Wings

Transitions are rarely simple switches. They are profound processes of reorientation and follow a pattern involving three stages: Endings - involves letting go of an old identity / situation; Neutral Zone - marked by uncertainty where old realities get dismantled and new possibilities take shape; New Beginnings - where new identity, purpose and behaviours are embraced. What stories emerge in a 3x3 matrix that intersects personal, professional, and psychological contexts with early, mid, and late stages of life? How do they foster a sense of growth and fulfilment?

To explore this subject here’s a conversation with Nitin Sa...

"Take it to the next level" is an idiom that means - to significantly improve, expand a skill, business or relationship, making it more successful, advanced, or professional than it was before. This requires a vision, goal, focus, hard work, commitment and perseverance. It is however easier said than done. What self-doubts does this endeavour trigger? How does one navigate the path while remaining grounded? How does one remain open to possibilities in order to - up the game!

To explore this subject, here’s a conversation with Dr.(Maj) Ameya Kagali, Chief Team Physician for the In...

Merriam-Websters dictionary defines ‘pilgrimage’ as a journey to a shrine or a sacred place with words such as travel, trek, journey, voyage being synonyms. In simple terms though it brings together a path, a traveller, a goal and a call to adventure. Many a discoveries await the one who responds to this call. For some - achieving the goal is significant whereas for some it’s the journey that matters. Irrespective of nature of pilgrimage, what experiences and (in)sights awaits a pilgrim? What questions do they trigger? How does it satiate one’s feeling of curiosity and wonder?

To...

"Today, life on wheels has become longer than one on the feet. An innocent, bubbling life of an 18 year old got constricted by shoulder down paralysis caused by a surprise accident, bringing it to a standstill. Freedom & joy got replaced by shock, helplessness, anger, agony and pain. How did I and my dear ones deal with this darkness? How did I find hope, meaning and purpose?” a wave of melancholy swept over her as she penned these words when she turned 36! A stage when ‘Wheels’ became her ‘Wings’, taking her far and wide, bringing her respect and recognition, making her a beac...

“She set out to do something that she never imagined she had the capacity to. Ended up achieving way more than what she had set out for.” Personal stories seldom have these words as its opening line. One’s that do, have “Passion” as a sub-text that repeats in every chapter of the story. Along the way goals appear, journeys happen, new directions are taken, achievements accumulate. In all this the one constant is - Passion! And, when Empathy accompanies Passion, the story takes an upward spiral. 

To unpack this narrative, here’s a conversation with Dr.Mukul Padalka...

Views and opinions expressed in this episode of the Podcast are those of its guest. Creators of this Podcast expressly disclaim any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of this Podcast.

(C) Asha & Milind Agnihotri, 2022-2024

Fundamental human rights of justice, liberty and equality are enshrined in the Indian Constitution for all its citizens. Yet women of the country, across socio-economic divide, continue to experience discrimination and denial in their personal and social contexts. Over last few decades a lot has changed for 'her,' yet lot remains the same. Further, in today's technology-infested globalised world, she is in search for freedom, not 'from something' but 'for something.' In this search, what are her dilemmas & challenges? What are her resources & gifts? 

To discuss this subject and more, here is a conversation with V...

Indian music is said to have originated in ancient times as a confluence of three broad streams - music performed in temples for devotion, music performed in palaces and royal courts for entertainment and music that flowed freely in farms, fields and forests, for its own sake. At its core, it celebrates the Vyakti (individual, the part) and Samashti (collective, the whole) both fuelled by a primal energy manifesting as ‘Naad’ or Sound. 

‘VishnuNaad,’ is an attempt to experience this primal energy through a conversation with K S Vishnudev, an acclaimed Carnatic Vocalist and recipient of the prestigio...

Weddings are a significant indicator of Indian culture. Though centered around the bride and groom, this special event tacitly focuses on sustaining and strengthening the community, ‘jaat-biradari,’ as it is popularly termed in India. And, that’s how it has been for centuries. Add to it the pomp and glamour of - mehndi, haldi, sangeet, baarat, exquisite outfits & jewellery,  exotic destinations, DJs, after parties, live streaming & Instagram reels, and you get a modern day Indian Wedding where commerce and entertainment take the center stage. Where, capturing the moment digitally becomes more important than living-the-moment! 

To explore this subject...

Welcome to a conversation with Neeta Mittal, an innovative entrepreneur and co-founder of LXV Wine. This conversation takes us on a sensory journey from the vineyards of Paso Robles, California to the spice markets of India, exploring the art of human connection in a fast-paced digital world. 

In this thought provoking podcast, Neeta weaves together three interconnected themes - Wisdom of the Vine, Alchemy of Senses & Human Touch in the Age of AI.

Throughout this conversation, Neeta intertwines her personal story - from her roots in India to becoming a trailblazer in the California wine i...

