That's So Hindu (Hindu American Foundation)
Explore every episode of That's So Hindu
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Jul 2021 | Religious Freedom in Bangladesh 1971-2021: From Genocide to Today | 01:02:12 | |
This weeks show is the audio version of a side event HAF held at the International Religious Freedom summit, held in Washington DC last week. The focus of the panel is the 1971 Bengali Hindu Genocide and the ongoing challenges of the Hindu population in Bangladesh. Featured speakers include HAF Human Rights Director Deepali Kulkarni, Dr. Richard Benkin, independent human rights activist and author of "A Quiet Case of Ethnic Cleansing: The Murder of Bangladesh’s Hindus", and Dr. Sachi Dastidar, Professor, State University of NY and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the India Subcontinent Partition Project (ISPaD). Be aware there are some significant audio issues for the first quarter of the recording. But the audio does improve considerably and the topic is important, so have a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 11 Mar 2021 | Mandar Apte: film director, meditation teacher and peace activist | 00:41:49 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott speaks with Mandar Apte. Mandar’s a former petroleum engineer turned filmmaker meditation teacher, and ambassador for peace. We discuss his documentary From India With Love, his work teaching police officers how to meditate, and how the pandemic his changed his teaching. More info: Cities4Peace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 11 Feb 2021 | Rukhsana Hasib tells us what she witnessed in 1971 during the Bangladesh genocide | 00:50:53 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra speaks with author Rukhsana Hasib, who recounts her first hand experience during the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, as well as providing perspective on how Bangladesh is faring today 50 years after gaining independence from Pakistan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 10 Dec 2020 | Melanie Chandra says the work of acting is about becoming messy | 00:42:30 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla talks with Melanie Chandra about her path, through karate, mechanical engineering, corporate consulting and modeling, to become the actor and producer she is today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 05 Aug 2021 | Why are Indian South Africans being attacked? Part 2 | Yashika Singh | 00:54:46 | |
In this episode HAF Human Rights Director Deepali Kulkarni continues her exploration of the history of why Indian South Africans have been targeted in recent violence, speaking with South African Hindu community leader Yashika Singh. They go over how Indians were strategically placed as a buffer between other communities in South Africa during the Apartheid era, the challenges facing Indians today, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 24 Jun 2021 | The study of caste has given a false foundation to Indian culture | Dr Prakash Shah | 01:08:49 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla speaks Dr Prakash Shah a professor at Queen Mary, University of London. Dr Shah specializes in cultural diversity and law, religion and law, caste and law, immigration, refugee and nationality law, and comparative law. They discuss the Western conceptions of caste in India, the complexity of adding caste discrimination to law in both the UK and the US, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 22 Sep 2022 | Most people in the West have no idea how dangerous the Khalistanis actually are | Puneet Sahani | 01:01:07 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra speaks with Puneet Sahani, coordinator of Sikhs for Enlightenment Association, a volunteer effort of Sikh researchers across the world, who are pushing back against Khalistani propaganda. @puneet_sahani Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 12 Nov 2020 | Ram Sahadeo and Vishnu Bisram talk about the challenges Hindus are facing in Guyana | 01:03:10 | |
Fred Stella speaks with Ram Sahadeo and Vishnu Bisram about the state of affairs for Hindus living in Guyana. They discuss challenges the Hindu community there faces such as being targeted for conversion by Christian groups, alcoholism in the community, corruption in Guyana’s politics, as well as how discoveries of new large oil reserves in the Carribean nation factor into all this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 31 Mar 2022 | All about Marma Therapy | Vira Tansey | 00:26:46 | |
In this one Mat McDermott speaks with Vira Tansey, an Ayurvedic healer and educator based in Florida about the practice of Marma therapy, how to use energetic pressure points in the body to heal, reduce tension, and live a more balanced life. Learn more about Vira at www.thesisterscience.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 25 Mar 2021 | Aditi Banerjee talks about her book The Curse of Gandhari | 00:43:13 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla speaks with Aditi Banerjee. Aditi is a book author, essayist, and attorney, whose first novel, The Curse of Gandhari — which gives a perspective on the Mahabharata from the unique viewpoint of one of the matriarchs of the Hindu epic. Hope you enjoy it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19 Mar 2020 | Coping with COVID: Education & Awareness, featuring former US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy | 01:05:55 | |
In the special episode of That's So Hindu, HAF Co-Founder Dr. Aseem Shukla (Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery in the Department of Urology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania) moderates a discussion on the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring:
Legal disclaimer: Nothing being said on this call should constitute medical advice. Consult with your physician & with local recommendations. Stay up to date on current recommendations at CDC.gov. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 28 Apr 2020 | Coping with COVID: A Dialogue with Deepak Chopra™ | 01:02:19 | |
Listen to Deepak Chopra and Eddie Stern discuss ways in which we all can use yoga, meditation, and pranayama to deal with the stress of living through the current pandemic. LEARN MORE The Chopra Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 27 Feb 2020 | Swamis Speak: Swami Ishwarananda | 00:49:55 | |
In this installment of our Swami's Speak series, Suhag Shukla talks with Chinmaya Mission's Swami Ishwarananda about the role of spiritual teachers in modern society, the importance of building Hindu communities and not just temples, and his inclusive definition of Hindutva. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Apr 2020 | Coping with COVID: Manage Stress and Anxiety with Yoga and Meditation, featuring Eddie Stern | 01:02:41 | |
