Dive into the hidden history of Baina Beach in Vasco, Goa – once Asia's largest red-light district, home to thousands of sex workers before its demolition in 2004. This investigative documentary explores the dark world of exploitation and human trafficking in Vasco, Goa, highlighting the efforts of local NGOs in rescuing victims and how sex work has shifted to digital platforms, lodges, and mobile contacts today.We met survivor Bhimavva Chalwadi, a former devadasi who endured 18 months of exploitation before being forced into Baina Beach’s infamous red-light district in Vasco, Goa, at just 13–14 years old. From poverty, an alcoholic father, and family betrayal to her dramatic 2001 rescue by the Crime Branch and NGO Anyay Rahit Zindagi (ARZ), Bhimavva shares her powerful journey. Today, she is an award-winning activist dedicated to rescuing thousands of girls from trafficking and prostitution.Copyright Disclaimer:Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use permits the use of copyrighted material that might otherwise be infringing.

I explored a forest-edge community in Goa’s Western Ghats where humans and snakes live side by side. With famous snake expert @Benhail Antao, learned how coexistence works in real life — from understanding snake behaviour and common myths to why most encounters happen by accident, not aggression. Also witnessed snakes being safely released back into the wild and got an up-close look at how their bodies function. From pythons to other local snakes, this journey sheds light on India’s snakebite reality, the importance of awareness, and how slowing down in the forest helps humans and wildlife share space safely. A big thanks to Mayur, a snake rescuer who showed us incredibly beautiful snakes that we got to release. Last but not least, thanks to Artbybu, whose caricature we used in the video. Check out what life is really like where snakes 🐍 live next door.

Aheem, so we thought we were just going to film a small pre-Diwali tradition in Goa, but the night had a whole different plan for us. As darkness fell, things changed massively. We heard crazy loud drums and saw Narkasur statues, oh BTW they’re made only at night! Those crazy giant demons came alive just before Diwali, and damn, that was fun...Take a look, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed… just watch.

Pee Pee side, the cabbie is Prakash. He is not just an expert driver—he knows everything about his job. You know, sometimes it’s not just about the work that people like Prakash do, it’s also about survival, not only for him but for his family, which he supports through his earnings.Magar Dekho yaar, life hamesha easy waise nahi hoti, lekin phir bhi, inse kabhi pucho, samajh aa jaayega ki woh kitne “chill” rehte hain bole tu kush. Kitni bhi problems ho, koi tension nahi. Yaar, maza toh inke paas hai, but ahh who knows if they’ll pass this profession on to their kids or not. One thing’s for sure though—whatever they do, they live every single moment. In the first episode of Abduls of India, I am here with Prakash, what I told you “Expert” taxi driver who has been celebrating his work for years. Ah, I don’t remember exactly how long, but he will tell you himself 🙃0:00 – 2:30: Shuru karte hain… kidhar jaane ka hai jaldi bolo2:30 – 12:30: How many years he’s been doing it12:30 – 22:30: Maza ya Majori22:30 – 32:30: Problems-Shoblem32:30 – 38:00: happy times and surprise 'scam' call

La la la la la. Went fishing–vishing, but not the rod-wod kind. This was net-throwing, the “catch me if you can” edition. And the man behind the magic? Goa’s very own celebrity caster, Francisco Fernandes… or, as every wave in Goa knows him, Pele Bhau! So, Pele Bhau and his team dragged me into some seriously wild adventures.From fish to turtles to crabs, we netted quite a cast of characters. And just when you thought the sea was the only field, we ended up kicking it old-school—football on the sand. Oh, and here’s the real catch of the day: Pele wasn’t just netting fish, he was netting calls on his Nokia E35. I asked him why, and his answer was simple, because this phone is built like a rock and plays ball better than most smartphonesThumbnail Credits: Aditi Mishra – because she made us do it

Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford, who also served as the former First Minister of Wales, joined Google Guest with Aman Verma. And trust me—it was certainly a thought-provoking conversation about his initial journey in politics, his mentor Rhodri Morgan, the challenges of leadership, and the future of Welsh-Indian relations.Starting from his early days in the lecture halls of Cardiff University to his role as a special adviser, he reflected on how his experience working with Rhodri Morgan shaped his political career. We discussed it all—his leadership, governance, and key decisions.During our discussion, we also touched on the responsibility of managing the NHS. Known for his commitment to social justice, he spoke about the constant balancing act between progressive ideals and the practical realities of governing a diverse nation.Trade with India was another key topic. He addressed concerns over job losses at Tata Steel and discussed how the Welsh government could support workers while reassuring Indian investors.In short, many important issues were covered. Check out the episode—you’re definitely going to like it!

