Rajorshi Das - Podcast Details

Shows

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 37 with academic activist Niharika BanerjeaIn this interview, recorded in August 2024, Niharika Banerjea, Professor at OP Jindal Law School, discusses how she navigates collaborations with activists and academics. We discuss how bureaucracy influences teaching in both public and private educational institutions. Banerjea also explains how she approached the question of livability in her co-authored book, Liveable Lives: Living and Surviving LGBTQ Equalities in India and the UK. 2025-02-0549 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 36 with scholar and writer, Snehashish DasSnehashish Das offers a critique of Western universalism and asks "us" to consider why we want to fit Indian icons like Bhimrao Ambedkar and Savitribai Phule into Western categories. They discuss the role of poetry by Kabir as well as interlocutors in their "field" to rethink ideas of gender, queerness, desire and subversion. They makes a case for hope by referring to how Begumpura exists in the present, and shares their thoughts on appropriation.2024-09-221h 01

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 35 with publisher, editor and writer, Arpita DasArpita Das, the founder of Yoda Press shares what it means to start and sustain an independent publishing house in India. She discusses her collaborations with fellow publishers in Pakistan and Bangladesh. We talk about her investment in queer and trans storytelling in particular. Das also reiterates the reasons why she decided to unpublish Saiba Verma's book. She makes a case for ethical research and writing, sharing her insights into the proliferation of writing programs and workshops in Indian universities.2024-07-141h 46

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 34 with writer and journalist Yashica DuttIn this interview which was recorded in January 2024, the author of Coming Out as Dalit: A Memoir discusses the concept of "coming out," its genealogies and expectations. We revisit the controversy around Made in Heaven Season 2, and Dutt's vicious trolling on social media. Dutt reminds the listeners that being oppressed does not make one inherently moral or right but regardless, it makes them worthy of dignity and equality.2024-05-241h 10

