The Coffee House Experience

"Where the world has not been broken up into fragments, by narrow domestic walls." When Rabindranath Thakur wrote these lines, little did anyone imagine that such walls would be raised against Bengalis. Little did we know that Bengalis will be beaten up, not by oppressive colonialists from a land afar, but our very own home-grown imperialists. In this episode we recount the recent spree of persecution and disenfranchisement of Bengalis in India. In this explosive episode of The Coffee House Experience, Adil Hossain joins us to expose the harsh realities of persecution, disenfranchisement, and discrimination faced by Bengali communities today. From citizenship battles to systemic exclusion, we uncover how entire populations are being pushed to the margins.

The world has seen an unprecedented rise in the generation and spread of false information, and India is arguably at its epicenter. Their creation is quite often deliberate which is when they are called disinformation. At other times they are unintentional, which is when they are called misinformation. Often dubbed as “fake news”, they spread like an information epidemic through social media, before crippling public opinion and mainstream narratives. In this session, Oishani Bhattacharya (English Correspondent and Researcher, Alt News) will take us behind the scenes of fact-checking — explaining how false claims are identified, verified and debunked.Websites and WhatsApp tiplines of the Indian fact-checking organisations named in this video: Alt News: https://www.altnews.in/ +91-76000-11160 Boom Live: https://www.boomlive.in/ +91-77009-06588 Factly: https://factly.in/ +91-92470-52470 The Quint, WebQoof: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof +91-95405-11818Ravish Kumar’s Ramon Magsaysay Award (for journalism) acceptance speech video titled "Not All Battles Fought For Victory": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btGX0bL5XY4 Other online references used in this video, last accessed on 29 August 2025: https://bit.ly/CHE_links

In this episode, we dive into how data-driven decision-making can transform India’s legal system. Joining us is Siddharth Raman from XKDR Forum, a former Bain consultant, whose research focuses on applying actuarial thinking to court management. From optimising how manpower is allocated in lower courts to identifying patterns that can reduce case backlogs, Siddharth explains how smart, evidence-based reforms can bring speed, efficiency, and fairness to the justice delivery process. If you've ever wondered how analytics could help untangle India's judicial gridlock, this conversation will give you the clarity—and the numbers—to understand the path forward. 📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SHARE 📢 & SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more insightful discussions! _______________________________ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoffeehouseexperience Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeehouseexp RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecoffeehouseexperience/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3P75RSN Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3Z9dsVn #TheCoffeeHouseExperience #CHE70 #SiddharthRaman #CourtroomCalculus #DataDrivenJustice #JudicialReform #LegalAnalytics #CourtManagement #ActuarialThinking #IndianJudicialSystem #CaseBacklogSolutions #JusticeDelivery #LegalInnovation #EvidenceBasedReform #EfficiencyInCourts #SmartJustice #IndianCourts #LegalPodcast #DataForJustice #ReformingJudiciary

Join us for an illuminating conversation with Professor Eshan Chattopadhyay of Cornell University, a leading mind in the theory of randomness extractors. After years of pioneering work in this critical area of theoretical computer science, Eshan earned the prestigious Gödel Prize (the first Bengali recipient)—shared with his PhD advisor David Zuckerman—for his breakthrough construction of super-efficient extractors. In this episode, Pratyay and Eshan delve into the story behind that award-winning research, trace his academic journey from graduate student to celebrated faculty, and explore today’s heated landscape of U.S. academia and its intersections with politics and policy. Whether you’re a theory enthusiast or simply curious about how cutting-edge computer science shapes our world, this discussion offers rich insights and candid reflections.📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SHARE 📢 & SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more insightful discussions! _______________________________ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoffeehouseexperience Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeehouseexp RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecoffeehouseexperience/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3P75RSN Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3Z9dsVn

In this episode, Anushka from the Takshashila Institution joins Souvik to explore India’s evolving strategy toward China. They discuss key issues such as the border tensions and the Galwan incident, India’s trade and manufacturing challenges, and how China’s dominance in sectors like EVs and rare earths impacts Indian policy. The conversation also covers China’s growing military ties with Pakistan, India's defense preparedness, and efforts toward self-reliance. Anushka addresses misinformation around COVID-19 and the lab-leak theory, while emphasizing the importance of countering Chinese narratives on Pakistan, Tibet, and global perception. This episode offers a sharp, Indian perspective on a complex and critical relationship.

The Bangla film industry is facing a storm — caught between deepening trade-union (guild) conflicts and a long-standing decline in both artistic quality and commercial viability. While a few standout films continue to shine, the broader picture reveals a troubling trajectory. In this conversation, Debarati and Pratyay engage with renowned filmmaker Indranil Roychowdhury — celebrated for Foring, Mayar Janjal, and the acclaimed web series Chhotolok — who is not only a sharp cinematic voice but also a key participant in the ongoing union disputes. Together, they explore the multiple crises gripping Bangla cinema: the collapse of creative ecosystems, the disconnect with audiences, the erosion of collective bargaining power, and how all of this mirrors larger national and global challenges facing the film world. A must-watch for anyone invested in the future of meaningful cinema. Hosted by: Debarati and Pratyay 📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SHARE 📢 & SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more insightful discussions!

