The VM Podcast

Vichaar Manthan

The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explore how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

EP28 - Rebuilding Communities: 18 States and Counting with Kiran Chukkapalli
04-10-2023
EP28 - Rebuilding Communities: 18 States and Counting with Kiran Chukkapalli
Our social persona and acceptance throughout our lives are often defined by how well we ‘fit in’ to society. Yet every society has those who reject social conventions - or in the eyes of some, social restrictions -  in favour of absolute ‘freedom’. There are even those who defy all stereotypes, using their freedom to undertake spiritual sadhana (journeys) and engage in dedicated service to society. This episode of The Vichaar Manthan Podcast features Kiran Ji Chukkapalli, a living example of this apparent paradox. From a young age, Kiran Ji chose and chased the path of discipline, and is today a yogi, a practitioner of traditional Bharatiya martial arts, and an athlete. In choosing to remain ‘detached’ from the  ‘traditional’ path of education, work, and starting a household, he has expanded his ‘attachment’ to a larger cause, serving society through his work with underprivileged communities and refugees. He shares with us not only his personal journey but also his experiences from his solo ride across 18 states to raise awareness about the problems faced by these groups. In this conversation, we explore the motivation that drives his vision and work, his understanding of Dharma and how it applies to his goals, and ultimately ask: How does Dharma expand one’s sense of being and purpose? Kiran Ji Chukkapalli is an avid social activist, a former entrepreneur, a brilliant athlete, an international speaker, and an accomplished Himalayan yoga practitioner and instructor. He founded Think Peace in 2010, a not-for-profit organisation that works for upholding the human rights of marginalised communities and improving the living conditions in refugee camps.  Think Peace: https://www.thinkpeace.inWalden by Henry David Thoreau: Walden on Amazon ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast is a Vichaar Manthan project exploring modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, and our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas  #indianphilosophy
EP27 - Seeking Sanctity, Finding Dharma with Fred Stella - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
31-08-2023
EP27 - Seeking Sanctity, Finding Dharma with Fred Stella - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
A lot of our childhood memories and curiosities are forgotten as we grow older. We get comfortable in our surroundings, are influenced by friends and family, and our identity generally freezes to resemble that of our closest circle. But for some, early experiences are filled with uncommon questions that turn into a journey of seeking, leading to roads not commonly trodden. It takes courage to explore and embrace change, even when it means deviating from expectations. Such stories inspire us to find the courage to undertake our own journeys, whether it is to identify life’s purpose or to inquire about life itself. In this episode of The Vichaar Manthan Podcast, we explore with Fred Stella his journey of finding himself in the realm of Hinduism. Fred ji was raised in a Roman Catholic family, he shares with us his earliest childhood experiences that led him to a process of earnest inquiry into the nature of being and how he eventually found some of the answers in Hindu Philosophy. With him, we explore what the Hindu culture offers to those who want to question and expand their beliefs and identities and seek a visceral spiritual understanding of life. Fred Stella is based in Grand Rapids, USA. He is a Pracharak for the West Michigan Hindu Temple and serves as the President of the Interfaith Dialogue Association based in Michigan. He also hosts a podcast himself, called ‘Common Threads’. https://common-threads-an-interfaith-dialogue.simplecast.com/ http://www.interfaithdialogueassociation.org/ https://www.hinduspeakers.org/fred-stella/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast is a Vichaar Manthan project exploring modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, and our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas  #indianphilosophy
EP26 - Discipline, Dedication, Dharma with Dev Dutt Sharma - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
27-07-2023
EP26 - Discipline, Dedication, Dharma with Dev Dutt Sharma - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
The internet is full of advice, ‘life hacks’, self-help blogs, vlogs, ‘How I live my life’ videos from 20,000 different people and whatnot. We have access to all sorts of ‘quick fixes’, and with technology expanding all around us every day. Machines are now handling mundane tasks, and online tools writing automatically for us, all available widely, as our social interactions become increasingly digital. Despite a whole lot of comfort that the modern lifestyle is embedded with, we struggle to focus and find meaning in our lives. What ingredients are we missing?  In this episode of The Vichaar Manthan Podcast, we re-explore the fundamentals of a sustainable and meaningful life with Lieutenant Commander Devdutt Sharma. A Guinness record holder, Devdutt Ji shells out some serious bits of advice-most notably, the reminder that the best person to seek advice from is yourself, and knowing your true self can come only through focus, discipline and determination. Through his own story, Devdutt Ji offers an insight into the paradoxical nature of discipline - that it is through discipline one can access the freedom to achieve whatever one visualises- and helps address the question: what makes a sustainably successful life? Lt. Cmdr. Devdutt Ji Sharma is a Triathlete, Ultramarathon Runner, Combat Diver, Yoga Practitioner and poet. He recently completed 82 consecutive full marathons in 82 days - a feat that has earned him a place in the Guinness and Limca Book of world records. He is also serving in the Indian Navy for the last seven years. ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast is a Vichaar Manthan project exploring modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, and our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas  #indianphilosophy