All things are possible for those who believe. This is however easier said than done. Beliefs get tested, some quite severely and some over a long period of time leaving a deep mark on our psyche. How do we hold firm in our beliefs and yet be flexible? How can we shift the needle from ‘Can I?’ to ‘I Can.'? What are the ensuing struggles? What role does a support system play here? What intangibles await us as we pursue of our beliefs?

To explore this subject and more, here’s a conversation with Capt.Nitin Shukla...

Fear has been a constant companion of human race since hunter-gatherer days. It is a powerful force that creates as well as destroys. Unlike the animal kingdom, however, humans have an innate gift to understand fear in all its entirety. How does fear manifest in everyday life? What about moments of crisis that shakes our very being? How does it trigger an inevitable chain reaction of dysfunctional behaviours? What role does society, culture, religion and technology play in harbouring and amplifying fear? How do we foster awareness and resilience in the wake of fear in order to live through...

Much of who we are is shaped by our personal, work and social roles which evolve in a given context and over a period of time. These roles feed on each other and are further influenced by our choices and compulsions. How does this process manifest in the early stages of life? How does married life and parenthood impact the role matrix? What if this involves a geographical and cultural transition? Across life phases, how does one protect and nurture personal passions? In all this drama, how does one celebrate one’s being and becoming? 

To explore thi...

Today, music & dance are an integral part of weddings, corporate events, nightlife or private celebrations with professional DJs at the centre stage. They know exactly how to get everyone swaying to their beats, keeping energy high on the dance floor and to provide non-stop entertainment! What goes into being a DJ? What is the art, craft & drama that needs to be mastered? How does a DJ build and sustain a brand for local & international markets? What are the blood, sweat and tears in this highly competitive glam-world of DJ’ing? Who is the person behind a DJs mask?

Finding one’s way through the forest, metaphorically and physically, happens to a chosen few. Every step calls for curiosity, courage, experimentation, openness to learn and constant adaptation. What if this is one’s calling in life? What world’s does it open up? How does a ‘beginner’s mind’ respond to such a calling? What does it mean to be a self-made ‘naturalist’? How does one build a professional work career to share the magic of nature and wildlife?

To explore this subject and more, here’s a conversation with Raghunandan Kulkarni a.k.a. Raghu, founder of ‘Indian...

An unwavering commitment to the ideals of ‘rasa nishpatti' has ensured survival and growth of ancient Indian art forms much beyond an artist’s life and times. This however has necessitated democratisation, modernisation & institutionalisation of art through structures, systems and processes guided by principles and values. How does an artist partake in this process to experience and expand the art? What are the ensuing trials & tribulations? What mysteries and treasures await in such an endeavour?

To explore this subject and more, here’s a conversation with Arundhati Patwardhan, a multifaceted dancer, choreographer, teacher and a visionary Director of Kal...

Raga framework in Indian Classical Music is said to be an ocean replete with mysteries & treasures. A Sangeet Saadhak (student of music) committed to a triad of Taalim (disciplined lessons), Riyaaz (diligent practice) & Adaakaari (authentic performance) gets a chance to experience these mysteries and treasures to bring them forth to their listeners. What is the relationship between Ragas and its Saadhak? What chemistry unfolds between them? What Tapasya (penance) both have to endure and what shape does it take in current times?

To explore this subject and more, here’s a conversation with Yashaswi Sirpotdar, a renowned vo...

Human context is imbued with certain timeless themes that need periodic revisit, reexamination and renewal. Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI) is one such theme. This would include gender and identity, neurodiversity, social and professional diversity, cultural and ethnic diversity etc. How do we navigate this maze? What role does power inequities play in DEI context? What micro and macro processes are at play here? Is equality synonymous with sameness? How does one acknowledge and grace diversity to achieve equality and inclusion?

To explore this subject and more, here’s a conversation with Meenakshi Krishnan, a researcher and practitioner in...

It is said that lot happens in a forest. While the focus could be more on all that is seen at the eye level, there’s lot that goes on above and below this plane. It takes a lot of patience, sensitivity and understanding to comprehend a forest, skills that are equally important in the world of photography. What if one’s work includes wild life as well as photography? What experiences and insights await in such a body of work? How does it trigger an entrepreneurial venture having a ’Triple P’ goal - profits, people & planet?

To explo...

It is said that dance is an artform that frees human spirit. Through movements in space & time the dancer aims to break the shackles of earthly existence. What is the mystical space one discovers as one moves with the accompanying melody & rhythm? What really happens when our feet, knowingly or unknowingly, start tapping to the beats of music? How does this bring alive the healer within to be in service of oneself and others?

To explore this subject and more, here’s a conversation with Unnikrishnan Sudheer, Co-founder of Flames School of Dance, Pune that specialises in La...