The Times Of India PodcastWhat to expect as Russia-Ukraine war enters year 3TOI's Rudroneel Ghosh speaks with Lithuania's foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Dr. Rajorshi Roy at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses to decode where the Russia-Ukraine war is headed and its continuing impacts. 2024-02-2620 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 33 with professor of English, Niladri R. ChatterjeeIn this interview, Dr Chatterjee shares why he decided to translate Krishnogopal Mallick's work. The book, Entering the Maze: Queer Fiction of Krishnagopal Mallick opens us to questions about age, desire, and masculinity. Chatterjee also reflects on the need to give more visibility to Bengali literature that addresses queer issues. Additionally, he shares his experiences of being a professor at Kalyani University and collaborating with Sappho for Equality.Note: This interview was specifically requested by the publisher, Niyogi Books.এই সাক্ষাত্কারে, নীলাদ্রি আর চ্যাটার্জি শেয়ার করেছেন কেন তিনি কৃষ্ণগোপাল মল্লিকের কাজ অনুবাদ করার সিদ্ধান্ত নিয়েছিলেন। বইটি, এন্টারিং দ্য মেজ: কৃষ্ণগোপাল মল্লিকের কুইর ফিকশন আমাদের বয়স, আকাঙ্ক্ষা এবং পুরুষত্ব সম্পর্কে প্রশ্ন উন্মুক্ত করে। চ্যাটার্জি বাংলা সাহিত্যকে আরও দৃশ্যমানতা দেওয়ার প্রয়োজনীয়তার প্রতিও প্রতিফলিত করেছেন যা বিচিত্র বিষয়গুলিকে সম্বোধন করে। উপরন্তু, তিনি কল্যাণী বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের অধ্যাপক হওয়ার এবং সাফো ফর ইকুয়ালিটির সাথে সহযোগিতা করার অভিজ্ঞতা শেয়ার করেন।দ্রষ্টব্য: এই সাক্ষাৎকারটি বিশেষভাবে প্রকাশক নিয়োগী বুকস দ্বারা অনুরোধ করা হয়েছিল।2023-12-3041 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 32 with activist, organizer and educator সুমি দাস (Summi Dass)In this episode, activist, educator, and organizer Summi Dass shared how she started the Moitrisanjog Society, Cooch Behar, and collaborated with donors and academics. We also discussed the centricity of Kolkata in queer and trans organizing and how that impacts the community in rural Bengal. Rajorshi Das (RD): Today, we have Sumi Das with us. She established the Moitrisanjog Society in 2009. It is the only organization in North Bengal, which works for the rights of koti, hijra, and transgender communities, particularly fighting for their livelihood and right to work. Her organization also made a documentary n...2023-11-2841 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 31 with Associate Professor of Literary Art, Anita E. CherianPerformance Studies scholar, Dr Cherian discusses the limits of subversion in Indian classical dance. She revisits her article on Narthaki Nataraj and Kalakrishna, and explains the political processes that led to the formation of the category of "classical." She reflects on the composition of the audiences for classical dance performances across different cities while addressing the questions of caste capital and appropriation. She also touches upon the challenges of being a Dean in a public university, and the ways in which she is able to center care in her everyday work as an administrator. 2023-08-3148 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 30 with activist and organizer অরি রায় চৌধুরী (Ari Roy Chowdhuri)In this episode, Ari explains why she wants to make a documentary on the trans and queer community in the Nadia district which is located at the India-Bangladesh border. The link to the fundraiser can be found here. We also discussed the hierarchies that govern the relationship between academics-researchers and grassroots activists. Please find the English translation and transcription of the interview below.RD: Today, we are joined by Ari Roy Chowdhuri (ARC) from Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Ari is the secretary of Nadia Ranaghat Sampriti Society. This organization works for grassroots hijra...2023-08-0131 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 29 with lawyer and bioethicist Rohin BhattQueer rights activist Rohin Bhatt has been at the forefront of the struggle for marriage equality in the Supreme Court of India. We discuss the legality of the matter and the arguments from the opposing bodies. Bhatt insists that the demand for horizontal reservation for trans people should get more attention. He also explains his role as a bioethicist and elaborates on the small wins for gender inclusivity on the Supreme Court premises.2023-07-0653 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 28 with publisher Dibyajyoti SarmaIn my first-ever interview with a publisher, Sarma, the founder of Red River gives me an insider's account of what small-scale and independent publishing looks like in India. He discusses the joys and the risks involved in creating a poetry book. Sarma also reflects on the making of Whistling in the Dark: Twenty-One Queer Interviews which he co-edited with R Raj Rao.Editor: Shubang Gautam 2023-06-201h 11

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 27 with artist Jyoti Singh"Candles are my claim, hula hoop, my release"Known for her handmade aromatic candles, Jyoti Singh shares what it means to tell a story with wax and dry flowers. This story is also informed by her belief in anti-caste politics and social and political justice. She also tells me how trauma changed her body's relationship with dance. This prompted her to seek refuge in the hula hoop.Editor: Shubang Gautam 2023-04-1847 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 26 with poet and teacher Debolina DeyDey shares their standpoint on queer politics and why "queer" as an adjective matters more to them. We speak about poetry, queer pedagogy, intimacy, and identity politics. Dey also reflects on belongingness and exile, about living in Delhi and being brought up in Siliguri. She asks, "Can Bengalis imagine having a Nepali CM?"Editor: Shubang Gautam 2023-03-041h 06

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 25 with feminist Minakshi Sanyal (Malobika di)I spoke to Minakshi Sanyal aka Malobikadi about her co-edited anthology, Monologue: Lesbian Narrative of Bangladesh and West Bengal, and her journey in relation to Sappho for Equality. We reflect on the distinctions between "bari" and flat and what it means to be at home. She shares her experiences of collaborating with Anindya Hazra on the Dialogues: Calcutta International LGBTQIA+ Film and Video Festival. Working across movements and organizations is key to her feminist vision. Malobika di also expresses her disappointment and anger at being excluded from intra-community events and initiatives that were led and dominated by cis-gay men.2023-02-031h 31