In today’s panic stricken climate, it’s important to use tools we already have to help us cope and find some balance. How can focusing on our breath help reduce anxiety? How can we use yoga and meditation to calm our minds? Join us for a live webinar with world renowned Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Eddie Stern. He is the co-creator of The Breathing App and author of One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life. More info at www.eddiestern.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 10 Jun 2021 | If you don’t have Hindu representation on your college campus, create it for yourself | Shreya Mahasenan | 00:30:05 | |
In this episode Sheetal Shah speaks with Shreya Mahasenan, a junior at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. Shreya founded the McGill Dharma Society, when she realized there was no Hindu representation for students. They talk about the hurdles she overcame to create the society, the future of MDS, and her strong Hindu faith, which she credits to her family. McGill Dharma Society Facebook page Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 18 Jun 2020 | Brahmachari Sharan says Hindus need to focus on understanding our history, so we can become part of the world's present | 00:49:52 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla speaks with Brahmachari Sharan. Brahmachariji is Director of Hindu life and campus ministry at Georgetown the first Hindu monk to serve in this capacity at a Catholic university. They talk about the ongoing pandemic and continued Black Lives Matter protests, concerns he’s seeing among Hindu students, as well as both the opportunities and challenges in applying ancient Hindu spiritual teachings to contemporary social problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 30 Jun 2022 | How herons can help us make better financial decisions | Easan Katir | 00:21:31 | |
In this episode we’re bringing back HAF’s very own California Advocacy Director Easan Katir, who, doesn’t just do Hindu advocacy work, but rather since 1983 has provided wealth management for families, individuals, and retirement plans. Last time we spoke about Dharmic Investing in general. Today we’re talking about the current state of the financial markets, how to weather them, which sectors are doing well, and how to think about wealth management through the lens of dharma. Learn more: www.easankatir.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 09 Jul 2020 | Kanchan Koya explains how one secret of good health is Spice Space Baby | 00:44:52 | |
In this episode Sheetal Shah talks with Kanchan Koya, food as medicine practitioner, health coach, and founder of Spice Spice Baby, about the benefits of different spices and the science behind them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 05 May 2022 | Feeding 100,000 people on Thanksgiving, and helping people discover their personal story | Dr Varun Gandhi | 00:27:19 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott speaks with Dr Varun Gandhi, who describes himself as a life orchestrator, soulpreneur, an angel investor, philanthropist, and last but not least a water doctor. They discuss his work creating a digital course called What’s Your Story that helps you focus your life better to create a better future for yourself, as well as his impressive service over the past couple of years feeding people and provided needed supplies to the community during the pandemic, as well as his goal of feeding 100,000 people this coming Thanksgiving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19 Jan 2020 | KASHMIR EXODUS DAY SPECIAL - Sunanda Vashisht | 00:51:29 | |
In this special episode on the 30th anniversary of the Kashmir Pandit Exodus, Suhag Shukla talks with writer, columnist, and political commentator Sunanda Vashisht (https://myind.net) about her experience of what life was like in Kashmir in the 1980s, what led up to the ethnic cleansing of the Hindu population of Kashmir, and what it was like to live through those tragic events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 20 Feb 2020 | Swamis Speak: Swamini Svatmavidyananda | 00:32:32 | |
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 08 Jul 2021 | To really focus, we have to train our minds and then practice what we’ve learned | Dandapani | 00:51:10 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott speaks with Dandapani, a former Hindu monk turned international speaker. in the Saiva Siddhanta tradition, currently living at in Nosara, Costa Rica. Dandapani is now an international speaker helping people understand and leverage their mind and be the best version of themselves in order to live a life of purpose and joy. We discuss the retreat center and botanical garden he’s founded, how we can learn to better focus our minds, Hindu practices for dealing with crisis, and the importance of employing reason on our spiritual journeys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 May 2020 | Phil Goldberg says Hinduism has been influencing America far longer than many people think | 00:38:33 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott talks with author Phil Goldberg (American Veda, The Life of Yogananda) about the history of Hindus and Hinduism in the United States, the growing influence of Hindu Americans, and what he thinks are popular misconceptions about Hindu beliefs and practices. READ MORE: https://philipgoldberg.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19 Oct 2021 | After one week of violence, 335 Hindu temples vandalized across 33 districts in Bangladesh, with 7 Hindu priests killed | 00:25:24 | |
In this episode Deepali Kulkarni gets a report from one of HAF’s contacts in Bangladesh on the attacks directed and Hindus and Hindu temples in the past week, stemming from a social media post on Durga Puja. NOTE: This episode contains graphic recounting of physical and sexual violence experienced by Hindus in Bangladesh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 16 Jan 2020 | Rajiv Satyal is the Man in the Middle of US politics, and comedy | 00:47:59 | |
Samir Kalra speaks with comedian Rajiv Satyal ("Make Chai Not War" tour, "I Am Indian") about the intersection of his family-friendly stand-up act and the not-so family-friendly world of US politics, how his work is received in both India and the US, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 30 Sep 2021 | Tibetan people have been enduring unspeakable suffering under the illegal occupation by China | Tashi Dhondup | 00:27:31 | |
In this episode Deepali Kulkarni speaks with Tashi Dhondup. Tashi is Secretary of the Office of Tibet in Washington DC — a senior member of the Tibetan Government in Exile, now called the Central Tibetan Authority. They discuss the challenges facing the Tibetan people living under Chinese occupation, the CTA’s Middle Way approach in dealing with the government of China, and what the international community can do to help the Tibetan people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 May 2021 | Yoga is about far more than being an advanced gymnast | Riki Warren | 01:07:39 | |
