Is the auto rickshaw really Indian? Or did it tuk-tuk its way into our hearts from faraway lands? In the debut episode of That’s The Thing, hosts Jimmy Xavier, Kavya Srinivasan, and Atharva Karandikar go on a rollicking ride through the action-packed history of India’s most iconic three-wheeler. From 19th-century Japan’s human-pulled jinrikshas, to Italy’s buzzing Piaggio Ape, to Bajaj Auto’s desi makeover, they unearth the quirky global roots of the autorickshaw. Discover how freedom fighters introduced the auto to India post-Independence, how e-rickshaws are reshaping public transport, and why we might finally have the ride-hailing revolution we need. Along the way, there’s trivia, movie shout-outs (hello Octopussy and Autoraja), and a peek at how autos are doubling up as mobile homes and healthcare vans. Fast, funny, and packed with trivia, this is a history/culture lesson you’ll want to be stuck in traffic for. Hold tight—this ride has no seatbelts! CREDITS Produced for Radio Azim Premji University

You thought it was Indian? That’s the thing — it might not be! That’s The Thing is a breezy, curiosity-powered podcast from Radio Azim Premji University that takes a closer look at everyday things we proudly call desi. But are they really? Hosts Jimmy Xavier, Kavya Srinivasan, and Atharva Karandikar dive into surprising backstories, spicy trivia, and oddball records behind familiar Indian objects and ideas. Expect playful banter, sharp insights, and the occasional song as the trio plays historical detective, sifting through origin stories and modern myths. It’s history without the homework — a weekly dose of wonder for the endlessly curious. Whether you’re a trivia geek or just nosy about your kitchen shelf, That’s The Thing promises to challenge what you think you know about what’s “Indian.” Produced by Jimmy Xavier for Radio Azim Premji University Credits Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Kishor Mandal, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar

In our daily lives, we often encounter situations where our rights as citizens intersect—or sometimes clash—with the law. While it’s one thing to study the Constitution article by article, it’s quite another to understand the nuances of when and how to exercise those rights. What if you had the chance to call in and consult a constitutional expert? Would that make you more aware of your rights—and more empowered as a citizen? On the occasion of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birthday, we bring you a special episode of Samvidhaani Pitaara that promotes civic awareness. Hello Samvidhaan is a dramatised simulation of a call-in radio show where listeners from across India raise questions about how the Indian Constitution applies to everyday life. A cast of characters present a variety of dilemmas, each met with clear, practical guidance from an expert. One caller is confused about why he can’t use the RTI to find a bride—after all, isn’t the “right to information” supposed to help with everything? A private school teacher is denied paid maternity leave because her contract is ending—can she still claim her rights? A domestic worker from West Bengal, now living in Bengaluru, recounts her ordeal after her husband is falsely accused of theft—how can she access justice without money for legal help? A young schoolboy complains of being beaten and pressured into tuition by his teacher—does he have any say in how he learns? The Indian Constitution is 75 years old, and it’s time citizens embraced its possibilities fully. In Hello Samvidhaan, host Vineet KKN Panchhi reflects on emphasising the importance of not only knowing our rights, but also upholding our duties as citizens. Credits Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Kishor Mandal, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar Acknowledgements Performers: Gulshan Badgujjar, Johanna Lokhande, Hiya Experts: Archana Relan, Geetanjali Prasad, Harsh Gupta, Shivangi Anand