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 24 with poet and researcher Anil PradhanIn his interview which was conducted in October 2022, Pradhan shares how he negotiates different places of belonging and what that means for his queerness in a globalized world. We discuss his forthcoming anthology and the process of writing and performing for digital platforms. In response to a question, Pradhan also shares some critiques of Kaustav Chakraborty's book which tries to "queer" tribal folktales.*Audio editor: Shubang Gautam*2023-01-091h 05

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 23 with writer and gender rights activist Santa KhuraiSanta Khurai who is a Manipuri indigenous Nupi Maanbi shares her insights on the challenges of doing activism in the region. She takes a strong stand against racism and colonialism which impacts how mainland India treats people from the Northeast. A poet and an artist, she wants to be recognized as a writer, rather than a trans writer.2022-11-1653 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 22 with transgender rights activist & digital content creator Rachana MudraboyinaMudraboyina, the co-founder of Telangana Hijra Transgender Intersex Samiti and TransVision discusses how religion can be a site of negotiation for trans people. She explains what respect means for trans sex workers and what are the challenges of archiving the contribution of trans people to the Telangana movement.2022-11-031h 00

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 21 with CPI(M) member and theatre activist Gourab GhoshCurrently teaching in Mumbai, Gourab Ghosh is the "first openly gay candidate to contest a university election." He believes that a Queer-Left alliance is the need of the hour. Ghosh shares the processes of filming for Debalina Majumder's Gay Matrimony and the importance of law in the life of LGBTQ+ people.2022-10-121h 07

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 20 with academic and writer Ruth VanitaProfessor Vanita explains the processes that went into the making of Same-Sex Love in India. She emphasizes the need to make academic scholarship more accessible to the general reader. Vanita also shares her thoughts on the legalization of gay marriages and what that would mean for Indian gay and lesbian subjects.2022-09-3039 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 19 with poet and writer Hoshang MerchantI interviewed Hoshang at his Hyderabad apartment while he was still recovering from the flu. He had just returned from an event in Shimla. We spoke about the afterlives of his edited anthology, Yaraana: Gay Writing from India (1999), and non-fiction publications such as Gay Icons of India (2019) and All My Masters: An East-West Encounter (2021). The poet-writer remains unapologetic about his choices even as he calls out fellow LGBTQ+ writers for being egoistic or staying in the closet. Hoshang also revisits his relationship with his father and emphasizes the need for care and intimacy during the COVID pandemic.2022-09-2335 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 18 with editor and labor activist, Ashwini Sukthankar"artifacts have a place in the archive"Ashwini Sukthankar recollects the processes that went into the making of the anthology, Facing the Mirror: Lesbian Writing from India (1999). She also shares her thoughts on the 2019 edition's book cover and the institution of gay marriage. Sukthankar also believes that transnational labor movements can make strong alliances possible.2022-09-191h 01

