. He is actively involved in advocating for transparency and continues to engage in extensive archival work and public speaking to...

Anand Narasimhan is an Indian journalist. He pursued his college degree in journalism at Vanderbilt University, honing his writing and reporting skills. Narasimhan's journalistic journey began in earnest when he won a competition hosted by ESPN Star Sports in 2005, which launched his career as a sports presenter in Singapore. He joined Times Network in 2009, where he served as an anchor and senior editor until 2018. Subsequently, he moved to CNN-News18, becoming the deputy executive editor and later the managing editor for special projects. Known for his distinctive reporting style that blends conversational tones with in-depth analysis, Narasimhan has become a...

Dr. Awanish Pandey is an Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, where he is part of the Optics and Photonics Centre. His expertise lies in silicon photonics, microwave photonics, and radiation-hardened optical links. He continues to explore and contribute to the field of imaging science and photographic technology, advancing knowledge in his specialized areas.

Tarun Yadav is an emerging mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from India, known for his dynamic fighting style and resilience in the cage. Born in Haryana, Tarun developed a passion for martial arts at a young age, initially training in wrestling and boxing before transitioning to MMA. He made his professional debut in 2018 and has since competed in various national and international events, earning recognition for his striking skills and ground control. He is an 8 time national champion and ADCC champion.

Kamlesh D. Patel, widely known as Daaji, is an influential Indian spiritual leader and the current guide of the Heartfulness meditation movement. Born on September 28, 1956, in Gujarat, India, he pursued a career in pharmacy and moved to the United States in 1980. Daaji's spiritual journey began early, and he became a disciple of Chariji, the former Heartfulness guide, in 1976. As a teacher, he emphasizes a balanced approach to life, integrating spiritual practice with everyday activities. Daaji became the fourth guru of Heartfulness in 2014, succeeding his mentor. He is renowned for his simple, practical, and profound teachings that focus on heart-based...

Dr. M. Jagadesh Kumar is an accomplished Indian academic and electrical engineer currently serving as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) since February 2022. He previously held the position of Vice-Chancellor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from January 2016 to February 2022. An alumnus of IIT Madras, where he completed his M.Sc and PhD in Electrical Engineering, Kumar has made significant contributions to the field of nanoelectronics, including several high-profile publications and co-authoring books on semiconductor technology.

Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is a prominent Indian geopolitical expert known for his outspoken and often controversial views on defense, security, and foreign policy. With a background in defense studies, he frequently contributes to discussions on strategic affairs, emphasizing India's military and technological capabilities. Abhijit is a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies in New Delhi and has testified before the Indian Parliament on matters of critical national interest. His expertise is regularly sought in media and academic circles, where he provides analysis on complex international relations and defense issues, bringing a sharp and candid perspective to...

Shri Dattatreya Hosabale is a prominent leader within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), serving as its Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) since March 2021. Born on December 1, 1954, in Karnataka, India, he pursued a Master's degree in English Literature before dedicating himself to the RSS. Known for his intellectual and organizational skills, Hosabale ji has been instrumental in the RSS's outreach and expansion efforts, emphasizing youth involvement and educational initiatives. His writings and speeches often focus on national issues, Hindu philosophy, and social reform. Hosabale ji’s influential role in the RSS reflects his deep commitment to its ideology and objectives.

Dr. Meenakshi Jain is a distinguished Indian historian known for her extensive research on Indian cultural and religious history. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Delhi and has been a former fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. Dr. Jain gained prominence for her work on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir case, particularly through her book which analyzes historical evidence regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi site. Her scholarly work often challenges conventional narratives in Indian history, focusing on Hindu temple architecture and the history of religious and cultural sites in India. Dr. Jain's contributions...

Tenzin Tsundue is a prominent Tibetan activist and writer, renowned for his unwavering commitment to the Tibetan independence movement. Born in India to Tibetan refugee parents, he grew up imbued with a strong sense of Tibetan identity and injustice under Chinese rule. Tsundue's activism gained international attention in 2002 when he famously unfurled a banner reading "Free Tibet" from a hotel in Mumbai during a visit by the Chinese Premier. An author of several books, his writings poignantly express the struggles and hopes of the Tibetan diaspora. Tsundue’s life is a testament to his dedication to nonviolent resistance and th...

Anuj Dhar is an Indian author and researcher, renowned for his work on the mysterious disappearance of Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. Born in Delhi, Dhar pursued a career in journalism before dedicating himself to historical investigations. His most notable book, "India's Biggest Cover-up," sparked significant public interest and debate over the fate of Bose. Dhar's research has led to parliamentary questions and the push for declassification of secret files concerning Bose's disappearance. He is actively involved in advocating for transparency and continues to engage in extensive archival work and public speaking to...

Sumeer Bhasin is a noted Indian geopolitical expert specializing in international relations and strategic affairs. He has a significant background in analyzing the geopolitical dynamics of the Indian Subcontinent and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Bhasin’s expertise is often sought by think tanks and policy institutes where he contributes through incisive research and policy recommendations. He frequently appears as a commentator on national and international media platforms, providing insights on security, diplomacy, and economic implications of regional conflicts and alliances. His work also includes advising governmental and non-governmental organizations on foreign policy and defense strategies, enhancing understanding of...

Sandeep Balakrishna is a prominent Indian historian and author, known for his writings on Indian history, culture, and Hindu civilization. Over two decades, he has contributed significantly to the discourse on Indian heritage through his articles, essays, and books. He is also the founder and chief editor of The Dharma Dispatch, a platform dedicated to exploring Indian philosophy and history. Some of his notable works include "Tipu Sultan: The Tyrant of Mysore," "Invaders and Infidels: From Sindh to Delhi: The 500-Year Journey of Islamic Invasions," and "10 Lessons from Hindu History in 10 Episodes." Balakrishna has also translated S.L. Bhyrappa's...

Kanwal Sibal is a distinguished Indian diplomat who served as the Foreign Secretary of India from 2002 to 2003. Born on October 4, 1941, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1966, embarking on a notable career that spanned over three decades. Throughout his tenure, Sibal held various key positions, including Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, and Russia, reflecting his expertise in international relations and policy-making. He is known for his articulate views on foreign policy issues, often contributing to major publications and forums. Post-retirement, Sibal continues to influence the discourse on global affairs as a respected analyst and commentator. His career highlights India’s di...

Shiv Khera is an Indian author, motivational speaker, and business consultant. Born in 1961, he is renowned for his self-help books and seminars that focus on achieving success through ethical means. Khera's most famous book, "You Can Win," has sold over 3.5 million copies globally and has been translated into numerous languages. His work emphasizes positive thinking, leadership qualities, and self-discipline, aiming to inspire individuals to live up to their potential. Khera also conducts training programs and workshops for corporations, emphasizing values and ethics. His dedication to helping others excel has made him a respected figure in motivational speaking and personal...

Pradeep Bhandari is a well-known Indian psephologist, political analyst, and the founder of Jan Ki Baat, a people’s platform that conducts opinion polls and surveys in India. His expertise lies in electoral analysis, leveraging grassroots data to predict election outcomes. Bhandari gained prominence with his accurate predictions in several key Indian elections, which have often challenged mainstream media forecasts. His method involves a blend of on-ground surveys, demographic research, and data analytics. Besides his work in psephology, Pradeep is a regular contributor to various media outlets where he discusses politics and election strategies, influencing public discourse in India.

Yusuf Unjhawala is Editor, Indian Defence Analysis, an online forum on defence and strategic affairs of India. He comments extensively on defence and strategic affairs.