Bengaluru Karaga | ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಕರಗ In this special episode of Noorakke Nooru Karnataka, we step into the heart of one of Bengaluru’s oldest and most vibrant traditions—the Bengaluru Karaga. New host Varsha Ramachandra is joined by historian and storyteller Dharmendra Kumar Arenahalli, who has spent years documenting this unique festival. Held in the lunar month of Chaitra, the Karaga is a spectacular night-time procession through the city’s historic Pete area. At its centre is a flower-adorned Karaga bearer, who channels the spirit of Draupadi, the warrior-goddess from the Mahabharata. We explore how the Thigala community, once caretakers of Bengaluru’s lakes and temple gardens, continue to uphold this tradition even as the city rapidly changes. We also trace the origins of the Karaga, its symbolic rituals like the Gange Puje, and its powerful gesture of interfaith harmony at the Tawakkal Mastan Dargah. Tune in to discover how this living ritual speaks to Bengaluru’s soul—its layered past, its inclusive spirit, and its resilience in the face of constant change. Credits Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Kishor Mandal, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar. ಚೈತ್ರ ಮಾಸದ ಆಗಮನದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಬದಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರವೂ, ನೂರಕ್ಕೆ ನೂರು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲೂ ಹೊಸ ಆತಿಥೇಯರಾಗಿ ವರ್ಷಾ ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ ಹಸ್ತಕ್ಷೇಪಿಸುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಹೊಸ ತಿರುವು ಪಡೆದಿದೆ. 2023ರಿಂದ ಈ ಸರಣಿಯು ಕನ್ನಡದ ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಐಕಾನ್ಗಳನ್ನು ಸ್ಥಳೀಯರು ಹಾಗೂ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕವನ್ನು ತಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡವರಿಗೆ ಪರಿಚಯಿಸುತ್ತ ಬಂದಿದೆ. ಈ ವಿಶೇಷ ಸಂಚಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ, ಇತಿಹಾಸಕಾರ ಹಾಗೂ ಕಥೆಗಾರರಾದ ಧರ್ಮೇಂದ್ರಕುಮಾರ್ ಅರೇನಹಳ್ಳಿ ಅವರು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಕರಗದ ಪಾರಂಪರಿಕ ಮಹತ್ವವನ್ನು ವಿವರಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. 1970ರ ದಶಕದ ಮೈಸೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳೆದ ಅವರು, ಕರಗದ ಕುರಿತು ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಮಾಧ್ಯಮಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ವಿಡಿಯೋಗಳನ್ನು ಪ್ರಕಟಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಮೂರು ಶತಮಾನಗಳಿಂದ ನಡೆಯುವ ಈ ಉತ್ಸವವು ಪೇಟೆ ಪ್ರದೇಶದ ಹೃದಯದಲ್ಲಿ, ದ್ರೌಪದಿಯನ್ನು ಆದಿಶಕ್ತಿಯಾಗಿ ಭಾವಿಸಿ, ತಿಗಳ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ ಪ್ರತಿನಿಧಿಯಾಗಿ ಸಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಗಂಗಾ ಪೂಜೆ, ತವಕ್ಕಲ್ ಮಸ್ತಾನ್ ದರ್ಗಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣುವ ಅಂತರ್ಧರ್ಮೀಯ ಸಹಿಷ್ಣುತೆ ಮತ್ತು ನಗರೀಕರಣದ ನಡುವೆ ಕರಗವು ಭೂಮಿ, ನೀರು, ನಂಬಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ನೆನೆಸುವ ಒಂದು ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಸಂಚಲನೆಯಾಗಿ ಉಳಿದಿದೆ. ಬದಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ನಗರದ ಮಧ್ಯೆ, ಕರಗವು ನೆನಪಿನ ತಂತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಜೀವಂತವಾಗಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತದೆ. ವಿಶ್ವಾಸಪೂರ್ವಕ ನುಡಿಗಳು: ಅಕ್ಷಯ್ ರಾಮುಹಳ್ಳಿ, ಬಿಜೋಯ್ ವೇಣುಗೋಪಾಲ್, ಬ್ರೂಸ್ ಲೀ ಮಣಿ, ಗೋರ್ವೆಕ್ ತೊಕ್ಚೋಮ್, ಕಿಶೋರ್ ಮಂಡಲ್, ನಾರಾಯಣ ಕೃಷ್ಣಸ್ವಾಮಿ, ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ್ ವಾಸುದೇವನ್, ಸಾನಂದ ದಾಸ್‌ಗುಪ್ತ, ಸೀಮಾ ಸೇಠ್, ಶ್ರದ್ಧಾ ಗೌತಮ್, ಸುಪ್ರಿಯಾ ಜೋಶಿ ಮತ್ತು ವೇಲು ಶಂಕರ್.