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 17 with social worker সিন্টু বাগুই (Sintu Bagui)সিন্টু বাগুই পশ্চিমবঙ্গের শেওড়াফুলিতে অবস্থিত একজন ট্রান্স অ্যাক্টিভিস্ট এবং সমাজকর্মী। তিনি পশ্চিমবঙ্গ রাজ্যে লোক আদালতের বিচারক হওয়া দ্বিতীয় ট্রান্স মহিলা। এই সাক্ষাত্কারে (বাংলা/বাংলায় পরিচালিত) সিন্টু ট্রান্স সম্প্রদায়ের মৌলিক চাহিদা পূরণে রাজ্য প্রশাসনের ব্যর্থতার কথা পুনর্ব্যক্ত করেছেন, যেমন ট্রান্সজেন্ডার সার্টিফিকেট প্রদান। তিনি COVID মহামারীর তিনটি পর্যায়ে তহবিল সংগ্রহকারীদের রাজনীতির ব্যাখ্যাও দেন এবং LGBTQ+ চেনাশোনা জুড়ে সংহতি এবং একচেটিয়া উভয়ের উদাহরণ স্মরণ করেন।(অডিওটিতে স্ট্যাটিক রয়েছে যা সরানো যায়নি।)Sintu Bagui is a trans activist and social worker based out of Sheoraphuli, West Bengal. She is the second transwoman to become the judge of a Lok Adalat (People's Court) in the state of West Bengal. In this interview (conducted in Bangla/Bengali) Sintu reiterates the failures of the state administration to fulfill the basic needs of the trans community, such as the issuing of transgender certificates. She also explains the politics of fundraisers during the three stages of the COVID pandemic and recollects instances of both solidarity and exclusivity across LGBTQ+ circles.(The audio contains static that couldn't be removed.)2022-09-1141 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 16 with journalist Premankur BiswasPremankur and I discuss our critiques of Bollywood and the representation of LGBTQ+ people in news media. He shares his opinions about companionship and the institution of marriage. P.S. Do check out the new intro voiceover, and let me know how it sounds 2022-08-2632 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 15 with queer feminist and peer counsellor, Rituparna BorahRituparna shares her experiences within the queer activist circles in Delhi. She emphasizes the lack of conversations on race and indigeneity and her changing perceptions of marriage and companionship.2022-08-1848 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 14 with novelist and journalist Sandip RoySandip Roy discusses his writing process and the way in which a story need not conform to expectations of political correctness. He answers specific questions related to the plot of Don't Let Him Know. Sandip also shares some tips on how to make a good podcast!2022-08-0749 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 13 with curator and ethnographer Kumam Davidson SinghKumam recollects the conversations that led to the formation of the Chinki Homo Project. We discuss issues of language, region, ethnicity, and livelihood. Kumam also comments on the political power of anthologies. 2022-07-231h 02

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 12 with writer and queer feminist Shals MahajanMahajan discusses the importance of care and negotiation in the relationships between children and adults in their books. They also reflect on the making of the anthology, "Facing the Mirror: Lesbian Writing from India," (edited by Ashwini Sukthankar) and unpack the distinctions between liberal thought and economic liberalization.2022-07-141h 02

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 11 with researcher Maitree DeviMaitree Devi shares her insights on the treatment of minorities in India and Bangladesh, particularly the role of personal laws in the lives of minority women. She also discusses the evolution of queer spaces in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the importance of community formation.2022-07-0859 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 10 with activist and archivist, Pawan DhallPawan Dhall shares his insights about the importance of remembering the past. He also acknowledges the shortcomings and the possibilities of pride marches across India.2022-07-021h 05

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 9 with digital storyteller and queer feminist, Pavel SagolsemThe co-founder of Chinki Homo Project shares their experiences of being a "vagabond." They also hope that movements will make room for mistakes, rather than only insisting on political correctness.2022-06-2240 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 8 with Master's student and heritage walk leader, Tanu DabralTanu shares the challenges of creating queer spaces on the campus. She also comments on the current heritage walk practices. 2022-06-0736 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 7 with birder, poet and associate professor of English, Nitoo DasNitoo Das reflects on the queer potential of her poems such as "Crowbite" and differentiates between the processes of writing and photographing (birds). She asserts how hierarchies informed by caste tend to shape research. We also discuss the ways in which students have the ability to reiterate the pedagogical nature of street protests and become agents of hope.2022-05-2951 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 6 with science writer & communicator Sayantan DattaSayantan, a queer-trans writer and journalist reflect on the process of writing and editing. They also revisit their ideas about allyship and research in STEM.2022-05-2351 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 5 with associate professor of Biology & Psychology, Bittu K RajaramanBittu reflects on how STEM methodology can enable the understanding of human behavior across activist spaces. Being critical of privatization and liberalization, he offers a nuanced take on the New Education Policy. We also discuss parenthood and non-normative forms of kinship.2022-05-1446 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 4 with political organizer and strategist Raya SarkarRaya Sarkar reflects on the conditions and the processes that made LOSHA (the list of sexual harassers in academia) possible in 2017. We discuss the limitations of sexual harassment laws in India and the US and the nuances that may be required to handle perpetrators who are located at the intersections of caste and queerness.2022-05-1140 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 3 with associate professor of English, Rajendra PariharRaj shares his relationship with sport, and the way it intersects with caste and queerness. He reflects on his time in Iowa City, and JNU, Delhi, and the immense possibilities of imagining queerness in alternate family structures involving animals.2022-05-0351 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 2 with educator & journalist Chintan ModiIn this dialogue, Chintan gives us an impressive list of "queer" books that should be read and cherished. He insists that the best work is happening in the field of children's literature. We discuss the hierarchies of caste, region, and language in the publishing scene, and how that impacts what gets published and by whom.2022-04-1958 min