The world of self-help, personal growth books is ever expanding. At one end are books with simple insights, offering easy steps as ‘chota recharge’ to daily life. While at other end are books with profound answers to deeper questions, offering steps that may be life transforming. In a post-truth world with shortening attention spans, the ‘everyday recharge option’ seems more pragmatic for many. How do simple stories and timeless mythologies help in my ‘daily kurukshetra’ battles? Across life-roles, how do I keep pace with my never ending dilemmas - big or small? How do I discover and re-discover answers for my ignorance...

Musicians, vocalists or instrumentalists, dwell simultaneously in two worlds - an external world of practice and performance and an internal world of self doubts, dilemmas, contentment and possible bliss. The canvas becomes intense if the context is Indian classical music - Khyal or Carnatic. How does a musician navigate these worlds while staying focused on the art & craft? What are the joys and agonies of an accompanying artist? What are the subtle processes of ‘waiting & anticipating’ between a lead and accompanying artist? What does it mean to be ‘pragmatic & anchored’ in this profession? How to balance traditions with modernity and keep...

It is said that human mind is fuelled by an intricate triad of thoughts, emotions and actions. Further, research has pointed to primacy of emotions in this triad as the cause as well as consequence of our realities. What are emotions, what do they do to us? Why do we need a rich emotional vocabulary to examine our everyday experiences? What is the ‘disorder-development continuum’ in the field of Mental Health? What role do Mental Health professionals play in today’s world? What are their anchors, aspirations and anxieties?

To explore this subject and more, here’s a conver...

For years you work hard to face the ‘big moment.’ The moment arrives, you come out as a winner, years of commitment and perseverance has paid off. But the next moment brings in a surprise - a crash, a collapse! It’s back to square one. How does one reconcile with such realities? How does one pick up the threads and recover from setbacks? What are the internal and external forces supporting this rise? What makes the ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ climb up the spout again?

To explore this subject and more, here’s a conversation with Charuta Athalye Naik, once a...

Conversations can be formal and structured with a specific agenda and outcome in mind. On the other hand, they can be informal and exploratory based on the underlying energy felt by those conversing. The latter could involve varied subjects such as friendship, family, work, travel and all that is meaningful and precious. Why do connections matter to me? How can conversations help me forge rich connections? How has migrating across cities, countries and cultures shaped me and my world? How do I constantly adapt? In all this, how do I keep things simple and joyful?

To explore...

Role transitions is a feature of life be it in personal, professional or social spaces and is important for one’s growth. It often involves a complex web of relationships, responsibilities, boundaries, power, authority, choices and constraints. All this is further anchored in a socio-cultural context as well as personal dreams and aspirations based on the stage of one’s life. How are role transitions negotiated by men and women? What are the trials and tribulations involved? What role does gender stereotypes play here? How does a young, well educated, married woman with a child, equally committed to family and...

Gender based roles practiced over several generations and centuries has created a society with certain structure, order and continuity. On the flip side, the “should’s & must’s” of such a society, held as non-negotiable, have unleashed dysfunctional sides of power, authority and control. In India, this has further exacerbated processes of discrimination and denial, with women, urban and rural, finding themselves on the receiving end, even in 21st Century. The courageous few, however, have discovered their voice to experience equality, empowerment, dignity and purpose. How do such voices, often bordering on activism, manifest themselves? What outcomes do they create a...

Today, India stands at a confluence of a rich past, an industrious present and a bright future, with all its underlying paradoxes. Those engaged in the freedom struggle envisioned a nation with goals that were focused inwards. The next generation strengthened this foundation in context of a globalised world. And, the current generation is building on this momentum of internal integration and external adaptation. For each generation, actions have been influenced by opportunities and compulsions of respective times. How do we critically examine our inheritance and add to it? Amidst a conflict ridden world, how do we shape India...

For many people, a lot happens in their 30’s. It’s a decade marked by expansion in almost all realms of one’s life. Marriage, children, caregiving, workplace responsibilities, social obligations .… there is action on all fronts. It’s an intense phase in exploration of identities, roles, purpose and commitments. Being married for few years, should I have children now? How do I raise a child in a world full of strife? Will I be able to fulfil my caregiving responsibilities towards my parents? What about anxieties of workplace, especially the fear of possible job loss in context of current ec...

A childhood filled with love & care at home and camaraderie at school shapes a mind that seeks harmony and justice at all times. It fosters aspirations based on acceptance of the ‘as-is’ in order to create value for everyone. Its nemesis however is a utilitarian world that’s designed as a give-and-take, win-lose game, a world where real faces are often hidden behind masks. Being guarded, holding cards close to oneself, keeping the other person guessing becomes the strategy to win and maybe rightfully so given the goal of maximising personal gains. But what if this behaviour spills over to oth...