In this episode Sheetal Shah talks with Riki Warren, one of the top global movement coaches. His London-based movement school, Bodyweight Gurus, qualifies fitness professionals and therapists with accredited certifications. Riki has been practicing advanced bodyweight movement, yoga, and mixed martial arts (including the ancient Indian martial arts Kalari and Kushti) for over three decades. He currently holds a Guinness world record for the most consecutive L-sit ring muscle ups. More recently Riki has been teaching yoga philosophy as part of a growing mission to ensure the authenticity and sacredness of both yoga and Sanatana Dharma are protected and shared. New Age Yoga - 7 Paths of Awakening Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 02 Feb 2023 | TEASER: All about All About Hinduism | 00:00:51 | |
Do you want to know more about Hinduism? Like actually understand what karma is? Or what dharma means? Do you want to know what the sacred texts of Hinduism are? Or, maybe, you just want to know why Hindu women wear a dot on their forehead? Or, perhaps, if all Hindus vegetarian? If so, then All About Hinduism is just what you’ve been waiting for. We’ll give you an overview of Hinduism as a lived and contemporary spiritual path. We’ll explore the history of how Hinduism has come to be what it is today: the third-largest and oldest religious tradition in the world. We’ll also clear up some of the misconceptions out there about Hinduism,as well as unflinchingly address some of the more contentious issues in Hinduism’s past and present. All About Hinduism is the new podcast from the Hindu American Foundation. Coming in 2023 to wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 23 Mar 2023 | The connections between advaita vedanta and ecology are, well, deep | Prof. Jeffery D Long | 00:24:02 | |
In this episode we're speaking with Professor Jeffery D Long, who teaches religion and Asian studies at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. This his second time on the show. And today we’re discussing a recent paper he’s written on the connections between deep ecology and advaita vedanta. Read more: Advaita Vedanta and Its Implications for Deep Ecology Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Apr 2023 | How Hinduphobia has been constructed and unleashed from the West | Prof Lavanya Vemsani | 00:24:48 | |
In this episode we're speaking with Lavanya Vemsani, professor of history at Shawnee State University in Ohio, specializing in Indian history and religion. Her latest paper in the International Review of Modern Sociology is titled “Global Hinduphobia: Construed, Constructed, and Unleashed from the West” and that’s what we’re going to talk: Hinduphobia, the fallacy of Aryan Invasion Theory, and how to revamp the study of Hinduism so that a more accurate picture of Hinduisms past and present can glimpsed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 May 2023 | We should be very wary of people who tell us there is only one way to be Hindu | Brahmachari Vrajvihari Sharan | 00:26:27 | |
In this episode we speak with Georgetown University's Brahmachari Vrajvihari Sharan about the tension between the internal diversity and pluralistic outlook of Hinduism and both the trend and sometimes need to present Hinduism as one thing to the non-Hindu world.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 25 May 2023 | Preserving dharma by restoring one ancient temple at a time | Behind Every Temple | 00:26:58 | |
In this episode we speak with Ananda and Suguna Prathik, the husband and wife team behind the non-profit Behind Every Temple, who are are doing some really interesting work restoring ancient temples in Tamil Nadu. Learn more: www.behindeverytemple.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Jul 2023 | The US-India relationship has been a success in so many ways | David Santoro, The Pacific Forum | 00:35:30 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra speaks with David Santoro, President and CEO of the Pacific Forum, a non-profit foreign policy research institute based in Hawaii. They discuss the state of the India-US relationship, the positive changes he's seen in India in recent years, and much more. Learn more at: https://pacforum.org and follow David Santoro on Twitter here: @DavidSantoro1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 27 Jul 2023 | Here's why it's adharmic to lose money | Easan Katir | 00:25:08 | |
In this episode we're again speaking with HAF's own Easan Katir on the topic of dharmic investing, with a focus this time on why it's adharmic to lose money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 10 Aug 2023 | On bringing the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda to the cinema | Nico Oscoff | 00:57:41 | |
In this episode we're speaking with film director Nico Oscoff on his latest project 1893: Year of the Yogi, a documentary currently planned to be released in 2024. Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/1893yoty/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 Sep 2023 | For Hindus the natural world is more than sacred, its embodied Divinity itself | Prof. David Haberman | 00:33:38 | |
In this episode we speak with Prof. David Haberman from Indiana University about his extensive work documenting how Hindus bring trees, stones, and mountains into their religious worship. Buy the books we discuss: People Trees, Loving Stones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 17 Aug 2023 | There are definite parallels between growing antisemitism and rising Hinduphobia | Sarah Stern | 00:57:38 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra speaks with Sarah Stern, the founder and president of the Endowment for Middle East Truth, a think tank and policy institute based in Washington DC. They speak about the parallels between growing antisemitism and rising Hinduphobia, the US-Israel relationship, and efforts to strengthen the Israel-India relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 26 Jul 2023 | How everything isn't as it seemed in the BAPS and Cisco caste discrimination allegations | Suhag Shukla & Samir Kalra | 01:02:01 | |
In this special episode Mat McDermott moderates a discussion between HAF Co-Founder Suhag Shukla and Managing Director Samir Kalra about the latest revelations in the case of alleged caste discrimination at the BAPS temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, and how the connect to the similar allegations as Cisco Systems in California. Please note: The audio quality on this one isn't quite up to our usual standards as the That's So Hindu recording studio is in the midst of being moved to another location. But we felt like this one couldn't wait so proceeded anyway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 28 Sep 2023 | What is Critical Caste Theory and why it's a "dubious discourse" | Akshar from The Emissary | 00:41:09 | |
