Desi Academia Podcast

Desi Academia Podcast

By Desi Academia PodcastScience
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Desi Academia Podcast episodes

  • Supplementary Materials 1- "I have built my life and career on lies and fraud"

    DAP "Supplementary Materials" is a new subset of conversations that just can't be fit anywhere else.


    This first episode is an unplanned and unserious conversation with friend-of-the-pod Harsha, on an admission scam that [the scamster] broke on Reddit, plus a million tangents.


    Megh and Harsha read the young student's account of his actions, his analysis of academia and admissions in India and the US, and the pressure put on depressed Indian teenagers to chase an image of success that they know is not real.


    BORU link

    1 hr 18 min
  • S5E4: Researching the personal and the public with Kaustub Naik
    In this episode of DAP we sit down with our guest and a friend of the pod, Kaustub Naik. A scholar and historian, Kautubh's academic journey spans the intriguing transition from STEM to MPhil in Theatre and Performance Studies at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania.
    We discuss Kautubh's deeply personal motivations for studying the history of Portuguese colonialism in Southwestern India. As always, we also discuss his research methodology and the research "deliverables." Kaustubh also shares his first hand experience of JNU and how that defined his research trajectory. Join us as we discuss all this and more!
    Recommendations
    Megh
    Lingthusiasm E88: No such thing as the oldest language https://soundcloud.com/lingthusiasm
    Towards acoustic monitoring of bees: wingbeat sounds are related to species and individual traits https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2023.0111
    Why doing social science research is difficult in India today https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01214-1
    Producing and consuming desi gay porn in India https://www.queerbeat.org/stories/producing-and-consuming-desi-gay-porn-in-india
    Stardew Valley, october update
    Kaustub
    Fernando Pessoa, The Book of Disquiet trans. Richard Zenith
    Poetry of Namdeo, Arun Kuladkar
    Vilas Sarang
    Prachi Deshpande Creative Past
    Sara Maaza Thinking About History
    History and Historiography in Modern India
    Movie- Bakurao
    Movie In the House (French)
    Movie- A Touch of Sin
    Movie- Maamla Legal Hai
    Vatsal
    Evil Genius
    https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/11/astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-jab-coronavirus-saved-lives-humanitarian-crises
    2 hr 39 min
  • S5E3- Sociology and the research of human realities with Rituparna Patgiri

    In this episode, we get a masterclass in sociology research from the expert Dr. Rituparna Patgiri.

    Dr. Patgiri is an Assistant Professor of Sociology in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. Apart from academics, Dr. Patgiri is also actively involved in Science communication and outreach for sociology. To learn more about her stellar work, please visit https://doingsociology.org/our-team/

    • Recommendations

      • Rituparna’s Work:

        • Precarity in the Sociology Job Market in India https://www.miamisocialsciences.org/home/uhkj5o7vyr0mxy5p43f9l1z6cdmiig

        • Community Building and Exclusion: The Role of Food in University Hostels in New Delhi https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12115-022-00761-5

        • Megh

          • The Fabulous and the Fascist https://verfassungsblog.de/the-fabulous-and-the-fascist/

          • Maggie Makar receives NSF CAREER Award to develop machine learning models backed by causal reasoning Maggie Makar receives NSF CAREER Award to develop machine learning models backed by causal reasoning

          • Know Your Enemy podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jHnXfTVzITj32CVdESwam


          • Rituparna

            • The Sociological Mind CW Wills

            • The New Books Network https://newbooksnetwork.com/

            • Stories by Rabindranath Tagore https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4853764/

            • Vatsal

              • Your genes may influence how much you enjoy listening to music: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2427096-your-genes-may-influence-how-much-you-enjoy-listening-to-music/

                • Distinct genetic pathways to music enjoyment: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.04.588094v1

