Best Sudipto Mondal Podcasts (2025)

1
What's Your Ism? EP 40 | From Ravichandran to Raees: Dalits, Islam & the anti-caste | Sudipto Mondal 1:14:09

3h ago1:14:09

1:14:09

In this episode of What’s Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal sits down with Dr. Raees Muhammad—formerly Ravichandran Bathran—the founder of Dalit Camera. A pioneer in grassroots video journalism, Raees speaks candidly about his departure from Hinduism, his conversion to Islam, and how casteism pushed him to reshape his identity and politics. From his early …

1
Charvaka, Ambedkar & Ravana’s Regret: What’s Your Ism? Reflections | Anand Neelakantan 15:00

6d ago15:00

15:00

In this episode of What’s Your Ism? Reflections, Sudipto Mondal re-opens his conversation with Anand Neelakantan by focusing on a striking excerpt from Asura—where Ravana, in victory, still yearns for caste validation. This leads to a deeper reflection on who the Shudras really are and what status they occupied in Indo-Aryan society. A philosophica…

1
What's Your Ism? Ep 38 ft. Anand Neelakantan | Ram vs. Ravan: Whose Side Is History On? 1:37:00

17d ago1:37:00

1:37:00

In this episode of What’s Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal hosts Anand Neelakantan, bestselling author of Asura and Ajaya, to discuss how mythology is shaped by caste, politics, and power. Neelakantan dissects dominant narratives in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, questioning why some figures are remembered as heroes while others are cast as villains. From …

1
Roma, Banjara, and Ambedkar | What’s Your Ism? Reflections 11:36

26d ago11:36

11:36

Welcome to the first edition of What’s Your Ism? Reflections. Sudipto Mondal looks back at his conversation with János Orsós, founder of a Roma school in Hungary inspired by Ambedkar, and reflects on what was left unsaid—from statelessness to social segregation across continents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
What’s Your Ism? EP 36 | Ambedkar in Europe: A Roma School’s Fight Against Segregation 42:09

1M ago42:09

42:09

From Maharashtra to Miskolc: What’s Your Ism? travels to Hungary where a Roma activist found hope in Ambedkar. János Orsós, founder of the Dr. Ámbédkar School, speaks with Sudipto Mondal and Prajwal Bhat about Hungary’s racial segregation, state complicity, and how Ambedkar’s legacy of education and justice offers a way out. Hosted on Acast. See ac…

1
What's Your Ism ft. Dhanya Rajendran & Vignesh Vellore | How TNM Survived 11 Years in Journalism 1:21:13

2M ago1:21:13

1:21:13

What does it take to run an independent newsroom for 11 years? How did a digital-first newsroom survive without corporate backing or political influence? Dhanya Rajendran & Vignesh Vellore sit down with Sudipto Mondal to reveal the highs, the struggles, and the big fights that shaped TNM’s journey. From newsroom dilemmas to financial risks, this is…

1
What’s Your Ism? Ammu Joseph on pioneering feminist journalism in India 1:38:43

4M ago1:38:43

1:38:43

Ammu Joseph, a pioneering feminist journalist and founding member of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), shares her inspiring journey on What's Your Ism? with Sudipto Mondal.The conversation explores her groundbreaking works in Indian journalism, early works in Eve’s Weekly magazine & the process that led to the formation of NWMI. Hosted o…

1
Gauley Bhai: Music, Resistance, and Identity From Kalimpong to Bengaluru 1:33:46

4M ago1:33:46

1:33:46

Sudipto Mondal features Gauley Bhai in this What's Your Ism? special. Their journey from Kalimpong to Bengaluru isn’t just about music—it’s about survival, resistance, and reclaiming identity. Their sound is a weapon, their songs a protest, and their stage a place of hope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Holiday Special | Manjeet Sarkar: Comedy, Caste, and the Art of Storytelling 1:21:47

4M ago1:21:47

1:21:47

In this What’s Your Ism? holiday special, Sudipto Mondal sits down with Manjeet Sarkar—a comedian and filmmaker using humour to break barriers. The conversation explores his experiences as a Dalit performer, his reflections on identity, and the role of comedy in addressing social justice. P.S. They also share a personal discussion on food and its c…

1
Holiday Special | Parvaaz: A Kashmiri Band in Bengaluru’s heartstrings 55:54

4M ago55:54

55:54

Parvaaz isn’t just a band—it’s a cultural movement. In the first of What’s Your Ism?’s holiday specials, Sudipto Mondal and Gokul Chakravarthy delve into how Bengaluru nurtures collaboration and diversity. Parvaaz’s journey from college jam sessions to progressive rock pioneers reveals the heart of Bengaluru’s cultural vibrancy. Watch as they discu…