EP25 - Mother Earth Bhumi Global - with Gopal Patel - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
26-06-2023
EP25 - Mother Earth Bhumi Global - with Gopal Patel - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
The idea of ‘One World’ or ‘One Family’ - ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ - is one of the central themes in the Hindu philosophy. And no other issue has highlighted this truth in recent times as has the effects of climate change that the world has been experiencing lately. Changing weather patterns, natural disasters, melting glaciers and the rising water levels have heaped large-scale destruction of lives and resources in various parts of the world. Not to mention the effect on food chains, agriculture and the pervading effect on our lives coming from the financial stress of inflation. Thus, we, the collective, are interlinked with the environment. After years of consumerism with hardly a thought of the consequences, there is a rising recognition of the urgent need for corrective actions. However, such changes require massive, concerted and sustained efforts, and at such times, the society can do with a few torch-bearers leading the way.  In this episode of The Vichaar Manthan Podcast, we explore the subject of climate change with Gopal Ji Patel. Gopal Ji, who derives his inspiration from the very central Hindu concept of ‘the living earth’, walks us through the need for addressing what he calls the ‘triple planetary crisis’. To leverage the power of community engagement, he highlights the need to come together to work towards addressing various aspects leading to a sustainable solution to the current set of climate issues. He also paints a vivid picture of how organisations, especially religious institutions, can play a leading role in creating a conscious community that can be inspired to contribute actively towards such causes. He reflects and reminds us that the earth is a gift that sustains us, and that we all have a moral, ethical duty to care for it. Hence, in this episode, we ask and explore: What are the key ideas that inspire and drive large-scale efforts for addressing the universal problem of climate change? Gopal Ji Patel studied computer science at Oxford, but with an inherent interest in the Hindu philosophy and a passion to address the issues of climate change prompted the Bhumi Global, an organisation that works to participate and promote conversations and activities on climate change, biodiversity and sustainability. He is an environmentalist, consultant, and  co-chairs the United Nations Multi-faith Advisory Council. He is also a member of the Advisory Board to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Follow Bhumi Global & Gopal Patel: https://www.bhumiglobal.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/gopal-d-patel-82a1a728/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas  #indianphilosophy
EP24 - Kautilyanomics with Sriram Balasubramanian - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
15-05-2023
EP24 - Kautilyanomics with Sriram Balasubramanian - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
Historically, Bharat was a thriving centre of trade and commerce, contributing to a major percentage of the world GDP. Exploring some of the architects of this vibrant economy, the name of Kautilya or Chanakya is very often invoked. While many of Kautilya’s political policies are popular, few authors have studied Kautilya’s economic policies.  Indeed, what were some of his key economic ideas? Was the ancient system capitalist or socialist? Was it sustainable? And what learnings from Kautilya are applicable today? How would Kautilya deal with the modern day economic vocabulary? In this episode of The Vichaar Manthaan podcast, we are joined by author Sriram Balasubramanian whose book ‘Kautilyanomics’ specifically focuses on Kautilya’s views on the role and workings of the economic policies of the state. With him, we ask and explore: Who was Kautilya and why is he relevant today? Sriram Balasubramanian is an economist and an author. He has worked extensively, through his book Kautilyanomics, to unravel ancient wisdom to make it available and relevant in today’s times. https://www.srirambala.in/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/9354350445?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_S94MCVT2XM40MZ7361S8 #kautilya #kautilyanomics #chanakya #politicaleconomics #sustainability #dharma #sustainablewealth #hindubooks #hindulibrary #vishnugupta #arthashastra  ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas  #indianphilosophy
EP23 - Inclusive and Sustainable Finance, Leadership, Ethics and Culture with Professor Atul K Shah - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
04-04-2023
EP23 - Inclusive and Sustainable Finance, Leadership, Ethics and Culture with Professor Atul K Shah - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