In this episode we speak with Akshar from The Emissary about an article he published earlier this year about Critical Caste Theory, as well as the activists who view Hinduism, Hindu culture, and India’s history and contemporary society through this very narrow lens. Read the article that we're talking about here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19 Oct 2023 | How do Hindu Americans celebrate Navaratri? | 00:32:22 | |
For this episode we have something a bit different for you. It’s a special episode for Navaratri. We've interviewed several members of our extended HAF team as well as members of the Hindu American community about how they celebrate Navaratri today, what they remember about the holiday growing up, and how their understanding of it has changed over the years. What you’ll hear are excepts from longer interviews our staff writer Syama Allard did with each person. Here are the full versions of these interviews, as well as some interviews that didn't make it into the episode. If you don't see one mentioned in the episode, check back shortly. As the written versions get published we'll add them here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 02 Nov 2023 | Hindu by Heart: Coerced into Islam, Seeking Freedom - Part 1 | 00:52:57 | |
For this special two-part episode we’ve got something a little bit different. This time, Dr indu Viswanathan, who’s been a guest on the show twice, is on the other side of the interviewing equation. She’s speaking with a young Hindu man, who has a unique and important story to tell. Keshav was raised Hindu and began questing his beliefs, to the point that he converted to Islam and began publicly making stereotypical Hinduphobic comments and denouncing India. But Keshav had a change of heart and mind, and came back to Hinduism — only to receive threats for leaving Islam. At his request, we're calling him by the pseudonym 'Keshav' and disguising his voice. Read a transcript of this episode here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 02 Nov 2023 | Hindu by Heart: Coerced into Islam, Seeking Freedom - Part 2 | 00:40:25 | |
For this special two-part episode we’ve got something a little bit different. This time, Dr indu Viswanathan, who’s been a guest on the show twice, is on the other side of the interviewing equation. She’s speaking with a young Hindu man, who has a unique and important story to tell. Keshav was raised Hindu and began questing his beliefs, to the point that he converted to Islam and began publicly making stereotypical Hinduphobic comments and denouncing India. But Keshav had a change of heart and mind, and came back to Hinduism — only to receive threats for leaving Islam. At his request, we're calling him by the pseudonym 'Keshav' and disguising his voice. Read a transcript of this episode here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 16 Nov 2023 | Sanjay Lazar, orphaned by the 1985 Air India bombing, tells his story - Part 1 | 00:49:52 | |
In the first part of this two-part episode, Suhag Shukla speaks with Sanjay Lazar who lost his entire family in the Air India Flight 182 bombing and was literally orphaned while still a child. This is the story of his life beyond the tragedy of the worst terrorist act in aviation history until 9/11. Pre-order the first part of Sanjay's book series on his experience "On Angel's Wings" here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 16 Nov 2023 | Sanjay Lazar, orphaned by the 1985 Air India bombing, tells his story - Part 2 | 00:50:30 | |
In the second part of this two-part episode, Suhag Shukla speaks with Sanjay Lazar who lost his entire family in the Air India Flight 182 bombing and was literally orphaned while still a child. This is the story of his life beyond the tragedy of the worst terrorist act in aviation history until 9/11. Pre-order the first part of Sanjay's book series on his experience "On Angel's Wings" here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 08 Dec 2023 | Wrongly accused of caste discrimination by California, Sundar Iyer tells us what really happened | 00:52:24 | |
In this must-listen episode, Samir Kalra speaks with Sundar Iyer, one of the Cisco employees wrongly accused of caste discrimination by California's Civil Rights Department. Sundar gives us the background of what really happened on his team that led to the lawsuit, what the CRD chose to overlook that didn't support its case, and how it all upended his life, before the case was dismissed against him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 21 Dec 2023 | Why Hindus should be paying attention to Hamas' funding sources. Sam Westrop explains. | 00:55:07 | |
In this episode of That's So Hindu, our 100th, Samir Kalra speaks with Middle East Forum's Sam Westrop about their new report detailing how Hamas raises money through charitable organizations in the West, and the connections with funding for Islamist groups in India and South Asia more broadly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 11 Jan 2024 | How can Hindu parents get their kids to love Indian culture? Prof. Pankaj Jain has some tips. | 00:30:40 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott speaks with Professor Pankaj Jain. Pankaj has been on the show before speaking about his area of professional expertise, Hinduism, Jainism and ecology. But today we’re speaking about something he’s become particularly passionate about: parenting. Specifically how Hindu parents can help their children develop a love of Hindu and Indian culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Feb 2024 | All about the rising antisemitism on college campuses in the past three months | Carly Gammill, StandWithUs | 01:01:22 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra speaks with Carly Gammill, Director of the StandWithUs Center for Combating Antisemitism, about the marked increase in antisemitism expressed on US college campuses following the Hamas attack on Israeli of October 7th, and what can be done about this situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19 Jan 2024 | HAF Shop Talk: All about Ram Janmabhoomi | 00:45:58 | |
In this HAF Shop Talk episode, Samir Kalra, Mat McDermott, and Dr Vijay Satnarine have a wide ranging informal discussion of the history and archeology of the Ram Janmabhoomi site, media's curious unwillingness to discuss the full history of the situation going back centuries, the capture of the discussion by Marxist historians, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 08 Feb 2024 | Australian filmmaker Ravi Chand's latest film, Namaste Yoga, may leave you in tears | 00:29:42 | |
In this episode, Sheetal Shah speaks with Australian filmmaker Ravi Chand about his latest project, Namaste Yoga. Learn more about Ravi here: Warrior Tribe Films Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 23 Feb 2024 | Why is there zero representation of Indo-Caribbean Hindus in New York's textbooks? | 00:58:10 | |