Poor literacy rates amongst children, especially girls, is one of the primary reasons behind socio-economic inequities in India. It sets in motion a life long experience of discrimination, denial and deprivation for the girl child that impacts much of her adult life in terms of identity and choices. Providing access to education and knowledge through reading, a source of primary learning, will go a long way in establishing a strong identity anchored in self-belief, confidence and courage for this girl child. This argument however needs to be examined in context of social and cultural practices that impede learning at...

Over the last two decades India has seen rapid urbanisation resulting in social, cultural, economic and ecological dilemmas for today’s young Indians. One seems to be getting lost in the din of everyday life where emotional safety of a joint family is giving way to a nuclear family and its nuances. Fond memories of summer vacations with a ‘gang of cousins’ at grandmas home seems to be a dream from distant past. How do I pass on to my kids the culture that I have grown up with? In providing for others how do I find space to provid...

Women participation in the Indian Armed Forces is a relatively recent phenomena. There are very few women who consider army as their first career choice.  What are the challenges of navigating such a career? In the process, what if she finds a marriage partner within the army but from a different religious faith? How does she integrate the diversity in faith & values within her immediate and extended families? How does she negotiate between her career & life choices? How does she balance competing priorities of family, health, aging, purpose and passion amidst her life’s transitions to discover her wholeness. 

Riding on the successes of earlier generations, today, many Indians are migrating to other countries to build their careers and lives. Such migrations are imbued, in general, with challenges of inclusion, understanding and acceptance and, in specific, when the situation involves a cross-cultural, inter-faith marriage. What role does forgiveness, reconciliation and love play in such situations? What if there is a child born from this wedlock? How does one raise such a child where it feels protected and cared for? What will it take to move to a more inclusive leadership based on kindness, humility and empathy? How does...

Toxic marriages are a global reality that largely remain unacknowledged with women often finding themselves at the receiving end. In India, fortunately, the subject has received due attention especially in metros and few other cities. Women are making conscious choices to find ways out of their married lives that have broken beyond repair. But what if there are children involved in a separation process? How does the woman convince the kids with her decision of divorce? How does she raise them as a single working mother? How does she discharge this responsibility while being a caregiver to her aging...

In this BTS episode, show producers and creators Asha & Milind Agnihotri go down the memory lane on what happened behind the scenes in making of Wings podcast. They share their personal experiences, joyous and nervous moments, in putting together 75 guest episodes aired each Friday over 3 Seasons, since 7 January 2022. They also give a sneak peek into Season 4 of the podcast which is currently in the making with a new design, to be aired after a short break. 

Views and opinions expressed in this episode of the Podcast are those of its guest. Creators of this Podcast expressly disclaim an...

In this episode of Wings Podcast we will meet Anushree Nande a Mumbai-born writer, editor, and publishing professional who has studied and worked in England, Spain, and the US. Her fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, football writing, literary essays and articles have been published in various online & print journals and magazines. She has published three collections: a micro-fiction titled ’55 Words,’ a novelette titled ‘Summer Melody' and a travel micro titled ‘Pomegranate Summer.’ Currently, Anushree is a senior team member at ‘Football Paradise,’ an award-winning website for long-form articles about football, where she has worked for a decade; and the Executive Editor, Blogs...

In this episode of Wings Podcast we will meet Gautami Deshpande from Mumbai who recently finished her Master's in Biochemistry and is now planning to pursue her Ph.D.  She is a professional classical dancer in Odissi with a formal training and practice of over 17 years, having done her ‘Manchpravesh’ in 2019. Gautami has performed in several shows and recently did a Japan Tour with her dance institution, 'Smitalay,’ founded by Guru Smt. Jhelum Paranjape, one of India’s most renowned Odissi dancers.

Dance composition credit:
Jhinjhoti Pallavi / Odissi / Jhelum Paranjape / Japan
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch...

In this episode of Wings Podcast we will meet Natasha Ralkar Ghate, a Chartered Accountant with a Masters in Global Marketing management from Boston University, US. She currently works as a Brand Manager and Business Development Executive in a startup marketing agency. “For 25 years I was first and foremost a daughter to the most wonderful parents who made me believe that I can achieve anything and everything I put my mind to and now I’m also a wife to an extraordinary man who has renewed my faith in kindness and stability” she says, and further adds, “For now, I aim to...

In this episode of Wings Podcast we will meet Kunal Khanna. Born into the mad-hum in Mumbai, raised amongst the monkeys and mountains of Panchgani and made independent in an adulthood in Australia, Kunal has returned back to his roots running a permaculture farm and developing ALT EFF to become a catalyst for environmental change. He started his career as an economist but his true passion lies in 'Systems Thinking' and using that to enable paradigm shifts which he did while working as the Innovations Lead at the City of Melbourne. Kunal has  an Undergraduate degree in Economics and a...