In Unboxed — The Lightbulb in India, Sharmadip Basu and Proteep Mallik explore the history, science, and legacy of electric lighting in India, joined by guests Antara Das and Sunandan K.N. The electric lightbulb transformed human life, replacing natural cycles of light and darkness and extending human productivity beyond the workday. Early innovations such as Humphry Davy’s arc light (1802) and Warren de la Rue’s platinum filament bulb (1840) were impractical. In 1879, Thomas Edison and Joseph Swan developed longer-lasting carbon filament bulbs. By 1906, tungsten filaments became the standard, and later, argon gas was introduced to extend bulb life. Electric lighting arrived in India in 1879. By 1889, Kolkata had streetlights, and by 1899, its first power station. Mumbai saw electric lighting in 1882, but tungsten filament bulbs became common only by 1923. The Roy brothers helped establish India’s lighting industry with Bengal Lamps. Don’t miss Sunandan’s personal story of electricity reaching his Kerala village in the 1970’s—with an ironic twist! Heard the term social jet-lag? Antara, professor of biology at Azim Premji University, warns about the effects of prolonged exposure to artificial lighting, which disrupts circadian rhythms and affects sleep and health. Ironically, the future of light may eventually lie in darkness. Dark Sky Reserves, such as India’s Hanle Reserve in Ladakh, aim to reduce light pollution and preserve natural nightscapes. Tune in to another illuminating episode of Unboxed and don’t forget to catch up on other episodes in the series. Credits: Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Kishor Mandal, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, Vaishnavi Ramanujam, and Velu Shankar

समुदाय की आवाज़ें | Voices from the Community आज का पत्र है पश्चिमी भारत के लिटल रण ऑफ कच्छ से। शहर और गाँव से मिलों दूर ये एक ऐसी जगह हैं जहा अगारिया समुदाय के लोग नमक की खेती करते हैं। हमारे देश का आधे से ज्यादा नमक यही से इनकी मेहनत से ही आता हैं। यह पत्र विमुक्त जनजाति के एक बुजुर्ग अगारिया का हैं जो मुजे पिछले दस सालों से जानते हैं। मैं एक स्टूडेंट के रूप मे उनको मिला था और बाद मे अपने स्टूडेंट्स को फील्ड के अनुभव के लिए उनके पास ले जाया करता था। इस खत के जरिए वो मेरी और उनकी जिंदगी मे इन सालों मे आए बदलाव की बात कर रहे हैं। हमारे संपर्क के एकतरफ़े रुख से अपनी नाराज़गी जताकर वो इस खत मे उन सभी लोगों से सवाल कर रहे हैं जो समय-समय पर उनके पास जाकर उनसे सवाल पूछते रहे, उनकी कहानिया सुनते रहे, और उनके जीवन के आंकड़ों को लिखते रहे, लेकिन जो कभी वापस नहीं आए – न ही उनकी खबर पूछने आए या ना ही बदलाव की कोई खबर लेकर आए । आइए, सुनते हैं डांट, दर्द, और चाहभरी उनकी दास्तान जिनकी मेहनत से बना नमक हमारे खाने मे स्वाद लाता हैं । - मयूर त्रिवेदी _ In this powerful episode, an Agariya elder from the Little Rann of Kutch shares his frustration with researchers and students who visit his community, collect stories, and then disappear—never returning with news of change. The Agariyas, who produce over half of India’s salt, continue to toil in harsh conditions, earning mere paise per kilo while facing new challenges: government restrictions on their ancestral lands and climate shifts affecting salt production. Through immersive storytelling, the elder’s letter demands accountability, questioning why those who study them never stand by them in times of crisis. “We don’t want to be mere statistics or stories anymore,” he writes. His plea challenges listeners to rethink their role—not just as observers, but as allies in the fight for justice. This episode asks a crucial question: How long will marginalised communities remain subjects of study rather than active participants in shaping their own futures? CREDITS Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Agariya elder voiced by Sanjay Galsar