For this episode Mat McDermott has a conversation with Sandy Rao, Dr Vishnu Bisram, and Dr Indrani Ramprasad about the Indo-Carribean Hindu community, the lack of representation of the Caribbean Hindu diaspora in New York City school textbooks, the current situation for Hindus in Guyana and Trinidad, and more. Resources mentioned in this episode: Viriah, Krishna Gubli Making Children Hinduphobic: A Critical Review of McGraw Hill’s World History Textbooks, Kundan Singh, Krishna Maheshwari Sanatana Dharma and Plantation Hinduism: Exploration and Reflections of an Indian Guyanese Hindu, Ramesh Gampat Modern World History HMH Social Studies 2018 — used in John Adams High School Queens NY American History HMH Social Studies 2018 — used in John Adams High School Queens NY Fred Stella goes to Guyana, hears that Hindu gods are demons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | Hindu At Heart: Aditi Banerjee | 01:31:14 | |
In this episode, the first of our Hindu At Heart series of interviews, Indu Viswanathan speaks with author Aditi Banerjee on a wide range of issues: Hindu sacred geography in Ayodhya and Varanasi, growing up Hindu in America, and a variety of other topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 21 Mar 2024 | All about Anandi Joshee, the amazing 19th century Indian woman who become a doctor in the US | 00:33:56 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla interviews author Nandini Patwardhan about her book Radical Spirits: India’s First Woman Doctor and her American Champions, a biography of Anandi-bai Joshee, who in 1883 as an 18-year old left Calcutta for the United States to study medicine, and who went on to become India’s first woman to earn a medical degree from an American college. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Apr 2024 | What's the connection between NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Pakistan's PTI party? MEF Action's Benjamin Baird explains. | 00:46:08 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra speaks with Benjamin Baird from MEF Action on his new reporting detailing the financial ties between NYC Mayor Eric Adams and the Islamist political party PTI, founded by former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, including the funding Mayor Adams has received from PTI affiliated groups registered as foreign agents in the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 18 Apr 2024 | What does the West get wrong about yoga? Far more than it gets right, say Shyam Ranganathan and Vijay Satnarine. | 00:46:03 | |
In this episode we have a moderated discussion about yoga, colonialism, attitudes about yoga that are coming out of the DEI space. Taking part in this discussion are HAF’s Vijay Satnarine and scholar Shyam Ranganathan, with Mat McDermott moderating. Read more about Shyam Ranganathan https://www.yogaphilosophy.com/bio Shyam’s latest book: Yoga-Anticolonial Philosophy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 25 Apr 2024 | If you want to develop a deeper Hindu Lifestyle, Shawn Binda has something to say about that | 00:35:00 | |
In this episode we speak with Shawn Binda, creator of the Hindu Lifestyle YouTube channel. We discuss his inspiration for starting the channel, his take on contemporary Hindu issues from his Indo-Caribbean Canadian perspective, and much more. Watch: Hindu Lifestyle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 09 May 2024 | Hindu at Heart: Sneha Rao, from aviation engineer to Hinduism scholar | 01:32:24 | |
In this episode in the Hindu At Heart series, Indu Viswanathan speaks with Sneha Rao about her journey from the aviation industry to studying Hinduism, yoga, and Hinduphobia, and starting the Hindu Decoloniality group on Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 23 May 2024 | Raja Choudhury tells us all about Swami Vivekananda, America's First Guru | 00:35:35 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott speaks with Raja Choudury, director of the film America’s First Guru, streaming now on PBS, which tells the story of Swami Vivekananda’s first trip to the United States and the effect it has continued to have more than a century later. WATCH: America's First Guru on PBS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Jun 2024 | Educating Hindus about our heritage and the science behind our temples, one video and workshop at a time | Prem KV | 00:38:49 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott speaks with filmmaker Prem Kumar about his documentary series on the sage Agastyamuni, his work educating Hindus about their heritage via his YouTube channel and in-person workshops. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Jul 2024 | How the history of Hindutva and the RSS has been so misunderstood in the West | Walter Andersen | 00:38:10 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla speaks with author and analyst Walter K Andersen about misunderstandings about the history of Hindutva, the goals of the RSS, the role of Hindutva in the Indian diaspora, and what the recent Indian elections mean for the direction of the BJP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 20 Jun 2024 | All about the Third Nature: An expansive millennia-old Hindu framework for discussing gender and sexuality | 00:49:48 | |
In this episode HAF’s Raj Rao, Suhag Shukla, Vijay Satnarine, and Mat McDermott delve into how Hindu dharma traditions, for millennia, have recognized a Third Nature in gender and sexuality, how this framework both overlaps with contemporary LGBTQ categories and how it is distinct, as well as some guidance on how Third Nature individuals and their families can act compassionately rooted in dharma when addressing these issues. Read: HAF Policy Brief - LGBTQ Rights Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 25 Jul 2024 | Hindutva doesn’t start with Savarkar. It starts with the Bengali Renaissance. | Hindol Sengupta | 00:35:41 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla speaks with author Hindol Sengupta about the origins of Hindutva as a philosophical concept, its relationship to Hindu nationalism, the inclusiveness of Hindu thought, the future of the BJP, and the US-India relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 15 Aug 2024 | How Akṣarā is using the visual arts and design to pass on Indian culture | Jayanthi Moorthy | 00:43:51 | |
In this episode we're speaking with Jayanthi Moorthy, founder of the arts education organization AkṣarāWe talk about the importance of the arts in transmitting Indian culture, the role museums have in this and the limitations they have, issues of cultural appropriation in events such as Color Runs, and how drawing the traditional South Indian art form of kolam has both mental and physical benefits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 05 Sep 2024 | A conversation about Hindu parenting with psychologist Kavita Pallod Sekhsaria and Suhag Shukla | 00:46:19 | |
