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Early Buddhism challenged existing social hierarchies, but how far did its ideas of equality extend? What do the Buddha’s views on women and the rules of the Sangha reveal about the contradictions within the tradition? In the second episode of Seeking Sangha, a special focus series on What’s Your ISM?, The News Minute Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal speaks to historian and feminist scholar Dr Uma Chakravarti about the social and political world of in and around the lifetime of Siddhartha Gotama. Drawing on her work, including The Social Dimensions of Early Buddhism, they discuss the Buddha’s vision of an egalitarian society, the relationship between Buddhism and Brahmanism, and the role of the Sangha in challenging existing social hierarchies. They also explore how Buddhist ideas of compassion and liberation influenced anti-caste thought, why B R Ambedkar turned to Buddhism, and how his interpretation of early Buddhism offered an alternative to caste hierarchy. From the Buddha’s radical vision to the struggles within Buddhist traditions, this conversation examines Buddhism’s promise of equality and the contradictions that continue to shape it. Like Sudipto’s Ism show? Support him: https://rzp.io/rzp/tnm-wyi Support the film - Seeking Sangha. Your support will help in defraying the costs of production as well as taking it to a global audience: https://pages.razorpay.com/seekingsangha Or become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription To make enquiries about the film or to collaborate in hosting screenings, you can mail [email protected] Producer: Akshay Lal, Camera: Ajay R, Editor: Jaseem Ali Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buddhism has become an important part of conversations around caste and Brahminism in the decades following B R Ambedkar’s conversion in 1956. But how did Buddhism evolve from an ancient tradition into a modern political and intellectual force? In the first episode of Seeking Sangha, a special focus series on What's Your ISM?, The News Minute Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal speaks to historian and author Douglas Ober about his book Dust on the Throne and the rediscovery of Buddhism in British colonial times. They discuss Buddhist modernity, Ambedkar’s engagement with Buddhism, the relationship between Buddhism and Brahmanism, and how European scholarship cast new light on the way India’s Buddhist past was understood. Sudipto and Douglas trace the Buddhist revival in the 19th and 20th centuries through figures such as Anagarika Dharmapala, Kripa Saran, and Iyothee Thass who came before Ambedkar and examine Buddhism’s relationship with caste and anti-caste politics. They also discuss Ambedkar, JK Birla, and Gandhi’s approaches to Buddhism, before looking at how Nehru and Modi have used Buddhism as cultural diplomacy and soft power. Like Sudipto’s Ism show? Support him: https://rzp.io/rzp/tnm-wyi Support the film - Seeking Sangha. Your support will help in defraying the costs of production as well as taking it to a global audience: https://pages.razorpay.com/seekingsangha Or become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription To make enquiries about the film or to collaborate in hosting screenings, you can mail [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Student politics is returning to the centre of India’s political conversation. But what does this new wave of student activism stand for, and can it grow into a broader political movement? In this episode of What's Your ISM?, The News Minute Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal sits down with student leaders from the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and Ambedkar Students’ Association (ASA) to discuss the new opportunities to build student politics, the growing anger on Indian campuses, and the possibilities and contradictions within today’s student movements. Sudipto and the student leaders also explore the relationship between caste and class politics, Ambedkar and Marx, the Left and Ambedkarite movements, and whether these forces can find common ground. They discuss the recent student protests, the rise of Gen Z politics, the education crisis, privatisation, unemployment, and the demand for student union elections in Karnataka. The conversation also looks at whether student organisations can build a third front beyond the BJP and Congress, the challenges of organising across caste and class lines, and the role of ideology in sustaining a movement beyond a single protest. They also discuss the Rohith Act campaign in Karnataka, and how different student organisations came together to push for stronger protections against discrimination in universities. Get special 6-month subscription of TNM-NL at Rs 1947: https://pages.razorpay.com/tnm-1947?utm_source=wyi&utm_medium=wyi1947linkk&utm_campaign=wyi  Like Sudipto’s Ism show? Support him: https://rzp.io/rzp/tnm-wyi  Or become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription  Producer: Akshay Lal, Editor: Vignesh Manickam, Camera: Ajay R Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The global order is shifting. American dominance is being challenged, China is reshaping the balance of power, and the world is entering a period of political and economic uncertainty. But what does this mean for India, and what kind of politics will emerge from this moment? In this episode of What's Your ISM?, The News Minute Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal sits down with activist and journalist Shivasundar to discuss the changing world order, the decline of Pax Americana, China's rise, the crisis of global capitalism, the future of democracy, and whether today's political movements are capable of offering real alternatives. Sudipto and Shivasundar also explore the rise of Gen Z politics, the absence of grassroots movements, the decline of the Maoist movement, identity politics, and why every crisis creates both danger and opportunity. They also touch upon the Congress in Karnataka, and the land acquisitions in Bidadi.  Like Sudipto’s Ism show? Support him: https://rzp.io/rzp/tnm-wyi Or become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jailed student activist Umar Khalid’s friends and mentor Banojyotsna Lahiri, Anirban Bhattacharya, and Shuddhabrata Sengupta join TNM Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal to discuss their book ‘Umar Khalid and His World’.  The guests read excerpts from the book, and discuss their student days in JNU, the formation of BASO, the evolution of the anti-CAA protests, and what Shaheenbagh meant for the movement. The speakers also discuss the distance that liberal society keeps from Sharjeel Imam, another student activist who has been jailed for over six years.  Sudipto also invites them to discuss the prioritisation of the individual over the ideology in recent political history, in the context of actor Vijay’s electoral victory in Tamil Nadu. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Camera: Ajay R Producer: Maria Teresa Raju Editor: Dharini Prabaharan Design: Krishna Kumar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of the special What’s Your Ism sub series titled “Epar Opar Hahakaar”, TNM Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal sits down with political scientist Dr Navine Murshid, who authored the book “India’s Bangladesh Problem”. In an in-depth conversation, they discuss the current political scenario of Bangladesh post the July 2024 uprising. They also speak about the origins of the Bengali Muslim community, one of the world’s youngest Muslim populations. The conversation also moves to the marginalisations faced by the Dalits and Muslims on either side of the border, and discusses historical efforts at Dalit-Muslim unity. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Camera: Ajay R, Megha Mukundan Producer: Maria Teresa Raju, Dharini Prabaharan Editor: Jaseem Ali Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who picks Bengaluru’s garbage? And why are Bengali Muslim workers among the most vulnerable labourers in Indian cities today? In this episode of What's Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal speaks with trade unionist and human rights activist R Khaleemulah about migrant labour, communal politics, garbage contractors, police violence, and the hidden economy behind waste processing in Bengaluru. The discussion explores labour exploitation, trafficking, anti-Bangladeshi rhetoric, and the human cost of keeping cities clean. This conversation is in Dakhani, a south Indian language. English subtitles available on YouTube Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Camera: Ajay R, Megha Mukundan Producer& Editor: Dharini Prabaharan Design: Krishna Kumar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of West Bengal’s most controversial poll seasons just concluded, with the Bharatiya Janata Party defeating the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government.  This election season was different than usual because of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that preceded it. Thousands of voters found themselves disenfranchised, and the narrative of the ‘infiltrator’ was amplified several times over. Bearing the brunt of it all is a marginalised minority, the Bengali Muslims. Now that polls are done, it's time for a quick history lesson. In this week’s What’s Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal & Dr Nadira Khatun offer insightful glimpses into Bengal history, especially that of its Muslim populace. For the discussion, they rely on some key texts, like the 1871 Hunter Commission Report, 1921 Census Report, Richard Eaton’s writings, & Navine Murshid’ ‘India’s Bangladesh Problem’. Watch the full episode as Sudipto and Nadira engage in an in-depth and insightful discussion. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Producer: Dharini Prabaharan, Vignesh Manickam Edit: Vignesh Manickam Promo: Dharini Prabaharan, Krishna Kumar Design: Dharini Prabaharan Camera: Ajay R, Bhuvan Malik Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does justice really look like for India’s working class and oppressed communities? This week on What’s Your Ism?, Clifton D’Rozario, lawyer, CPIML leader, and long-time grassroots activist, joins host Sudipto Mondal to talk about fighting evictions, caste injustice, and class exploitation. From representing informal workers and slum residents to critiquing the limits of India’s judiciary and Constitution, Clifton lays out his Ambedkarite Marxist approach to revolution, rights, and redistribution. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Producer: Maria Teresa Raju, Bhuvan Malik Edit: Dharini Prabhaharan Promo: Nikhil Sekhar, Jaseem Ali Design: Krishna Kumar Camera: Ajay R Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Mandela to Mamdani, and from Trump to Malema, this is a global story of resistance, betrayal, and unfinished revolutions. In Episode 47 of What’s Your Ism?, journalist Nic Dawes speaks with Sudipto Mondal about the promises of liberation, the politics of redistribution, and whether the Left can still imagine a future beyond fear. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Producer: Bhuvan Malik, Editor: Jaseem Ali, Production Assistance: Prajwal Bhatt, Shone Satheesh, Aarav Gupta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who are the real hands behind India’s clean cities? Sudipto reflects on the civic workers we rarely see, Dalit and migrant labourers who segregate waste, drive garbage trucks, and often live without rights or recognition. This episode follows the money, the power, and the politics behind urban sanitation. Anchored in his conversation with Du Saraswathi, and framed by Shailaja Paik’s work on caste and morality. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Bhuvan Malik and Edited by Jaseem Ali Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when movements don’t speak to each other? In Episode 45 of What’s Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal is joined by Du Saraswathi — who has spent decades bridging Ambedkarism, Marxism, and feminism. A conversation about caste, cleaning, theatre, and what it takes to be seen in a world that looks away. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Reflections episode, we return to Dandakaranya — a region where governments change, but the war stays the same. From banned militias reborn in uniform, to Maoist martyrdom that costs young Adivasi lives, this episode unpacks the contradictions inside the State, the rebels, and civil society. Featuring the voices of Prof. G Haragopal and Degree Prasad Chauhan, with reflections on who speaks for peace — and who keeps dying in its name. Like Sudipto’s Ism show? Support him: https://rzp.io/rzp/tnm-wyi  Or become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What’s Your Ism?, human rights activist Degree Prasad Chauhan discusses how Adivasi identities have been appropriated by Maoist movements. He delves into the symbolic use of figures like Hidma, highlighting the lack of genuine representation and decision-making power for Adivasis within these movements. Chauhan also critiques civil society's role in sidelining Adivasi voices, emphasizing the need for authentic leadership and inclusion in dialogues about their own futures. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“They say the Maoists are gone. But who will stop the mining?” In Episode 42 of What’s Your Ism?, Prof G. Haragopal—veteran human rights defender and peace negotiator—speaks to Sudipto Mondal about structural violence, broken promises, and why civil society must still try—even when peace seems impossible. Like Sudipto’s Ism show? Support him: https://rzp.io/rzp/tnm-wyi  Or become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.