1
What’s Your Ism? Special Episode 30: The Sudipto Mondal Story - Identity, Caste & Journalism 1:00:44

5M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Episode 30 of What’s Your Ism? takes a personal turn as Dhanya Rajendran interviews Sudipto Mondal, the voice behind the show. Sudipto revisits his early struggles in journalism, the societal realities he confronted, and how these experiences shaped his purpose and perspective. This is the story of a Dalit journalist who has been telling others’ st…

1
What’s Your Ism? EP 29 From Emergency to Hindutva: Ft. MG Devasahayam on India's Democratic Crisis 1:29:47

5M ago1:29:47

1:29:47

In this episode of What's Your Ism?, Sudipto Mondal and Dhanya Rajendran host M.G. Devasahayam, a former IAS officer and army veteran, to discuss critical issues facing India today and compare it to the emergency era. From the flaws in EVM-VVPAT systems to the systemic destruction of democratic institutions, Devasahayam provides a hard-hitting anal…

1
What’s Your Ism? Ep 28 ft. Nadira Khatun on exploring Muslim narratives in Hindi cinema 1:20:02

6M ago1:20:02

1:20:02

In episode 28 of What's Your ISM?, Sudipto Mondal speaks with Nadira Khatun about her book, Postcolonial Bollywood and Muslim Identity: Production, Representation, and Reception. They explore Bollywood's layered depiction of Muslim identities, its evolution since independence, and how cinema reflects broader societal narratives. Nadira shares her i…

1
What’s Your Ism? Ep 27 ft. Kalpana Sharma on Feminism, Dharavi, and Himmat Magazine 1:17:44

6M ago1:17:44

1:17:44

In this episode of What's Your ISM?, Sudipto Mondal sits down with Journalist Kalpana Sharma to discuss her trailblazing career in journalism. They explore her early days with Himmat, a small but influential English-language weekly that stood for truth and justice during the post-Emergency era. Kalpana reflects on her work covering Dharavi and ampl…

1
What's Your Ism? EP 26 ft. Shailaja Paik on Redefining Feminism and Dalit Identity 1:11:31

7M ago1:11:31

1:11:31

In Episode 26 of What's Your Ism? Sudipto Mondal speaks with Shailaja Paik, MacArthur 'Genius' Award winner and scholar, to delve into Dalit feminism, caste, and sexuality. They explore ‘Manuski,’ caste intersectionality, and the hidden stories of Dalit women in art like Tamasha. Episode releases tomorrow—stay tuned! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/…

1
What’s your ism? Ep 25 ft. Arvind Narrain on progressive isms for our times 1:30:40

7M ago1:30:40

1:30:40

Our guest this time is hard to define. President of PUCL Karnataka, law scholar, Constitutional expert, author, one of the country’s pioneering LGBTQ+ activists, co-founder of the Alternative Law Forum and the legatee of a family that laid the first foundation for secular education in Karnataka. Over two decades of human rights work and political o…

1
What’s your ism? Ep 24 ft. Rishika Pardikar on India’s climate crisis 1:15:13

7M ago1:15:13

1:15:13

How did the Modi government gain the Shompen tribe’s consent for the construction of two cities, a port and gas refinery on the Great Nicobar island? What does the Modi government’s plan to introduce carbon trading mean for the environment? How do the latest changes to the Forest Conservation Act threaten community forest? What to expect from the C…

1
What’s your ism? Ep 23 feat. Dr. Aditya Sondhi on Indo-Pak military history 1:25:48

7M ago1:25:48

1:25:48

How did the civilian administration in India gain an upper hand over the military? Why did Pakistan and Bangladesh fail to control their generals? Nehru was initially dismissive of the armed forces, why and how did his view evolve? What was Jinnah’s view of the military? Sudipto Mondal discusses the Poles Apart – a newly released book comparing the…

1
‘I live without an Aadhaar’: What's Your Ism? Ep 22 | ft. Anti-Aadhaar activist Kiran Jonnalagadda 1:19:07

7M ago1:19:07

1:19:07

Is it possible to survive in India without Aadhaar? How does one protect individual rights against an ever more powerful surveillance state? What is legally valid, paper records or digital records? Is privacy an elite obsession? Sudipto Mondal discusses data privacy, state surveillance and digital rights with one of the last people in the country t…

1
What’s your ism? Ep 21 ft. Nikita Sonavane, Lawyer and Researcher on Brahminical Policing 1:40:40

8M ago1:40:40

1:40:40

What role did eugenics play in the creation of a modern police force in India? What does it take for a Dalit woman to negotiate with the savarna dominated judiciary? What does it mean to be a ‘creamy layer’ Dalit in the most rarefied space in the Indian power structure? Sudipto Mondal discusses the savarna stranglehold on the judiciary and Brahmini…