                1 hr 30 min
              • S5E2- Political Theory and Philosophy with Ankit Kawade
                In this episode, we are joined by Ankit Kawade, a PhD student at the Centre for Political Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Ankit shares his academic journey, focusing on his expertise in political philosophy and comparative literature . He explores the fascinating intersection of philosophers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Friedrich Nietzsche, and their relevance to India’s modern history.
                Ankit discusses his research questions, the process of developing them, and the methodologies he employs to seek answers. We delve into the significance of humanities research and the various tangible and intangible outcomes it can produce. Additionally, Ankit provides an insider's perspective on the workings of JNU, offering a unique narrative of this prestigious institution. Join us for a compelling discussion on these topics and more.
                Recommendations:
                JNU sits on Dalit scholar’s research, no advisor: https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/dalit-phd-scholar-left-in-lurch-as-jawaharlal-nehru-university-sits-on-thesis/cid/2001649
                UGC removes draft guidelines on de-reservation of posts after activists condemn move: see https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/ugc-removes-draft-guidelines-on-de-reservation-of-posts-after-activists-condemn-move
                How India can become a science powerhouse https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01088-3
                What the India election means for science https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00956-2
                Canadian science gets biggest boost to PhD and postdoc pay in 20 years https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01124-2
                The TESCREAL bundle: Eugenics and the promise of utopia through artificial general intelligence https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/13636/11606
                Contrapoints, Envy https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DaPhrTOg1RUk&ved=2ahUKEwi11tmI5YOGAxWiM0QIHRoQCC8QtwJ6BAgVEAI&usg=AOvVaw3cEYzM2pV4dv2hGch0g0lC
                Everest Fish Curry Masala recalled in Singapore for pesticide concerns https://www.business-standard.com/amp/india-news/everest-fish-curry-masala-recalled-in-singapore-for-pesticide-concerns-124042000435_1.html
                Nestlé’s baby food sold in Asian, African countries had added sugars: Why is sugar harmful? https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/nestle-sugar-baby-food-india-asia-africa-harmful-9278215/
                Movie: Anatomy of a Fall
                Feminist Interpretations of Friedrich Nietzsche, Edited by Kelly Oliver and Marilyn Pearsall
                The Cracked Mirror by Sarukai, Gopalguru
                Practicing Caste: on touching and not touching https://www.fordhampress.com/9780823282265/practicing-caste/
                Age of Entanglement, Chris Manjapra: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674725140
                Eating and Eating With the Dalit,  Aniket Javre
                Movie: Amar Singh Chamkila
                2 hr 16 min
              • S5E1 - Researching an Indic past with Dr. Ruchika Sharma

                In this episode of DAP, we are joined by Dr. Ruchika Sharma, a Historian and a prolific YouTuber responsible for the channel “Eyeshadow and Etihaas." We delve into Dr. Sharma's journey through academia, from her foundational years of schooling to her PhD at JNU.

                We discuss the intricacies of historical research methodologies, from framing the research questions to framing conclusions and unraveling the complexities of architectural studies. Join us as Dr. Sharma gives us a masterclass on how research is done in history!


                Recommendations:

                • UK Reproducibility network: Winners of the Dorothy Bishop Prize https://www.ukrn.org/2024/03/28/winners-of-the-2024-dorothy-bishop-prize/
                • Series: Maniac

                • The wellness bro https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/28/podcaster-andrew-huberman-goop-for-bros

                • Alcohol Use and Mortality Among Older Couples in the United States: Evidence of Individual and Partner Effects: https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article-abstract/64/2/gnad101/7230161

                • A Strange Thing Happens When You And Your Partner Drink Alcohol Over Time https://www.sciencealert.com/a-strange-thing-happens-when-you-and-your-partner-drink-alcohol-over-time

                • The works of Wendy Doniger, DN Jha, Sanjay Subramanian
                • Ring of Truth- Scroll review https://scroll.in/article/843372/the-ring-making-women-adulterous-and-men-faithful-since-the-birth-of-patriarchy
                • Elephants and Kings: An Environmental History by Thomas R. Trautmann https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/E/bo20273102.html
                • Emergence of the Delhi Sultanate: AD 1192-1286 by Sunil Kumar https://www.abebooks.com/9788178243061/Emergence-Delhi-Sultanate-1192-1286-Sunil-8178243067/plp
                  • 2 hr 8 min
                • S4E4-Doctoral Home Stretch with Vatsal

                  In this episode, we discuss Vatsal’s final year in his PhD program, as he grounds himself in his research to transform his results into a camera-ready manuscript, and a 200-odd page dissertation. We talk about the Pandemic and its impact on his dissertation timeline, his support system, his defense, his next steps and That Feeling When It’s Over!


                  Recommendations:

                  • PCSK7: A novel regulator of apolipoprotein B and a potential target against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026049523003402

                    • The Rookie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7587890/

                    • The Ministry for the Future: https://subterraneanpress.com/robinson-tmftf/

                      • Love Lies Bleeding

                        • India: Authorities Revoke Visa Privileges of Diaspora Critics https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/03/17/india-authorities-revoke-visa-privileges-diaspora-critics

                        • Mapping the Indian Manosphere https://lifestyle.livemint.com/news/big-story/india-manosphere-mens-rights-influencers-gender-divide-111709889805465.html

                        • The bioethics of skeletal anatomy collections from India https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45738-6

                        • Generative AI has a language problem https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01716-4

                          • Babies Made to Order

                          • A Dalit-Queer critique of Lihaf recovers a world of meaning lost in its translation, reminding us that desirability is shaped by caste.

                          • Notable Sanwiches- The Hot Dog: https://buttondown.email/theswordandthesandwich/archive/notable-sandwiches-89-hot-dog/

                            • 1 hr 11 min
                          • S4E3- Mandal, Mandir and the 90s with Sunil Menon and Indranil Dutta

                            Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we explore the intersection of academia and politics with our guests from Jawaharlal Nehru University. From the Mandal Commission to the Mandir movement, we delve into some pivotal moments that shaped India's socio-political landscape.