In this episode HAF Board Member psychologist Dr Kavita Pallod Sekhsaria and HAF Executive Director Suhag Shukla have a wide ranging discussion about parenting as Hindus, the book Bad Therapy, how we can raise resilient children, the differences in parenting across the generations, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 26 Sep 2024 | Equating Hindutva with any kind of Hindu supremacy is just nonsense | Vikram Sampath | 00:40:18 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla speaks with historian Vikram Sampath (author of the two volume definitive biography of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar) about the origins of Hindutva and misunderstandings about, its relevance for Hindus living outside of India, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 17 Oct 2024 | Hindu At Heart: Practicing restorative justice in New York City public schools | Hemanth Venkataraman | 01:35:44 | |
In this episode, part of Indu Viswanathan’s Hindu at Heart series, she speaks with Hemanth Venkataraman, a New York City-based educator and restorative justice practitioner about his life growing up Hindu in New Jersey in the 1980s and 90s, his time teaching in the NYC public school system and co-founding the Unity Preparatory Charter School in Brooklyn, and how he moved on to consult with schools on implementing restorative justice with School Culture Solutions. School Culture Solutions on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 Nov 2024 | When will Kashmiri Pandits be able to really return home? | Vijay Sazawal | 01:32:14 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra and Rajiv Pandit speak with author Vijay Sazawal about his new book The Kashmir Chronicles, discussing the history of the region, the ethnic cleansing of the Hindu community more than 30 years ago, the corruption in government in the state, the abrogation of the Article 370 and Delhi taking a direct role in governing the region, the largely positive aftermath of that and the changes that have occurred in Kashmir, and when might Kashmiri Pandits be able to return en masse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Feb 2025 | What the modern world can learn from the Dharmic capitalism of South India’s great kingdoms | Sriram Balasubramanian | 00:37:55 | |
In this episode we speak with economist Sriram Balasubramanian about his latest book Dharmanomics: An Indigenous and Sustainable Economic Model. We discuss what makes dharmic capitalism different from other regional varieties of capitalism, how this economic outlook extends back millennia to the kingdoms and empires of southern India and southeast asia, the role of temples in economic activity, the economic effects of the kumbh mela, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 14 Feb 2025 | How the US-India relationship will fare under Trump 2.0 | Akhil Ramesh | 00:47:49 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra speaks with Akhil Ramesh of the Pacific Forum. They discuss a number of ways the US-India relationship may change under the new Trump administration, on immigration, trade, national security, how China figures into this, the essential unpredictability of the Trump administration, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 27 Feb 2025 | How USAID gave millions to groups linked to terrorism in the Middle East and South Asia | Sam Westrop | 00:55:51 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra speaks with Sam Westrop from the Middle East Forum about their latest research detailing the millions of dollars that USAID has given to groups affiliated with Islamism, terrorism, and extremism; how Christian evangelical groups such as World Vision have been involved, in the name of providing aid in some of the poorest nations on the planet; how this filters into groups in Kashmir; plus, how Bangladesh figures into this all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 06 Mar 2025 | Think you know all about Ambedkar? Think again. | Pankaj Jain | 00:42:21 | |
BR Ambedkar is rightly remembered for his role in creating the Indian Constitution and for his outspoken anti-caste views. Less known is how many of his views on hot button political issues in India today align far more with those of so-called Hindu nationalists than his contemporary supporters would have you believe. In this episode we speak with Dr Pankaj Jain about the unknown Ambedkar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Mar 2025 | Why the way we talk about Hinduism needs to change | 00:19:27 | |
A special crossover episode from our sibling show All About Hinduism: One of the underlying themes in the first series of episodes of All About Hinduism is that this spiritual tradition is often misunderstood by those people outside of it. Some of this misunderstanding is basic exposure to Hinduism and Hindus. But sometimes, we Hindus ourselves are unwittingly to blame. If we want non-Hindus to better understand Hinduism and we want to ourselves better understand Hinduism, the way in which we talk about Hinduism needs to change. Missed the first series of episodes of All About Hinduism? Start here on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 27 Mar 2025 | The Asian American community needs to destroy the myth of the model minority. We need to fight. | TX State Rep. Gene Wu | 00:50:56 | |
In this episode HAF Managing Director Raj Rao speaks with Texas State Representative Gene Wu. They discuss the rise in anti-Asian and anti-Indian sentiment in recent months and years, the history of anti-Asian law and policy in the United States, the commonalities the Chinese and Indian communities share in the US, and how to organize against bigotry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 10 Apr 2025 | US harbors Khalistani terrorists and needs to do something about it | Michael Rubin | 00:48:53 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra has a wide-ranging conversation with India analyst Michael Rubin, a multi-time guest on the show. They discuss how the US is harboring Khalistani terrorists, the circles of influence of support for the movement in the US, the questionable asylum claims supporters of Khalistan have used to enter the US, how RICO laws could be used with these groups, US-India intelligence sharing, transnational repression issues, how the US needs to treat Pakistan far differently than India, the importance of increasing the number US diplomats in India and military sales to India, and (believe it or not after that laundry list of topics) much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 30 Jan 2020 | Sham Sharma shows how mainstream media is getting India wrong | 01:07:08 | |
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Oct 2022 | 'Unshackled' demystifies immigration & gives you more control over your future in the US | Soundarya Balasubramani & Sameer Khedakar | 00:49:18 | |