1
What's Your Ism? Ep 20 feat. Josy Joseph on the future of journalism & the state of the Indian union 1:23:46

8M ago1:23:46

1:23:46

What are the ways in which journalism in India is changing? Is Indian democracy safe? How deep is the rot in the country’s anti-corruption agencies and security establishment? Can the Indian army be trusted to stay out of civilian affairs? Sudipto Mondal discusses the state of the nation and the future of journalism with the country’s leading inves…

1
What’s Your Ism? Josy Joseph on future of journalism, Indian democracy 1:23:46

8M ago1:23:46

1:23:46

In what ways is journalism in India changing? Is Indian democracy safe? How deep is the rot in the country’s anti-corruption agencies and security establishments? Can the Indian army be trusted to stay out of civilian affairs? In our latest episode of What’s Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to Josy Joseph, an investigative journalist and founder of …

1
What’s Your Ism? Ep19 feat. Rahul Sonpimple on JNU, Dalit-Muslim unity and activism 1:51:49

8M ago1:51:49

1:51:49

In our latest episode of 'What's Your Ism' with Sudipto Mondal, Rahul Sonpimple opens up about his journey from student leader at JNU to forming the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association, the future of Dalit politics, and why Dalit-Muslim unity is more crucial than ever. Rahul delves into the complexities and contradictions within anti…

1
What’s your ism? Nandan Kamath on sports, governing bodies, nation building 1:21:32

9M ago1:21:32

1:21:32

From India’s sporting culture to the bodies governing it and the ways to make it more accessible, what role does sports have in nation-building? Can it be treated as a public good or an essential commodity? And how can sports accommodate differences of gender, class, and identity? In this episode of What’s Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to Nandan …

1
What’s your ism? Ep 17 Prakash Ambedkar: The legacy, struggles, & future of Dalit politics 1:11:08

9M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

"In Maharashtra, power is concentrated in the hands of only 169 families. These rich Marathas control everything, and they’re not ready to accept the poor Maratha who is of the same caste, same lineage." In this episode of What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to Prakash Ambedkar about Maharashtra’s power structure and the most contentious issues …

1
What’s your ism? Ep 16 feat. first time MP from Tamil Nadu Sasikanth Senthil 1:26:39

9M ago1:26:39

1:26:39

What are the ways in which the Congress is changing? What do you mean by the Hindu Left? Does the focus on building a larger coalition against the BJP dilute core issues? How does it deal with ideological conflicts within the INDIA coalition? In this episode of What's Your Ism Sudipto Mondal speaks to first time MP from Tamil Nadu Sasikanth Senthil…

1
What’s your ism? Ep 15 feat. Sharda Ugra on Hindutva and sports 1:13:58

9M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

How did the entry of the BJP and Hindutva complicate the already chaotic world of Indian sport? Are cricketers by design less anti establishment than footballers? Race and gender are today big conversations in the global sporting community. Why is it difficult to talk about these things in India? In this episode of What's Your Ism Sudipto Mondal sp…

1
What’s your ism? Ep 14 feat. Shivasundar on the ‘Hindu Left’ 1:21:49

10M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

In these Indian elections, a cross section of progressive mass organisations helped the Congress curtail the BJP’s electoral power. But what does the Congress resurgence mean for the progressive agenda and the fight against Hindutva? What do we make of Rahul Gandhi's good Hindu versus bad Hindu narrative? In the first episode of the post election s…

1
What’s Your Ism? Ep 13 feat. Teesta Setalvad on coalition building against BJP & Hindutva 40:42

11M ago40:42

40:42

Fighting 'fascist' BJP is the second freedom struggle: Journalist and activist Teesta Setalvad said that the country is at a historic crossroads. This is the time, she said, to build the broadest possible coalition against the BJP and Hindutva, even if it means working with problematic opposition parties such as the Congress. In the last set of cri…

1
What’s Your Ism? Ep 12. feat Major General Vombatkere on Election Commission's partisanship & election security 58:51

11M ago58:51

58:51

People are not happy with the Election Commission: Major General Sudhir Vombatkere, a prominent voice in anti-Hindutva civil society circles, said that the conduct of the Election Commission and its openly partisan positions has eroded people's trust in these Lok Sabha elections. In the last set of critical political conversations in this season of…