Global financial institutions have again been making the news in recent times. And given the interconnected complex structures of global financial and trade networks, the effects of disturbance to any part of these networks is felt by the common man in almost every part of the world. Whether through government spending tax collections on bailouts or by battling the aftermath. The common people feel the effects in the form of inflation, global market slowdown and layoffs - making it harder and harder to remain insulated. What drives global institutions and financial policies? How do these policies get shaped, and what role does financial education play? In this episode of Vichaar Manthan, we talk to Professor Atul K. Shah, author of "Inclusive and Sustainable Finance, Leadership, Ethics and Culture." Professor Shah discusses the challenges facing the financial sector in the context of socio-economic and environmental crises and offers a new vision for inclusive and sustainable finance. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, ethics, and culture in driving positive change in the financial sector. Professor Shah also shares insights on the role of education and the need for a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach to finance and accounting education. Join us for an insightful conversation on the future of finance and the path towards a more sustainable and equitable world. Atul ji us through some of his ideas on the missing vocabulary in financial education. By integrating ancient and cultural wisdom, he explains his vision of financial policies and education that shifts the focus from anonymous corporations to purposeful individuals. Atul ji is an academic, and has authored several books and articles in academic journals. He is keen on bringing a change in financial policies and education through these ideas and we explore what kind of financial wisdom is likely to take us to a more sustainable future. https://atulkshah.co.uk/ https://arihanta-academy.com/self-paced-data/sustainable-finance/ #research #science #education #ethics #leadership #society #finance #community #jobinterviews #sustainability #accounting #sustainabledevelopment #courses #ethics #culture #accounting #education #business #environment #socialresponsibility #sustainablefinance #inclusivefinance #responsiblefinance #interview #thoughtleadership #innovation #changemakers #futureofbusiness ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas  #indianphilosophy
EP22 - Reading, ’Riting, & ’Rithmetic: Is culture the missing piece in a sustainable education system? - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
16-03-2023
EP22 - Reading, ’Riting, & ’Rithmetic: Is culture the missing piece in a sustainable education system? - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
Register Now for this live event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reading-riting-and-rithmetic-registration-558272527157 In early January 2023, the UK Government announced plans to make post-16 mathematics education compulsory to equip everyone with the skills needed in a world increasingly shaped by data and statistics. But does this add up in practice? Given the struggle to recruit maths teachers, as identified by the National Foundation for Educational Research, and a general anxiety about mathematics amongst young people, this panel discussion will explore whether the real solution to better education outcomes is to be found amongst cultural factors. Does the culture of school education in England need to change, and who is responsible for this? Are we reliant upon the state, or do local communities, home culture and other members of society have a role to play, as we strive for a more sustainable education that involves the flourishing of all? Join us to discuss these questions with a panel of expert speakers. #education #sustainableeducation #liveevent #educationreform #educationsystem #nationalcurriculum #ukschools #ukeducation #UKeducationsystem #changeeducation #EducationAndCulture #LearningAndTradition #CriticalThinking #CulturalDiversity #CulturalExchange #InnovationInEducation #GlobalCitizenship #EducationMatters #CulturalHeritage #CulturalRevival #PreservingTraditions ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas  #indianphilosophy
EP21 - The Accidental Author, The Epics Unravelled with Ami Ganatra - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
26-02-2023
EP21 - The Accidental Author, The Epics Unravelled with Ami Ganatra - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
Entire generations of Hindus have grown up with the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These stories have seeped into our lives and our psyche through popular narrations and TV. And many incidents, characters and stories taken from the epics are blamed for current societal issues. In fact, ‘weaponisation of narratives’ is being used for political ends. But are these incidents really in the epics? Are the characters truly grey? Who are the real heroes? Are we turning heroes into villains and villains into heroes? In this episode of The Vichaar Manthaan podcast, we explore these themes with Ami Ji Ganatra. She explains her motivations, her journey and her experiences with re-discovering our epics. She contextualises the characters, encourages the audience to explore their own cultural histories, and goes on to address the key question: Why should we critically and thoroughly study our own original epics? Ami Ji Ganatra earned an engineering degree in computer science, an MBA and is a former consultant. She has authored two best-selling books, Mahabharata Unraveled and Ramayana Unraveled. Favourite Book: Rajiv Malhotra - Being Different https://www.instagram.com/amig_insta/ https://twitter.com/6amiji https://dharmorakshtirakshitah.wordpress.com/ #mahabaharat #ramayan #ramayana #mahabharata #ithisa #amiganatra #ramayanunreallved #mahabharatunralled #krishna #rambhagwan #draupadi #pandavs #hindubooks #hinduepics #bhagwadgita #gita #hindulibrary #iimahmedabad #iim ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas  #indianphilosophy