                            With our guests, we engage in a discourse on the "politics of the moral" and the emergence of militarized Hindutva, reflecting on its impact on society and academia alike. Join us as we discover firsthand experiences of academics as they navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives while engaging with politics in the 90s and beyond.
                            Tune in for insightful discussions and candid reflections on the challenges and opportunities of academia in a politically charged world.

                            Recommendations

                            Megh

                            • Has Uttar Pradesh’s economy surpassed Tamil Nadu?: https://frontline.thehindu.com/economy/uttar-pradesh-economy-comparison-with-tamil-nadu-south-india/article67821390.ece
                            • https://www.newslaundry.com/2024/02/16/an-absolutely-apolitical-space-why-jindal-university-suspended-two-students-this-week

                              • Vatsal

                              • Eyeshadow & Etihaas with Dr. Ruchika Sharma - YouTube
                                • 1 hr 46 min
                              • S4E2- Desi Queerness and Academic Feminism with Meghana

                                Join us for Episode 2 of this season as we delve into the unique experiences of being Queer and Desi in academia with Meghana and Harsha. Tune in as we try to explore the intersections of identity, culture, and academia.


                                Recommendations:

                                • Megh

                                  • The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India Shailaja Paik https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=34163

                                  • https://reeserichardson.blog/2024/01/30/the-king-of-curcumin-a-case-study-in-the-consequences-of-large-scale-research-fraud/

                                  • American Fiction

                                    • https://tiff.net/events/american-fiction

                                  • Irrational Man

                                  • https://theprint.in/ground-reports/this-indian-watchdog-is-cleaning-up-mess-in-academia-falsification-fabrication-fraud/1933904/

                                  • Vatsal

                                    • Haldi scandal https://theprint.in/science/inside-indian-american-biochemists-haldi-swindle-that-proposed-spice-as-cancer-hack/1950784/

                                    • Podcast: Fall of civilizations 

                                    • Harsha

                                      • Ted Talk  by Brené Brown https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en

                                      • Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

                                      • Meghana

                                        • Lisa Douggan- beyond the same sex marriage

                                        • Twilight of inequality

                                        • Bottoms

                                        • Poor Things

                                          • 1 hr 29 min
                                        • S4E1- Conversation around Drug discovery Ft. Harsha

                                          In this episode, we discuss Harsha's academic journey in veterinary pathogen research and what led to his Ph.D. studies. We also discuss how our research intersects with Drug discovery and simultaneously go over some of the basics of this process.


                                          Recommendations

                                          • Megh

                                            • Business Standard, Jan 27th “Debt, drinking, and decisions”

                                            • The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India (South Asia in Motion) Shailaja Paik

                                            • Deep dive into international adoptions:

                                              • Norway considers halting overseas adoptions as Denmark’s only international agency winds down work https://apnews.com/article/norway-adoptions-thailand-taiwan-philippines-south-korea-60424884735b363de32bfe3d16160a24

                                              • https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/canada-ban-adoption-muslim-countries-1.7087142

                                              • Guardian investigation: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/11/the-children-who-say-they-were-wrongly-taken-for-adoption

                                              • Vatsal

                                                • Leave the world behind, Netflix

                                                • Science Communicators: John and Hank Green

                                                • Harsha

                                                  • Explaining Life through Evolution by Prosanta Chakrabarty


                                                    • 1 hr 59 min
                                                  • S3E3 - The Academic Journey: From Entry to Exit. Ft. Ajay

                                                    In this episode of DAP, we discuss Ajay's academic journey and what came after it. We delve into many anecdotes and certain inevitable intricacies of academia like mandated fees, stipends, thesis writing, and tenure-track applications that shape the academic landscape.


                                                    Recommendations:

                                                    • Megh:

                                                      • Bumble dating survey trends: https://mashable.com/article/bumble-top-dating-trends-2024

                                                      • Arranged on Amazon Prime

                                                      • Research assistant wanted: The outsourcing of intellectual labour reveals academia’s colonial roots https://scroll.in/article/1061526/research-assistant-wanted-the-outsourcing-of-intellectual-labour-reveals-academias-colonial-roots

                                                      • Hbomberguy: Plagiarism and You(tube)

                                                      • Vatsal

                                                        • Exclusive Paper Mill articles Buoyed Spanish Deans Research Output: https://retractionwatch.com/2024/01/18/exclusive-paper-mill-articles-buoyed-spanish-deans-research-output/

                                                        • Listening to Grasshoppers: Field Notes on Democracy by Arundhati Roy

                                                        • Ajay

                                                          • Complications by Atul Gawande

                                                            • 1 hr 47 min

                                                          About Desi Academia Podcast

                                                          From the publisher's feed

                                                          A space for discussing the trials and tribulations that make research and academic life interesting. This podcast offers the perspective of early-career Desi researchers navigating their futures both…