In this episode Samir Kalra speaks with Soundarya Balasubramani and Sameer Khedakar, co-authors of “Unshackled”, a practical guide for immigrants in the US to become entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, or just have more creative autonomy over their careers. https://curiousmaverick.com/unshackled/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 16 Jun 2021 | Homophobia in India is a homophobia of ignorance | Ankit Bhuptani | 00:58:39 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla speaks with Ankit Bhuptani, the chairman and founder of the Queer Hindu Alliance in Mumbai, India. He is an advisor to corporations on inclusivity and diversity, the editor of a Gujarati literary magazine, and has participated in the Mumbai Pride Parade since 2010. They speak about being gay in India, the state of homophobia there, how the LGBT+ community is treated by both major political parties in India and much more. Queer Hindu Alliance on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 02 May 2022 | HAF Executive Director Suhag Shukla's full interview with NPR on caste discrimination in the US | 00:35:11 | |
On Monday, May 2, 2022, National Public Radio’s Morning Edition ran a story titled, "Some South Asian Americans Believe Caste-based Prejudices exist in the US." HAF Executive Director Suhag Shukla was interviewed for the story and spoke to the reporter for over half an hour. The topic is extremely complex and the unintended consequences are serious for millions of Americans of South Asian origin. We’d like to offer listeners the interview in its entirety since only a few seconds were selected for the broadcast, which resulted in the telling of a story that in our view is incomplete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Apr 2021 | Prof. Chris Fici successfully balances being a scholar and bhakti yogi | 00:54:44 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott speaks with Prof Chris Fici. What sets Chris apart is that he manages to stand balanced authentically in a couple of worlds that don’t always, shall we say, play well together: The academy and the world of devoted Hindus. He was born a Catholic and went on to be a monk in the Gaudiya Vaishnav lineage, before embarking to earn a PhD from Union Theological Seminary, in New York City. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 18 Aug 2022 | From one hour a week to your entire week, there’s room for everyone to participate in politics | Sen. Niraj Antani (R-OH) | 00:34:50 | |
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 18 Mar 2021 | Bhuwan Pyakurel: The former refugee from Bhutan who's now a city councilor in Ohio | 01:03:46 | |
In this episode HAF Director of Human Rights Deepali Kulkarni speaks with Bhuwan Pyakurel, a refugee from Bhutan who emigrated to the United States, settled in Ohio, and is now a city council member. He talks about what led to the Hindu community of Bhutan to be expelled from the Himalayan nation, the challenges of being a refugee in India, and his journey to and success he and his family have found in the US. Hope you enjoy it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 24 Dec 2020 | 85 incidents of murder, gang rape, temple destruction in 66 days: Richard Benkin on the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh | 00:54:08 | |
In this episode Taniel Koushakjian talks with human rights activist Richard Benkin about how he came to devote his life to the plight of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, and what he’s personally seen visiting Hindu refugees living in both West Bengal and Bangladesh itself. **TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of rape and sexual assault.** Richard Benkin's book, A Quiet Case of Ethnic Cleansing: The Murder of Bangladesh's Hindus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 24 Mar 2022 | Banned on Twitter for spreading the truth about Hindu persecution in Bangladesh | Stories of Bengali Hindus | 00:40:55 | |
In this episode Deepali Kulkarni speaks with Soumyadip and Mohua from Stories of Bengali Hindus about the attacks the Hindu population in Bangladesh faced during Durga Puja 2021, getting banned on Twitter for sharing the truth about these attacks, and the legacy of the 1971 Bengali Hindu genocide, when some 3 million Bangladeshis, mostly Hindus, were killed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 Jan 2021 | Professor Jeffery D Long on the influence of Hindu thought on Star Wars + misunderstandings about Hinduism | 01:05:37 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott speaks with Jeffrey D Long, professor of religion and Asian studies at Elizabethtown College. We discuss stereotypes and misunderstandings about Hinduism, his latest book on Hinduism in America, and the Hindu themes in Star Wars - including the new Disney+ series The Mandalorian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Feb 2020 | Fred Stella goes to Guyana, hears that Hindu gods are demons | 01:00:59 | |
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 Oct 2021 | HAF Shop Talk: Suhag Shukla and Samir Kalra discuss Dismantling Global Hindutva + investigating Univ. of Pennsylvania violations of Hindu students’ rights | 00:42:26 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott talks with HAF executive director Suhag Shukla and HAF managing director Samir Kalra about last month’s Dismantling Global Hindutva conference, Hinduphobia in academia, and why HAF has filed a Title VI complaint with the Office of Civil Rights against University of Pennsylvania. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 25 Feb 2021 | Ravinol Chambers, the Hindu monk who became a filmmaker | 00:44:41 | |
Ravinol Chambers is the founder of the multi-award-winning Be Inspired Films. His work focuses on stories that cross boundaries, challenge our thinking and inspire change. After growing up in Ireland wanting to become a stockbroker, he instead became a monk in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition for most of his twenties and lived in Africa and India. He made his first film in Africa in 1995, while still a monk, and in 2009 made a full-time career of filmmaking. His first feature documentary ‘Road to Vrindavan’ was completed in January 2020. You can watch the film at its US Premiere on March 9th 2021. Tickets are available at at: https://slofilmfest.org/events/road-to-vrindavan/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Jul 2021 | Pakistani terrorism doesn’t just kill Indians, it kills Americans too | Dr Michael Rubin | 00:35:13 | |
