In this powerful Episode 6, we were honored to host renowned artist Adeel Afzal for a Punjabi podcast titled "Mai Nahi Mannda'" (I Do Not Agree). As a master storyteller, Adeel shared his insights into the ancient South Asian culture of storytelling, tracing its roots from the Persian epics and Sufi tales to the fields of Punjab, emphasizing how these narratives carry deep, often religious, and cultural messages.

The discussion also revolved around the heavy burden of representation that artists from Pakistan often carry, where we feel compelled to constantly provide explanations and condemnations just to be heard. This led us to a crucial point about generational inheritance: many feel they have inherited a legacy of hatred and conflict].

We concluded by advocating for a path of peaceful transition and a shift in community direction. We stressed that true progress requires better communication, more collaboration across art, education, and trade, and a conscious effort to stop passing down the narrative of hatred and war to the next generation

You can find the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySuB2-R3d6E

In this heartfelt and extended Episode 5, we were joined by Mahnoor Khan, the founder of Virasat Toronto, for a conversation on finding a sense of "home" through culture and art. Mahnoor, originally from Lahore but having spent much of her life moving between there and Toronto, shared her deeply personal experience of feeling lost and struggling to find her footing in a new country.

We discussed the crucial role of artistic expression in navigating this displacement. Mahnoor recounted her journey from pursuing "real" degrees like Political Science to ultimately embracing her passion for film, theatre, and the arts. This led to the founding of Virasat Toronto, an organization dedicated to creating a cultural space for the community.

We concluded with an urgent call to action: for high-quality art to exist, it requires robust community support. Mahnoor stressed that support isn't just financial; it's about donating time, logistical help, and leveraging your personal strengths to uplift your community and its artists. It's about making a concerted effort for "our village."

In this special and much-needed Episode 4, we sit down for an in-depth interview with Bikram Kullewalia from the Naojwan Support Network (NSN) to discuss the urgent case of PGWP holders' rights and demands. We open by analyzing the impactful recent protest on June 2nd, stressing a core message: international students are primarily workers, and the issues they face—exploitation, underfunded colleges, and overcrowding—are universal struggles caused by systemic greed.

Bikram shares with us the origin and vital work of NSN, an organization dedicated to fighting for the rights of migrant workers. We discuss the critical need for organization, mounting a powerful public campaign, and taking direct action to combat the legal loopholes that enable employer exploitation. Ultimately, we emphasize that now is the time for our community to wake up, show empathy, and focus on the positive, grassroots movements that are building a more equitable system.

You can find the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35WNe_WXHAY

In our latest episode, "Echoes of History: Nationalism, Borders, Mutual Aid, and Cooperative Narratives," we explored wide-ranging topics in social and political philosophy. We began by affirming the recent international student protests as a necessary collective action to combat exploitation and stand up for rights.

The conversation quickly shifted to a critique of media bias, where we argued that genuine journalism is compromised when reporters approach stories with a pre-assumed agenda or omit facts to manipulate the narrative. This led us to a deep analysis of nationalism, which we described as a "disease" rooted in xenophobia, shortsightedness, and a lack of historical context. We contrasted this with republicanism as a more positive form of collective action, dedicated to anti-imperialism and the promotion of democracy.

As a path forward, we advocated for a system of Mutual Aid, a cooperative social structure rooted in philosophical theory, that prioritizes collective well-being over individual competition and greed. We concluded by emphasizing that significant change requires strong, collective institutional action and a commitment to moving away from colonial mindsets.

You can find the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DW9eiEHAhs

In this crucial Episode 2, titled "Hunger Strike in PEI," we speak with Manpreet from M.Y.S.O. (Maritime Youth Support Organization) about the ongoing protests by international students and workers in Prince Edward Island. Manpreet describes the organizing efforts as a shared struggle, with M.Y.S.O. providing support and consultation to the workers who are leading the movement.

She detailed the core issue driving the protests: the drastic change in PEI's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rules in July 2023. These changes transitioned the system to a points-based program, rendering it nearly impossible for many students—especially those with only a high school education and lower IELTS scores—to qualify for permanent residency, despite having worked in critical sectors.

Manpreet also shared her personal experience, noting that despite a recent injury and her own ongoing PR process, she felt compelled to join the protest, even participating in a symbolic hunger fast for nine hours. She concludes that while PEI is a naturally peaceful and welcoming place, the new policies have created significant hardship for the community.

You can find the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW9kVZvn128

"Case of International Students," features a detailed conversation between us about our experiences as international students in Canada, primarily those from the Indian community. We share personal anecdotes about our initial struggles in the country and discuss the surprising negative sentiment and discrimination we faced from within our own community, including accusations of taking away jobs. The discussion then broadens to analyze the current political climate, framing the growing public resentment against international students as a political strategy to divert attention from policy failures and divide the working class, a phenomenon we liken to historical scapegoating. We emphasize the crucial role of media platforms and organization efforts in challenging these narratives, raising awareness, and advocating for positive change regarding issues like expiring work permits and provincial nominee programs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td1LojzYaMM

This snippet from the movie "The Party" paints a good picture about what Awaaz Radio Podcast is all about. The right questions with so many answers.