Hey hey hey, you know what? I used to get bullied in school. I was in hospitality, but I hated it because I always wanted to be in journalism. So, I jumped into it, and honestly, I feel better now. I wish I had told my parents back then, "Come on, I don’t want to do this." And I really wish I had told the people at school, "Better you don’t bully me." But I didn’t.And now, well, I’m not the only one here again—, upayan is back with me! If you don’t know who he is, go check out my previous episode. You’ll find a strong boy with so much to say. So here we are again, watch out for a conversation on many things. I promise, this episode will be amazing.

Well, what more do I need to say? It was a trulyfascinating conversation with Dr. Mariano Errichiello. Hang on—I'll tell you everything we discussed, but first, let me introduce Dr. Errichiello.Born in Naples, Dr. Errichiello is a scholarspecializing in Zoroastrianism, with a focus on its history, rituals, texts, and modern communities. He serves as the Shapoorji Pallonji Lecturer in Zoroastrianism and is the Co-Chair and Executive Director of the ShapoorjiPallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS University of London. His academic journey includes a BA from the University of Naples, followed by an MAand PhD from SOAS.Before entering academia, he held leadership roles atPwC in Latin America and the UK. His research explores modern Zoroastrian esotericism, funerary practices, and ritual performances among Parsis in India, where he has conducted extensive fieldwork, working with primary sources in Parsi Gujarati. Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Errichiello has received honors from the Ancient India & Iran Trust of Cambridge and the Early Career Prize 2023 from the Association for the Study of Persianate Societies and the Journal of Persianate Studies. He has also held fellowships at the Centre for Comparative Studies of Civilisations and Spiritualities at Fondazione Giorgio Cini and the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies at the University of Copenhagen.For me, it was a privilege to talk with him about awide range of topics. We covered Parsi evolution, rituals, cultural practices, demographics, and why Dokhmenashini (sky burials) is no longer widely practiced. We also discussed why Parsis do not promote conversion. So many fascinating insights came to light! 

Well, what more do I need to say? It was a truly fascinating conversation with Dr. Mariano Errichiello. Hang on—I'll tell you everything we discussed, but first, let me introduce Dr. Errichiello.Born in Naples, Dr. Errichiello is a scholar specializing in Zoroastrianism, with a focus on its history, rituals, texts, and modern communities. He serves as the Shapoorji Pallonji Lecturer in Zoroastrianism and is the Co-Chair and Executive Director of the Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS University of London. His academic journey includes a BA from the University of Naples, followed by an MA and PhD from SOAS.Before entering academia, he held leadership roles at PwC in Latin America and the UK. His research explores modern Zoroastrian esotericism, funerary practices, and ritual performances among Parsis in India, where he has conducted extensive fieldwork, working with primary sources in Parsi Gujarati. Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Errichiello has received honors from the Ancient India & Iran Trust of Cambridge and the Early Career Prize 2023 from the Association for the Study of Persianate Societies and the Journal of Persianate Studies. He has also held fellowships at the Centre for Comparative Studies of Civilisations and Spiritualities at Fondazione Giorgio Cini and the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies at the University of Copenhagen.For me, it was a privilege to talk with him about a wide range of topics. We covered Parsi evolution, rituals, cultural practices, demographics, and why Dokhmenashini (sky burials) is no longer widely practiced. We also discussed why Parsis do not promote conversion. So many fascinating insights came to light!

Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford, who also served as the former First Minister of Wales, joined Google Guest with Aman Verma. And trust me—it was certainly a thought-provoking conversation about his initial journey in politics, his mentor Rhodri Morgan, the challenges of leadership, and the future of Welsh-Indian relations.Starting from his early days in the lecture halls of Cardiff University to his role as a special adviser, he reflected on how his experience working with Rhodri Morgan shaped his political career. We discussed it all—his leadership, governance, and key decisions.During our discussion, we also touched on the responsibility of managing the NHS. Known for his commitment to social justice, he spoke about the constant balancing act between progressive ideals and the practical realities of governing a diverse nation.Trade with India was another key topic. He addressed concerns over job losses at Tata Steel and discussed how the Welsh government could support workers while reassuring Indian investors.In short, many important issues were covered. Check out the episode—you’re definitely going to like it!