EP20 - MULTICULTURALISM - The Hindu Perspective - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
02-02-2023
EP20 - MULTICULTURALISM - The Hindu Perspective - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
The demographic diversity of the United Kingdom has grown significantly over the last 70 years. The 2021 Census points to a twenty-year decline in residents of England and Wales identifying with an ‘English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish or British’ identity. Immigrant communities from across the world, especially from the former Commonwealth have found their homes here and become a vital part of British society. However, recent events in Leicester and Birmingham have revealed that community cohesion issues are still alive in the UK today. The spotlight, therefore, falls on the idea of ‘multiculturalism’. What does it mean? What view does it offer of how different communities with different values and worldviews should interact to create a cohesive yet plural British society, and does it still provide a viable framework for the UK to flourish? In particular, how has the UK’s Hindu community built relationships with the rest of British society, and how do ideas of multiculturalism stand up today in the light of the Hindu values of liberty, equality and pluralism? Come and join us to discuss this crucial issue in Vichaar Manthan’s first in-person panel discussion of 2023. Registration required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/multiculturalism-in-the-uk-the-hindu-perspective-tickets-520345105217 #multiculturalism #multicultural #culture #society #multiculturalsociety ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas  #indianphilosophy
EP19 - BUSINESS LEADERSHIP DECODED, the secrets to success with Anil Puri - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
26-11-2022
EP19 - BUSINESS LEADERSHIP DECODED, the secrets to success with Anil Puri - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
Growing and sustaining a business, especially in the manufacturing industry, is a challenge. To do so in a place away from your native land, facing a variety of different variables, is inspiring. What vision does it take to achieve this? What role do ethics play in this long journey, and where do they lead? Can a Dharmic outlook offer some lessons and guidance in the world of manufacturing and commerce? We explore these aspects in this episode of The Vichaar Manthaan Podcast with Anil Ji Puri. Anil Ji is the Group Chairman of Purico Ltd., based in the UK. The company is an international manufacturing organization with interests in multiple sectors. Follow: https://www.purico.co.uk #business #leadership #modernprinciples #hinduleader #businessleader #success #entrepreneur #mindset #inspiration #entrepreneurship #coaching #businessleader #communityleader #management #personaldevelopment #mentor ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #podcastrecommendations #podcastlovers #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives2022 #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #vm #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas #philosophicalpodast #indianphilosophy
EP18 - VEGANISM, a trend, a virtue, or a fad? with Dina Aherne - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
07-11-2022
EP18 - VEGANISM, a trend, a virtue, or a fad? with Dina Aherne - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
“Veganism isn’t about the mock meat, about replacing life for life, veganism is about whole food and plant-based. So when we talk about vegan foods assisting your health, and giving you a multitude of health benefits, we are talking about pulses, lentils, rice, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. We are not talking about having fake chicken or fake meat every day…I know a lot of unhealthy vegans as well. There is a misconception that if you’re vegan, you’re healthy” A large component of our everyday lives is food. A number of ‘food fads’ have been in and out of fashion in recent years, with ongoing debates around food, health and choices, to the point where such choices are going beyond sustenance, to creating identities, labels, and political movements, and influencing public policies. Veganism, the lifestyle which avoids consuming animal-based products, is one such movement. Indeed, veganism goes beyond just food, to include every product we use. In this episode of The Vichaar Manthan podcast, we explore veganism with Dina Aherne. As she describes her almost-overnight transition to veganism, Dina Ji paints the entire landscape surrounding meat as a source of food, zooming out from the sanitised, convenient and easily available options in the markets today. She discusses veganism in the larger context, highlighting the often cruel practices of the animal breeding industry, and linking animal product consumption to the larger issues of global warming, and unsustainable growth. Even a small bit of awareness can create a shift toward a more sustainable, kinder society, and often this awareness is missing in the general public. The message she leaves us with is to think about the choices we make as consumers. And in doing so - reminding us that humans are inherently capable of compassion - compels us to consider whether they could include similar consideration towards the other members of the living world, as we show towards ourselves. Follow Dina Aherne: https://www.instagram.com/spirituallyvgan #vegan #veganism #animalcruelty #veganmovement #vegetarian #dairyfree #hindupodcast #ahimsamilk #dairy #govegan #hindu #hinduism #ahimsa #govegan #compassion #hindusagainstmoderndairy #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #iskcon #milking #milk #dairyfarming ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org  Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / Audible / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #podcastrecommendation