In this episode, a rebroadcast of a recent HAF webinar, Samir Kalra speaks with Dr Michael Rubin, from the American Enterprise Institute, on contemporary politics in Pakistan and the region, the nation’s support for terrorism, and how this affects the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 09 Jun 2022 | There’s no such thing as Indian food. The cuisine is far more complex than that. | Chef Keith Sarasin | 00:34:54 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla speaks with Keith Sarasin. Keith is a chef, three-time author, restauranteur, and public speaker who grew up in a small city in New Hampshire. Keith learned to cook Indian cuisine studying with a home cook, and went onto study with archeologists and food historians from across India. Keith currently runs Aatma, a pop-up tasting experience showcasing food from the Indian subcontinent. https://www.aatmarestaurant.com https://www.youtube.com/c/KeithSarasin1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 27 Jan 2022 | Until the horrors of Kashmir’s ethnic cleansing are owned up to, communal harmony won't return: Part Two | Vijay Sazawal | 00:17:22 | |
In this second part of Deepali Kulkarni’s talk with Vijay Sazawal, international coordinator for the Indo-American Kashmir Forum, and a senior member of the Kashmir Overseas Association, they discuss the most recent violence in Kashmir, the reality of the situation for Kashmiri Hindus today, as well as some more context on the Exodus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 14 Oct 2021 | 75 years after being published Autobiography of a Yogi still has something to teach us | Phil Goldberg | 00:49:37 | |
In this episode Mat McDermott speaks with author Phil Goldberg about the importance and legacy of Paramahamsa Yogananda’s Autobiography of Yogi, on its 75th anniversary of publication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Dec 2022 | If American diplomacy is to succeed, we need to rethink our posture towards India | Dr Michael Rubin | 00:53:37 | |
In this episode, Samir Kalra speaks with Dr Michael Rubin, from the American Enterprise Institute, about his recent trip to Kashmir and what he learned from speaking with Kashmiris about life after Article 370, as well what is needed to improve US diplomacy in the region. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 19 Jan 2022 | Until the horrors of Kashmir’s ethnic cleansing are owned up to, communal harmony won't return: Part One | Vijay Sazawal | 00:50:29 | |
In this episode Deepali Kulkarni speaks with Vijay Sazawal, international coordinator for the Indo-American Kashmir Forum, and a senior member of the Kashmir Overseas Association. They have a wide-ranging discussion on the history of Kashmir’s accession to India in 1947, first-hand accounts of the ethnic cleansing of Hindus that happened in Kashmir 30 years ago, and what comes next for the region. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 12 Aug 2021 | All about the 8 year-old Hindu boy charged with blasphemy in Pakistan + recent attacks on Hindu temples | 00:40:56 | |
In this episode HAF Human Rights Director Deepali Kulkarni speaks with a Pakistani Hindu leader, who for his safety wishes to remain anonymous, about the latest attacks on Hindu temples and Hindus in Pakistan, and what’s going on with the young Hindu boy charged with blasphemy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 23 Jan 2020 | Dena Merriam digs into her past lives and the future of Hinduism | 00:44:34 | |
Suhag Shukla talks with Dena Merriam, author and interfaith activist ("My Journey Through Time: A Spiritual Memoir of Life, Death, and Rebirth; "The Untold Story of Sita: An Empowering Tale For Our Time"; Global Peace Initiative of Women), about her journey into Hinduism, her experience and visions of past lives during travels in India, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 25 Jun 2020 | Sudarshan Ramabadran explains the importance of the soft power India holds in yoga and Ayurveda | 00:38:57 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla speaks with Sudarshan Ramabadran, senior research fellow and administrative head at India Foundation’s Center for Soft Power. In addition to talking about the so-called soft power India holds in the traditions of yoga and ayurveda, which have spread to what seems like nearly every country on Earth in the past two decades, Suhag and Sudarshan have an informative discussion on efforts to lift up the Dalit and tribal communities in India and how the Hindu tradition has been open to reform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 14 May 2020 | Rukmini Walker feels the pandemic pause is bringing us closer to one another | 00:37:52 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla talks with Rukmini Walker. Rukmini Walker is an activist in women’s spiritual empowerment and interfaith dialogue. She is the founder of the Urban Devi collective (urbandevi.com), based out of Bhakti Center (bhakticenter.org) in New York City, where she is a member of the board of directors. Rukmini is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Bhaktivedanta College in Belgium. She is also a member of Sabha – a thirty person international committee that advises the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness. She has been traversing the path of Bhakti for most of her life, living in India, Canada and the US as one of the first disciples of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who first brought the path of Bhakti to the West in 1965. She is featured in the film, Women of Bhakti. Rukmini writes, teaches, and leads workshops and retreats internationally. The kirtan artist, Gaura Vani, is her son. Together, they lead a Bhakti Immersion Kirtan Adventure to India each year. She lives in the Washington, DC area where she and her husband lead a Vaisnava (that is, the Bhakti tradition) Christian Dialogue and a Vaisnava Muslim Dialogue each year. Rukmini sees the world animated by spirit, and practices an eco-Bhakti seeing truth and beauty in nature and in the world as kindred spirits. You can follow Rukmini at: https://www.facebook.com/rukmini.walker/,https://www.patreon.com/RukminiWalker , and on Instagram under Rukmini Walker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Mar 2021 | Dr Pankaj Jain on the history of the Hindu-Jain diaspora in America | 00:37:31 | |
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 21 May 2020 | Guru Prakash and Suhag Shukla talk about what we can do to end caste discrimination | 01:01:06 | |
In this episode Suhag Shukla talks with Guru Prakash, law professor at Patna university in Bihar, India, and advisor to the Dalit Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Suhag and Guru have wide ranging frank conversation about the origins and solutions to caste discrimination, Western narratives about Hinduism and caste, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 20 May 2021 | Hindus have a responsibility to modernize chanting for their own families | Shivali Bhammer | 00:45:37 | |
In this episode Sheetal Shah chats with Shivali Bhammer, the youngest recording artist to be signed by Sony BMG for bhajans and one of the Top 25 Under 25 South Asian music artists. Her two albums The Bhajan Project and Urban Temple have reached #1 on the iTunes World Music charts. Today, we talk about Shivali’s journey from working in finance to professionally signing bhajans, as well as her passion for Kathak dance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||