प्रोफेसर होने के नाते अक्सर युवा, विशेष रूप से '20’s' के लोगों से मेरी गहरी बातचीत होती रहती है। ज्यादातर बच्चे पास में ही चले जाते हैं, कुछ लंबे अरस तक टच में रहते हैं और समय-समय पर जिंदगी के सबक भी शेयर करते हैं। इन एक्स बच्चों की बातें मुझे सबसे ज्यादा आकर्षित करती हैं क्योंकि इनमे मार्क्स, असाइनमेंट और पाठ्यक्रम से ऊपर जीवन की सच्चाई सबसे ज्यादा होती हैं। ऐसी ही एक खास 'लास्ट बेंचर' से आज मुझे एक कहानी मिलती है। दस साल पहले जब वो मेरी दुकान थी तब सब्जेक्ट्स में रुचि नहीं थी। हा, मगर हमारे बीच बातें बहुत होती रहती थीं। आज वो बता रहे हैं पढ़ाई के समय किताबी लीज वाले उन कॉन्सेप्ट्स ने कैसे अपनी खुद की जिंदगी में मायने पाए। 'अनकही आवाजें' में सुनिए शादी और परिवार को लेकर एक युवा, स्वतंत्र, जिम्मेदार महिला की ये कहानी, वही की प्यारी। - मयूर त्रिवेदी — In this deeply personal episode of Likhe Jo Khat Mujhe with Mayur Trivedi, titled Ankahi Awaazein (Unspoken Voices), a former student, Shreya, reconnects with her professor after a decade, sharing a heartfelt reflection on how the lessons from his demography and health economics classes have unexpectedly shaped her understanding of life. Through a recorded letter, she narrates her quiet struggle with infertility, the weight of societal expectations, and the unspoken emotional toll of reproductive choices. Once a self-proclaimed “last bencher,” Shreya remembers feeling detached from discussions about population, opportunity costs, and reproductive autonomy. At the time, those concepts seemed distant from her vibrant college life, filled with friendships, love, and a sense of limitless possibilities. Years later, after an eight-year relationship, four years of marriage, and an exhausting journey through IVF, Shreya sees those lessons in an entirely different light. Carefully made choices—waiting for family approval, planning responsibly—have led to an unforeseen reality: a long, painful wait for motherhood. CREDITS Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar To know Shreya’s full story, listen to the episode and read more on our website.

Mirza Ghalib, one of Urdu’s greatest poets, masterfully wove metaphysical reflections into his verse, questioning the nature of reality, existence, and perception. On the occasion of his 156th death anniversary, we revisit his poetry through a selection of verses from Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota: The World of Ghalib, a six-part series presented by Amit Basole, a poetry aficionado and faculty in economics at Azim Premji University. Ghalib’s poetry often challenges our understanding of the visible and the hidden, suggesting that what appears before us may, in fact, conceal a deeper truth. One of his celebrated verses plays with paradoxes, exploring the idea that ultimate reality is hidden in plain sight. Through close readings, this episode unpacks such layered meanings, drawing connections to philosophical traditions and his poetic predecessors. We also examine Ghalib’s playful yet profound manipulation of language, which reflects on existence and divinity with deceptive simplicity. Whether through paradox, wordplay, or existential musings, Ghalib’s poetry remains an endless source of interpretation and wonder—an invitation to look beyond the obvious and glimpse the hidden truths of the universe. Amit Basole explains three Ghalib poems in this bonus episode. If you enjoyed these excerpts, you’ll find more to love as you explore the series on Radio Azim Premji University. Credits Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Kishor Mandal, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar

बचपन में जिन माँ-बाप की बातें पत्थर की लकीर लगती थीं, बड़े होकर उन्हीं से असहमति होने लगती है। विचारों की यह खाई अकादमिक दुनिया से जुड़े लोगों के लिए और गहरी हो जाती है, जब उनके सिद्धांत घर की हकीकत से टकराते हैं। “दिल की आवाज़ें” एपिसोड में एक माँ अपने बेटे—जो जेंडर स्टडीज के प्रोफेसर हैं—से अपने जीवन के संघर्ष साझा करती हैं। वह बताती हैं कि समाज की पहचान केवल किताबों से नहीं, बल्कि जीवन के अनुभवों से भी बनती है। माँ की बातों में एक हल्का-सा उलाहना भी है—“तुम पढ़कर जेंडर सिखाते हो, हम जीकर सीखते हैं। शायद मेरी ज़िंदगी के नोट्स तुम्हारी क्लासरूम में काम आएं।” बड़ा होने के साथ-साथ हम अपने माता-पिता को सुनना कम कर देते हैं, जिससे वे धीरे-धीरे चुप हो जाते हैं। लेकिन इस एपिसोड में, एक माँ यह चुप्पी तोड़ती हैं—प्यार, फिक्र और समझ के साथ। सुनिए “दिल की आवाज़ें”, “लिखे जो खत मुझे” के एपिसोड 3 में, सिर्फ़ रेडियो अज़ीम प्रेमजी यूनिवर्सिटी पर। ____________ In Dil Ki Awaazein (Sounds of the Heart), a mother shares her struggles with her son, a gender studies professor, offering a personal perspective on societal identity. She highlights the gap between academic theories and lived realities, reminding him, “You study gender; we women live it.” As children grow, they often stop listening to their parents, silencing them unintentionally. In this poignant episode, the mother breaks that silence—chiding yet understanding. She urges her son to keep learning, just as she continues to evolve. Listen to Episode 3 of Likhe Jo Khat Mujhe on Radio Azim Premji University. CREDITS Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Gorveck Thokchom, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar Mother voiced by M Joshi Himani

नमस्कार। हमारे रिसर्च के काम मैं एक एथ्नोग्राफी नाम की पद्धति हैं जिस मे रिसर्चर किसी एक समुदाय के लोगों के जीवन को समझने के लिए उन लोगों के बीच जाकर उन्हीं की तरह जीता हैं, और उन निजी अनुभवों से अपने निष्कर्ष निकालता है। मेरा ऐसा एक काम मुजे गीर फॉरेस्ट ले गया जहां सदियों से इंसान और उनके मवेशी Asiatic Lions के साथ शहर-गाँव से दूर जंगल की बीचोंबीच रहेते हैं। उन मालधारी समुदाय के साथ रह के मैंने ये जाना की शहर से दूर प्रकृति के साथ जीने वाले वनवासी लोग अपने जीवन के निर्णय कैसी कैसी मान्यताओं, जरूरतों, अनुभवों या मूल्यों के आधार पर लेते हैं। ‘जंगल की आवाजे’ नाम के इस एपिसोड मे सुनिए गीर नेशनल पार्क के भीतर से भिखाभाई मालधारी का एक पत्र जिसमे वो मुजे पॉपुलेशन कंट्रोल, सन परेफ़रस, और बेटी बचाओ के बारे मे अपने खयालात बता रहे हैं। — मयूर त्रिवेदी ______ The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save Daughters, Educate Daughters) campaign by the Government of India aims to address the issue of the declining child sex ratio. However, implementing such well-meaning initiatives often runs into resistance among communities where traditions and livelihoods are deeply intertwined. To truly understand their opposition to these programmes, one must be intimately sensitive to the everyday lives of these communities. In this episode of Likhe Jo Khat Mujhe, host Mayur Trivedi, a public health researcher who teaches at Azim Premji University, Bhopal, shares a heartfelt fictional letter from Bhikhabhai, a Maldhari shepherd who lives in the Gir Forest. Bhikhabhai recounts his interactions with the researcher, who had spent time with him and his community during an ethnographic field visit. Unlike other researchers, who kept their distance from the subjects of their fieldwork, this person had lived among the Maldhari people, sharing their meals and witnessing their daily struggles. This exchange left a lasting impression on Bhikhabhai, who pondered over the researcher’s advice to him about his preference for sons over daughters. In his letter to the researcher, Bhikhabhai reflects on this sensitive issue, which is rooted in the unique challenges of his jungle-based lifestyle. He explains how their survival depends on cattle, community ties, and traditional roles. In his pastoral community, having a son is not viewed as a rejection of daughters, but a necessity to ensure economic continuity, care in old age, and social acceptance. In Junglon Ki Awaazein, Mayur Trivedi invites listeners of Likhe Jo Khat Mujhe to reflect on their inherent cultural biases and blind spots, and reexamine how the life choices of remote communities are often determined by necessity rather than intent. CREDITS Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Maldhari shepherd voiced by Gopal Hari Visit our website for more information: https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/radio-azim-premji-university