1
What’s Your Ism? Ep 11. feat H V Vasu on Congress's shift left and progressive movements 1:05:26

11M ago1:05:26

1:05:26

The Congress and opposition parties are increasingly occupying left spaces. The founder of eedina.com and prominent left activist from Karnataka, H V Vasu responds to criticism that progressive mass movements have been co-opted by the Congress and other non-BJP opposition parties. In the last set of critical political conversations in this season o…

1
‘Dalit Muslims are striving for legitimacy’: Prof Khalid Anis Ansari on anti-caste discourse in Muslims 1:05:29

1y ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Caste and untouchability are widely perceived as a Hindu phenomenon – orthodoxically, they are categorised as “illegitimate” in the Muslim community. But the Dalit Muslims facing caste oppression strive for legitimacy. So, what is the complex history and dynamics of castes among Muslims? How is it perceived in the political economy amid scarcity mo…

1
What’s Your Ism? Ep 9. feat Shalin Maria Lawrence on Dalit Christians in anti-caste discourse 1:11:26

1y ago1:11:26

1:11:26

Caste and untouchability owe their origins to brahmanical Hinduism. But caste oppression is not restricted to the Hindu community. Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims face challenges in asserting their rights and demanding affirmative action. In this two-part episode on What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal speaks to Ambedkarite author Shalin Maria Lawren…

1
‘Caste census not poll issue for OBCs’: Sumeet Mhasker on reservation, Hindutva 54:31

1y ago54:31

54:31

Sumeet Mhasker, a labour sociologist and professor at OP Jindal Global University, has been analysing non-Brahmin and OBC politics over the last century and how these communities respond to the question of Hindutva and their economic hardship. In this episode of What’s Your Ism, host Sudipto Mondal and professor Mhasker discuss the premise of Mahar…

1
‘Time to revise theoretical positions’: D Raja on communists, caste, Buddha 1:18:02

1y ago1:18:02

1:18:02

D Raja, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India, says a communist revolution is not possible in India by only focussing on economic concerns. In this special two-part episode on What's Your Ism, Sudipto Mondal earlier spoke to the CPIM’s Sitaram Yechury. In this part, Raja reflects on the role of BR Ambedkar and the Buddha in shaping …

1
‘Slur to say communists are anti-Dalit’: Sitaram Yechury on caste, capitalism, international Left 59:02

1y ago59:02

59:02

Amid the ongoing election fever, the Left parties are looking to regain their lost ground. But what are the limitations facing the Red Flag? Why do Indian communists share a difficult relationship with the anti-caste movement? And what is happening in the international communist movement? In this special two-part episode on What's Your Ism, Sudipto…

1
‘BSP, Mayawati losing relevance’: RS Praveen Kumar on anti-caste movement, switch to BRS 1:14:20

1y ago1:14:20

1:14:20

RS Praveen Kumar, a former IPS officer, who had quit the civil services to join the Bahujan Samaj Party, has once again taken a u-turn. Last month, the popular Ambedkarite jumped to the BRS – a party he had earlier described as “casteist” and “feudal”. So what triggered this shift? What are his views on the anti-caste movement? In this episode of W…

1
‘Mainstream media trumpeter of regime’: Sagarika Ghose on Hindutva, media, liberalism 1:02:56

1y ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Sagarika Ghose, the journalist-turned-politician who recently made headlines for joining the Trinamool Congress, is set to contest the Rajya Sabha polls. Has she abandoned the journalism front? How does she look at Hindutva? What made her pull out of mainstream media? In this candid conversation with Sudipto Mondal for What’s your ism? – a podcast …

1
Suniti Bhikkuni on caste, gender and Buddhism 2:51:21

1+ y ago2:51:21

2:51:21

Bhante Suniti Bhikkuni is the founder of India’s first order of ‘Bhikkunis’ or female monks, a small group of committed Ambedkarite Dalit women who are striving to carve out an identity for themselves within the larger anti-caste movement. She talks about the dilemmas of associating with men and identifying with what passes for Navayana or Ambedkar…

1
Kavita Krishnan on marxist parties and the feminist cause. 1:35:07

1+ y ago1:35:07

1:35:07

India's leading feminist voice from a Marxist perspective, Kavita Krishnan, who was also one of the few women to ever enter the powerful politburo of the CPI (ML), speaks about the moral dilemmas of identifying with the formal left in the country. She also delved into the complications in Marxist thought arising out of questions concerning women, D…

1
Suraj Yengde on caste and Christianity 2:24:27

1+ y ago2:24:27

2:24:27

Global anti-caste scholar and activist Suraj Yegde, who's also a post doctoral fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, speaks about the future of the Ambedkarite anti-caste struggle, woke culture, Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA alliance. He also elaborates his position on the question of categorising Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims under Scheduled Cas…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Sudipto Mondal Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen