Center for New Economics Studies

In this episode of InterLinked, we delve into the hidden geographies of urban life — the communities, crafts, and labor often overlooked in mainstream narratives of development. Shivali Yadav is in conversation with Namesh Killemsetty, a researcher whose work bridges urban studies, policy analysis, and community-led action.

Together, they unpack the ethical and practical questions surrounding the representation of slum dwellers and artisan collectives in academic research and policy spaces. The discussion moves from the struggles of eviction and the complexities of humane resettlement, to the role of feminist ethnography in making research more accountable to the people it seeks to represent.

Drawing from his fieldwork in slum communities and craft clusters, Namesh shares how a participatory, bottom-up approach can reshape both policymaking and urban imagination. The episode also reflects on how city planning, especially under the guise of ‘beautification,’ often hides the very people whose labor sustains it.

Tune in for a conversation that challenges the way we think about cities — and whose stories get to shape them.

In this podcast, hosted by Geetaali Malhotra,we dive into the complex realities of informal labor in a rapidly changing world. Our guest, Ms. Ashika Thomas, Junior Research and Evaluation Officer at NSPCC discusses on how policies, technology, and urban planning shape the lives of those often left out of formal systems ,be it gig workers ,street vendors or unbanked entrepreneurs. As economies recover and evolve, we ask whether informality should be formalized, reimagined, or protected and what a fair future of work truly looks like.

In this series, the team has a discussion with Aatika Singh, a PhD candidate in the Department of Art and History at Stanford, explores the intersection of art, politics, and marginalization. Aatika shares how her journey from studying law to engaging with art and activism shaped her understanding of public spaces and the struggles of Dalit students. Her experiences in Kolkata and Delhi revealed the role of placemaking in challenging discrimination and reclaiming accessible spaces for marginalized communities. Through this conversation, we examine how Dalit artisans navigate their identities and histories through artistic expression, using their craft as a means of storytelling and resistance.

In this compelling episode of InterLinked, we explore the intersection of gender, labor, and economic agency in India’s informal sector. Shivali Yadav is joined by Ms. Hima Trisha, a researcher with extensive experience in gender studies, labor sociology, and the preservation of traditional crafts.

Through an insightful discussion, we examine the structural inequalities shaping informal work, the resilience of women navigating precarious labor markets, and the evolving role of artisanal work in economic empowerment. Ms. Trisha shares her fieldwork experiences with rural-urban migrant workers and craft communities, shedding light on how gender dynamics influence economic opportunities.

From factory floors to home-based textile artisans in Assam, we discuss whether community-led initiatives can provide sustainable alternatives to exploitative labor structures, policy interventions and the importance of feminist ethnography.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions and highlights the power of research and advocacy in bridging the gap between legal frameworks and lived realities.

In this compelling episode of InterLinked, we explore the intersection of climate justice and women’s economic agency, focusing on how policies can move beyond inclusion to foster meaningful leadership. Shivali Yadav is joined by Ms. Mamta Borgoyary, a development sector leader with extensive experience in climate resilience, gender equity, and sustainable livelihoods.

Through an insightful discussion, we examine the structural barriers preventing women from leading climate action, the pitfalls of tokenistic inclusion, and the need for policies that empower women as decision-makers rather than passive beneficiaries. Ms. Borgoyary shares her experiences working with indigenous and rural communities, shedding light on how women’s leadership can drive innovative, localized climate solutions.

From climate financing gaps to the role of self-help groups in fostering economic resilience, we discuss how grassroots movements are reclaiming agency, why representation is not enough, and the urgent need for intersectional approaches in climate governance.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional climate policies and highlights the power of women-led solutions in building a just and sustainable future.

In this episode of Swabhimaan’s podcast, we explore how gender and nationalism intertwine, shaping identities, politics, and societal expectations. From the feminization of nations to the phrase “our women,” we examine how nationalist narratives reinforce patriarchal control, turning women into symbols of honor, purity, and sacrifice. Through historical examples, literature, and global politics, we unpack how gendered rhetoric justifies power structures, war, and even economic policies. Join Shivali Yadav, Meher Biswas, and Aanchal Megan Menezes as they delve into the paradox of women as both revered and restricted figures in nationalist discourse.

In this episode, hosted by Geetaali Malhotra, we explore the global impact of Trump’s foreign policy. Our guest, Prof. Sanitya Kalika, Assistant Professor of International Law and Global Politics at Jindal Global Law School, brings his expertise in diplomacy and international law to discuss Trump’s "America First" doctrine, U.S. policies on Gaza and the ICC, the evolving U.S.-Russia dynamic amid the Ukraine war, and India’s strategic position in a shifting global order. Tune in as we break down these critical geopolitical shifts.

In this thought-provoking episode, Shivali Yadav engages with Stefan Ziegler, a humanitarian advocate and award-winning documentary filmmaker with over 25 years of experience in international law and diplomacy. Having worked with organizations like UNRWA, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the EU, Ziegler sheds light on the intersection of humanitarianism, advocacy, and film in shaping global narratives.

Through an insightful discussion, we explore Ziegler’s experiences in conflict zones such as Palestine and Ukraine, the instrumentalization of humanitarian aid, and the role of advocacy in international law. He also delves into the power of documentary filmmaking as a tool for awareness and action, highlighting his films Broken: A Palestinian Journey Through International Law and The Mandate. This episode unpacks how international law is not just for diplomats and judges but is ultimately owned by civil society, and how education and participatory research can bridge the gap between legal frameworks and real-world impact.

In this enriching conversation, Gurnaaz Kaur engages with Ms. Nancy Hollander, an internationally recognised American criminal defence lawyer and human rights activist, best known for representing two detainees from Guantanamo Bay for being allegedly involved in the 9/11 attack. She was portrayed by actress Jodie Foster in the 2021 film The Mauritanian about the case of her client Mohamedou Ould Slahi. She won Ms. Manning’s release in 2017 when President Obama commuted her sentence, as for more than four decades she has been representing individuals involved in national security issues.

This episode dwells into the intricacies of the case of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, the detainee captured for his alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks and Al Qaeda as he was held captive for 14 years without charge. We discuss the repercussions of the Guantanamo Bay prison on US Foreign Relations and its impact on diplomatic relations along with the horrifying human right violations taking place at the conflict arena. Ms. Hollander imparts her expert views on global security and counterterrorism effects.

Para-diplomacy, defined as the engagement of sub-national actors in international relations, has gained significant traction in India, reflecting a broader trend towards decentralized foreign policy. This discussion aims to critically analyze the recent developments in para-diplomacy within India, assess their significance, and explore how these changes are reshaping India's foreign policy and global engagement.