EP17 - YOGA BUSINESS with Anand Parekh - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
05-10-2022
EP17 - YOGA BUSINESS with Anand Parekh - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast
Little & Often Yoga has become popular in the last decade, especially in the west, glamourised some would say, it's hip, cool, and sexy, it has benefited millions of people both physically and mentally, and claims not to be a new science, but a tried and tested method passed out from the depths of India. How do we take this ancient, multi-dimensional practice, which originated in a different land, imbibed with its own linguistic complexities and cultural and spiritual context, to the west and adapt it to our modern lives? Several yoga studios have emerged, and tend to be likened to gyms, where people flock to shed some kilos or get that movie-star figure. So is yoga only a set of postures and physical exercises? And does one not knowing its depth reduce the integrity of the practitioner? Where do we draw the line, where is it cultural appropriation and when is it simply not yoga anymore? In this episode of The Vichaar Manthan Podcast, we deep dive into the asanas and into the breathing techniques, with yogi Anand Parekh. We ask what Yoga means and its different aspects. Let’s find out what the practice of yoga brings into our lives and how it can be a powerful tool for transformation. Anand Ji Parekh grew up with a curiosity and an interest in Yoga. He worked full-time for eight years, before quitting corporate life to open his own Yoga studio in Nottingham, where he teaches and runs the business today. Follow Anand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anandparekh https://www.hotyoganottingham.co.uk/ #Yoga #YogaBusiness #NotYogaNottingham #HYN #HinduYoga #Yogaforall #Yogi #YogaLondon #YogaNottingham #YogaUK #YogaIndia #YogaPodcast #hindupodcast #hindu #dharmic #india #indian #yogastudio #yogicpodcast #yogapod #hotyoga ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / YouTube / RSS Feed #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #podcastrecommendations #podcastlovers #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives2022 #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #vm #hindupodcast #india #Indian #philosophy #hinduphilosophy #philosophicalideas #philosophicalpodast #indianphilosophy
VMSN 11 - Introducing Civics - The End of Family- For Better or Worse? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
14-09-2022
VMSN 11 - Introducing Civics - The End of Family- For Better or Worse? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
Vichaar Manthan Sustainable Narratives (VMSN) is a biennial conference that brings together leading academic lights, policy-makers and industry leaders to explore and address the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Please register on our website and for more information > https://www.vichaarmanthan.org ------------------------------------------------------------ Panel Discussion at VMSN22 >> The End of Family - For Better or Worse? There have been many who have wanted to be rid of the family altogether, from the Greek philosopher and father of Western thought, Plato, to the radical Marx who wanted to build an egalitarian community. Then there has been Hindu thought, which has put family at the front and centre of civic life, a hallmark of its civilisation. As liberty and freedom spreads globally in conjunction with technology and affluence, what purpose, if any, will the family play in the decades to come? What will be the consequences for human well-being if the family unit dissolves or becomes irrelevant? How would we find what Erich Fromm called ‘rootedness’ in our childhood without a strong foundation provided by the family? Join us to discover what a sustainable model for the family of the future entails. Please register on our website and for more information: https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/vmsn2022 Elderly: Who Cares? VM Panel Discussion ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explore how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / RSS Feed / YouTube #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast#podcastrecommendations #podcastlovers #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives2022 #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #vm
VMSN 10 - Introducing Political Theory - Nationalism vs Internationalism - Is There a Middle Way? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
13-09-2022
VMSN 10 - Introducing Political Theory - Nationalism vs Internationalism - Is There a Middle Way? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