Queerness and Storytelling in IndiaEpisode 1 with filmmaker & journalist Moses TulasiMoses discusses storytelling and queerness in relation to his film on the Telangana Swabhimana pride parade, Walking the Walk (2015). He draws connections between the right to self-determination of gender, the fight for Telangana, and the different tribal narratives and customs that inform trans and Dalit politics in the region.2022-04-0137 min

Queerness and Storytelling in India0 EpisodeA new episode 2022-03-3101 min

Audio Shorts OriginalsCHAHIDA [ চাহিদা ] Saikat Senapati ।। Bartho Pion Original Audio Short StoryWritten By Saikat Senapati Voice Artists :Intro & Outro : Prosenjit Bose,Story Teller : Roman Bhaduri,Parthiv : Soumyadeep Dutta,Joyeeta : Sudipta Chakraborty,Another Woman Character : Sneha Middya,Audio & Video Edit : Rajorshi Mondal & Saikat Senapati,If you like this Audio story,Please follow our Facebook Page to get Early Updates--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bartho-pion/message 2021-06-1024 min

Who are you learning from? Learn with experts, only at SpeakIn.#ManagingChange with Adapting to the Disruption in the WorkplaceSpeakers - Preeti Bose, Head Global Talent Management & Leadership Development HR, Lupin Limited | Amit Malik, Chief People Operations & Customer Services Officer at Aviva Life Insurance India Ltd | Rajorshi Ganguli, President and Global HR Head, Alkem Laboratories Ltd.| Deepshikha Kumar, Founder, SpeakIn The Covid-19 coronavirus is becoming the accelerator for one of the greatest workplace transformations of our lifetime. How we work, exercise, shop, learn, communicate, and of course, where we work, will be changed forever. But the larger question is: how will this massive transformation impact the workplace, you, your team, and your organization...2020-05-201h 02

The Visionaries PodcastMusic and Fitness ft. Rajorshi MannaThis is the first episode of my Podcast VISIONARIES. In this episode, i have my college friend Rajorshi Manna who is an exceptionally talented singer and a fitness freak. Here, he discusses about his journey from the very beginning. How he improved himself in Music and also his transformation from Fat To Fit --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 2020-04-0914 min

Smart TalkRajorshi Chakraborti discusses his book Shakti with Lynn Freeman at the 2020 NZ Festival of the Arts in WellingtonAt the NZ Arts Festival 2020, RNZ's Lynn Freeman talks to Rajorshi Chakraborti about his novel Shakti, a fantastical story which has insights into the real-life world of India today. Listen to Rajorshi Chakraborti talking about fiction and reality with Lynn FreemanWhat can the power of women achieve in a world run by men? Rajorshi Chakraborti's just-released novel, Shakti, is a fast-paced story of standing up for what is right in a world going very wrong. Mind-reading, wish-granting goddesses, right-wing regimes and the everyday trials of life in a city collide.RNZ's Lynn...2020-03-1150 min