In the last episode of Season 1 of Vitra, Nilanjana Dey discusses the entire journey of this podcast, right from its conception to the diverse range of guests that shared their journeys on the various episodes. And she also takes this moment to recount the common themes and interconnecting threads that emerged across the various topics and conversations. From how purpose and meaning drive every guest’s action, to how social change and mental health have become an integral part of our society, she discusses it all. She ends the episode with a promise to return with a new season, new guests, and new conversations!

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Nilanjana Dey: https://instagram.com/nilanjana_dey

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

If there is one industry in India that holds the highest degree of appeal, it is the film industry. While it usually finds itself deep in some controversy or another, it also attracts countless minds to its world, and not because of the glamour or star power attributed to it, but rather because of the love for stories. This same love brought Ashish Aryan, writer and director of feature film Kanpuriye, to Bombay ten years ago. And in this episode, Nilanjana Dey sits down with him to understand the struggles he faced, both societal and within the industry to reach his current position, and what he feels is essential to make it in ‘Bollywood’, or rather, to fulfill any dream that one might have. They discuss his journey, which can itself be adapted into a movie, and why his writing and films are directed towards representing reality, one that is usually dismissed from the big screens in the Hindi film industry.

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Ashish Aryan: https://twitter.com/saneemaboy

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Going beyond the simple love for books and swapping recommendations, Nilanjana Dey sits down with Mridula Koshy, a writer and library movement activist, to talk about the relationship between reading and societal development. They discuss what ‘reading’ means for us, why easy access to reading facilitates individual growth, and how community libraries can be the key to democratizing access. Mridula shares personal anecdotes, her experience of running a library, and the impact it has created to truly highlight the power of community libraries in a world which should be taking more from books than it currently does.

The Community Library Project: https://www.thecommunitylibraryproject.org/

Volunteer: https://www.thecommunitylibraryproject.org/volunteer/

Donate: https://www.thecommunitylibraryproject.org/donate-to-us/

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Mridula Koshy: https://www.facebook.com/mridulakoshypage/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In a world where it seems like everyone is talking all at once, what does it mean to be quiet? That’s exactly what Nilanjana Dey and Anoushka Mudgil talk about in this episode of Vitra. From the judgments introverts face for being their reserved selves, to the internal monologues that go on in an introvert's mind, they cover it all. They share their own experiences, both inside and outside the workplace, how difficult it can be to put across one’s point of view in a group gathering, and why being an introvert does not mean the absence of confidence! Through their personal journeys, they stress upon why it is important for the world to accept introverts the way they are, and how by doing so, we can create comfortable spaces for everyone, without judgement or negative perceptions.

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Anoushka Mudgil: https://www.instagram.com/anoushkamudgil/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

With one in seven Indians facing mental health challenges, it becomes crucial that all of us become more aware about what mental health really entails and work towards normalizing conversations around it. With this motivation, Nilanjana invites Dr. Syeda Ruksheda, an eminent Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, to learn more about mental health and well being, and how as individuals and a community, we can work towards recognizing and providing the right resources to everyone in need. We also talk about the stigma attached to mental illnesses and its harmful nature, actionable insights for becoming mental health allies, steps employers can take to nurture positive attitude towards mental health, and more.

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Connect with us: @Niswey (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)

Dr. Syeda Ruksheda: https://www.instagram.com/ruksheda.psychiatrist/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Youth is seen to be the future of the world, but in today’s time, a major section of the younger generation is striving to transform the present. Amidst revolutions, protests, and social change being demanded by youngsters, Nilanjana invites Anisha Gupta and Rachit Sharma, members of Youth Alliance of India to discuss what inspires people to drive change. From why there exists a disconnect between the actual and imagined reality of the world amongst some members of the youth, how a change in the education system can evolve the situation greatly, to why shifting the economic lens is necessary for transformational change, they discuss it all. Going into their own journeys, they talk about the relevance of curiosity and willingness to listen, and how by knowing and being one’s true self, we can help bring about change in the world.

Youth Alliance: https://www.youthallianceofindia.org/

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Anisha Gupta: https://www.instagram.com/anishayayyeee/

Rachit Sharma: https://www.instagram.com/wrachit_sharma/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

With our planet standing on the brink of climate collapse, young activists marching the streets demanding corrections and preventive actions, Nilanjana sits down for a conversation with Meenakshi Sharma, Founder at Use Me Works. From what living sustainably means, how small individual steps can actually make a difference, to what we can do to inculcate sustainability in our own lives, they talk about it all. They discuss how Meenakshi’s childhood love for nature and crafting have contributed to her current path dedicated towards raising awareness about the environment through her products and workshops. Why a mindset shift is essential before starting one’s journey towards sustainable living. And how together, we can change the current course and make the world a better place for all.

Resource: https://tinyurl.com/Vitra-Ep7

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Connect with us: @Niswey (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)

Meenakshi Sharma: https://www.instagram.com/upcycling.artist/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Chasing one’s passion has become a common trope in today’s society. It’s a story advertised in our pop culture, which most of us identify with, but only some of us are actually able to follow through on. And one of those few individuals is Rajat Taneja, Writer at FilterCopy! He is a Niswey alumni, who dared to quit the conventional job setting and go after his true passion- writing. He sits down with Nilanjana to talk about what it actually takes to follow your passion, and why it’s not all rosy as shown in the movies. They discuss the varying paths one can take to reach their end goal, and also why it need not be everybody’s end game! Because sometimes un-following your passions might just be the right answer.

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Connect with us: @Niswey (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)

Rajat Taneja: https://www.instagram.com/7rajat/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Facing challenges is not easy. It becomes even more difficult if we don’t adopt the right mindset to tackle them. To discuss this idea in depth, Nilanjana strikes a conversation with Dhiraj Pandey, CTO Niswey, where they talk about personal challenges, how asking for help can prove to be a strength, and why with the right attitude and fortitude, people can overcome all. From references to cricketers like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, to the famous mantra ‘All is Well’, they touch upon various instances that have proved how a positive mindset can transform any situation from one of adversity, to that of success.

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Connect with us: @Niswey (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)

Dhiraj Pandey: https://twitter.com/dhirajpandey

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

As kids, the concept of growing up was not just intriguing, but also exciting. Having stepped into the shoes of ‘adulthood’, we now know it’s a whole different ball game. This episode, Nilanjana invites Simran Sakshi, Content Marketer, Niswey, to discuss the responsibilities, pressures, hopes and victories that come with adulting. From buying sabzi to managing savings - they talk about it all!

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Simran Sakshi: https://twitter.com/SimranSakshi3

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com