Vichaar Manthan Sustainable Narratives (VMSN) is a biennial conference that brings together leading academic lights, policy-makers and industry leaders to explore and address the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Please register on our website and for more information > https://www.vichaarmanthan.org ------------------------------------------------------------ Panel Discussion at VMSN22 >> Nationalism vs Internationalism - Is There a Middle Way? Nationalism is a dirty word in Western academic discourse. After two devastating European wars which plunged the world into chaos and misery, a rules-based international order was consciously built in which no single country could afford to ‘go it alone’. But after 60 years of internationalism, nationalism is back on the rise throughout the world. Why is this? Does internationalism alienate and nationalism root us? Does nationalism ultimately lead to tribalism? Is there a middle-way where people can be nationalistic without the bigotry associated with older forms of European nationalism? Please register on our website and for more information: https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/vmsn2022 ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explore how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / RSS Feed / YouTube #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast#podcastrecommendations #podcastlovers #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives2022 #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #vm
VMSN 09 - Introducing Political Economy - How Do We Democratise Capital? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
12-09-2022
VMSN 09 - Introducing Political Economy - How Do We Democratise Capital? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
Vichaar Manthan Sustainable Narratives (VMSN) is a biennial conference that brings together leading academic lights, policy-makers and industry leaders to explore and address the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Please register on our website and for more information > https://www.vichaarmanthan.org ------------------------------------------------------------ Panel Discussion at VMSN22 >> How do we Democratise Capital? Private wealth globally stands at $135 trillion. The wealthiest 1% control over 40% of this wealth. With this concentration of wealth comes power, and power in the hands of the few creates an unsustainable future for the many. Capital is employed to serve those that own it. How then do we ensure that it works for the benefit of humanity? Current suggestions range from de novo sovereign wealth funds to global collectives. Effectively democratising the capital in private hands whilst maintaining incentives for risk-taking and innovation presents a significant challenge. Many argue that in a capitalist society the return on capital will always be greater than the return on labour. How then how do we begin to include more people in the act of capital formation? Join us as we explore the future of capital. Please register on our website and for more information: https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/vmsn2022 ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explore how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / RSS Feed / YouTube #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast#podcastrecommendations #podcastlovers #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives2022 #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #vm
VMSN 08 - Introducing Governance - How Do We Sustainably Govern Emerging Tech? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
11-09-2022
VMSN 08 - Introducing Governance - How Do We Sustainably Govern Emerging Tech? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
Vichaar Manthan Sustainable Narratives (VMSN) is a biennial conference that brings together leading academic lights, policy-makers and industry leaders to explore and address the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Please register on our website and for more information > https://www.vichaarmanthan.org ------------------------------------------------------------ Panel Discussion at VMSN22 >> How do we Sustainably Govern Emerging Tech? Google, Amazon, Meta and other emerging tech giants are more powerful than many nation-states; yet these giant global institutions are largely governed by a narrow set of objectives and answerable to a relatively small set of stakeholders. All of our lives are shaped by these giants - for better or ill - yet, we have little to no say in how they are governed. How does a democratic world reconcile itself with such a concentration of largely unregulated power? Concurrently, Artificial Intelligence continues to develop alongside new forms of Augmented and Virtual Reality. What values and principles should regulate our use of and interaction with these developments? Come and find out as we discuss the governance of emerging technology in the light of sustainability. Please register on our website and for more information: https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/vmsn2022 ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explore how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / RSS Feed / YouTube #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast #podcastrecommendations #podcastlovers #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives2022 #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #vm #dharmiconcepts #dharmicliving #sustainable
VMSN 07 - Introducing Culture & Literature Panel Discussion: Is Indian History Truly ‘Indian’? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
11-09-2022
VMSN 07 - Introducing Culture & Literature Panel Discussion: Is Indian History Truly ‘Indian’? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
Vichaar Manthan Sustainable Narratives (VMSN) is a biennial conference that brings together leading academic lights, policy-makers and industry leaders to explore and address the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Please register on our website and for more information > https://www.vichaarmanthan.org ------------------------------------------------------------ Panel Discussion at VMSN22 >> Is Indian History Truly ‘Indian’? Much of our identity is tied into our perception and understanding of our own history, do we ever step back to consider who or what has constructed this history? Or does this even matter? In 1978, Edward Said took the academic world by storm with the publication of Orientalism. Said and subsequent scholars of the postcolonial world have forcefully argued for the centrality of power relations in the construction of knowledge and historical narratives. To what extent is our understanding of India’s past simply a product of the colonial project? What does it mean to decolonise India’s history? If knowledge is simply a product of power, can we ever step out of the “coloniser’s gaze”? Come and join us as we grapple with the impact of India’s colonial past on our ‘idea of India.’ Please register on our website and for more information: https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/vmsn2022 ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explore how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org. Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / RSS Feed / YouTube #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast#podcastrecommendations #podcastlovers #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives2022 #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #vm
VMSN 06 - Introducing Culture & Literature Fireside Conversation: Seeing the Literature From the Scripture - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
10-09-2022
VMSN 06 - Introducing Culture & Literature Fireside Conversation: Seeing the Literature From the Scripture - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
Vichaar Manthan Sustainable Narratives (VMSN) is a biennial conference that brings together leading academic lights, policy-makers and industry leaders to explore and address the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Please register on our website and for more information > https://www.vichaarmanthan.org ------------------------------------------------------------ Fireside Conversation at VMSN22 >> Seeing the Literature from the Scripture Imagine if the Gita was read and experienced as a profound piece of literature, much in the same way as we might read the works of Kalidas, or Shakespeare, or Tolstoy. Imagine if we took the historicity out of the Bible and Qur’an and re-interpreted them as literature from an ancient past that gives us much to contemplate and discover. Are the world's religions too vested in reading texts as scripture, which act as their source of power and legitimacy, when in fact these ought to be taken as literature and freed from religious dogma and interpretation? Come and explore this nuanced and controversial topic. Please register on our website and for more information: https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/vmsn2022 ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explore how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org. Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / RSS Feed / YouTube #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast#podcastrecommendations #podcastlovers #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives2022 #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #vm
VMSN 05 - Introducing Religion Panel Discussion: Does Religion Subjugate Women? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
08-09-2022
VMSN 05 - Introducing Religion Panel Discussion: Does Religion Subjugate Women? - Sustainable Narratives Conference 2022
Vichaar Manthan Sustainable Narratives (VMSN) is a biennial conference that brings together leading academic lights, policy-makers and industry leaders to explore and address the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Please register on our website and for more information > https://www.vichaarmanthan.org Panel Discussion at VMSN22 >> Does Religion Subjugate Women? Throughout history, religion has often engendered patriarchal societies in almost every corner of the globe. Their central scriptures have been interpreted in ways that explicitly and implicitly grant men greater freedoms and social benefits. These interpretations have been maintained across time to the modern day, where we see vastly different levels of gender equality across the world’s civilisations. This is most stark in the Islamic world, but even in societies influenced by Christianity, debates about equality of the sexes are hotly contested. Does the continued prevalence of religion mean that such debates are unsolvable and that women must be relegated to an inferior status? Or is there an alternative? Can dharmic traditions and the application of dharma show the way for a more sustainable approach? Please register on our website and for more information: https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/vmsn2022 ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast, a Vichaar Manthan project looking to explore modern day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explore how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing. Tune in, for an earnest conversation! - Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on podcast@vichaarmanthan.org. Join the conversation at https://www.vichaarmanthan.org/podcast and on all streaming platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / RSS Feed / YouTube #thevmpodcast #vichaarmanthanuk #vichaarmanthan #podcast #dharmicpodcast#podcastrecommendations #podcastlovers #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #sustainableideas #sustainablenarratives2022 #sustainablenarratives #sustainability #listennow #hindudharma #vm