In this episode, Souvik speaks with Prof. Sumeet from the Jindal School of Government and Public Policy about the history and future of the caste census in India. They explore why the caste census was stopped after 1931, how its absence impacts policymaking and social justice, and the challenges of implementing reservation in today’s largely privatized economy. The conversation also touches on misconceptions around social mobility, the political implications of census data, and the need for transparency and data access. Together, they highlight why caste data matters—not just for academics or politicians, but for technologists and everyday citizens navigating a complex democracy.Full video: https://youtu.be/RYGCKDslaS0

In this thought-provoking episode of The Coffeehouse Experience, we’re joined by Arindam Goswami, a policy researcher at the Takshashila Institution, where he focuses on technology policy, AI governance, and national security. Alongside hosts Sanjay and Souvik, Arindam unpacks India’s position in the fast-evolving global AI ecosystem. The discussion explores India’s progress in building critical AI infrastructure—from GPU clusters and data centers to cloud access—and whether government strategies like the National AI Mission are translating into real impact. Are current policies enough to spur innovation while managing AI’s societal risks? How can India balance democratic values with the need for scale and speed in AI? We also dive into the geopolitical dimensions of AI: Can India leverage its neutrality to attract investment amid U.S.-China tensions? Is a uniquely Indian model of AI, rooted in frugal innovation and inclusion, emerging on the world stage? Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most critical conversations of our time. YouTube: https://youtu.be/kjzUrK2GepM

2025 marks Riwtik Ghatak’s birth centenary. To celebrating that we look back at different aspects of Rwitwik Ghatak’s work and life with. In this episode, Debarati and Pratyay engage in a discussion with Prof. Manas Ghosh from Jadavpur University's Film Studies Department, exploring key aspects of Ritwik Ghatak’s cinematic journey. They cover the significance of his first film "Nagarik," which remained unreleased at the time; his venture into Bollywood; his distinctive use of melodrama; his political and ideological departure from the Communist Party and IPTA; and how his influential teaching at FTII shaped filmmakers such as Mani Kaul, Kumar Shahani, and John Abraham, cementing his enduring legacy. Hosted by: Debarati and Pratyay 📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SHARE 📢 & SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more insightful discussions!

In this episode, we speak with Deepta Roy Chakraverti—Wiccan, author, and daughter of India’s pioneering priestess Ipsita Roy Chakraverti. Deepta unpacks the origins of Wicca and how it took root in her life, not just as a spiritual path but as a lens through which she views the world.We explore how her supernatural fiction is influenced by her beliefs, and whether her rational, academic background ever clashes with her love for the mystical. At the heart of it all is the legacy of her mother, a figure both commanding and inspiring, whose presence continues to shape Deepta’s journey. It's a conversation about belief, storytelling, and the space where reason and ritual coexist. Hosted by: Srinjoy 📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SHARE 📢 & SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more insightful discussions!

In this episode, Prof. Debak Das helps unpack the evolving dynamics of nuclear proliferation in the 21st century. From Cold War doctrines to contemporary strategic rivalries, we trace how major powers like Russia, France, and China shaped their nuclear trajectories — and what lessons were learned (or ignored) along the way. We also examine India's nuclear history, exploring the 24-year gap between Pokhran-I and Pokhran-II, and how Pakistan, often dismissed as a client state, managed to build a credible nuclear arsenal in response. The conversation takes a sharp turn into the aftermath of the 2025 India-Pakistan skirmish, analyzing why nuclear rhetoric — once taboo — is once again part of regional strategy and global discourse.Looking ahead, Dr. Das offers a sobering assessment of the future of non-proliferation, identifying potential breakout states, the erosion of international norms, and the risks of a more multipolar nuclear world. Hosted by: Srinjoy https://www.debakdas.com/ 📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SHARE 📢 & SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more insightful discussions! _______________________________ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoffeehouseexperience Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeehouseexp RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecoffeehouseexperience/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3P75RSN Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3Z9dsVn #TheCoffeeHouseExperience #ChainReactionaries #CHEPodcast #PodcastIndia #IndianPodcasts #SrinjoySpeaks #NuclearProliferation #DebakDas #Geopolitics #GlobalSecurity #NuclearWeapons #NonProliferation #IndiaPakistan #Pokhran #NuclearDoctrine #StrategicRivalries #MultipolarWorld #ColdWarToNow #NuclearThreat #BreakoutStates #StrategicStability #InternationalRelations #NuclearDebate #2025Skirmish #GlobalNuclearOrder #PoliticalPodcast #DefenseStrategy #WarAndPeace #SecurityStudies #InternationalPolitics #GlobalAffairs #NuclearPolicy #SouthAsiaSecurity

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Debashish Bhattacharya, whose remarkable journey spans decades of cultural engagement and intellectual curiosity. From his formative years at the India International Centre in Delhi to intimate conversations with some of the world’s most influential figures, Debashish shares how these encounters shaped his outlook on life. In his new book, “Whispers of an Ordinary Journey,” he weaves together personal memoirs, hard-won lessons, and a selection of essays written over many years, offering an extraordinary perspective through the eyes of someone who considers himself “ordinary.” In this episode, Debashish delves into the stories behind his book, revealing the inspirations, challenges, and insights that have defined his path. He opens up about his personal life, shares candid opinions on a range of topics, and reflects on the moments that transformed him. Whether you’re seeking thoughtful reflections or a fresh lens on everyday experiences, this conversation promises to leave you enriched and motivated. Hosted by: Sanjay and Pratyay Book link: https://amzn.in/d/74Qcgwu 📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SHARE 📢 & SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more insightful discussions! _______________________________ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoffeehouseexperience Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeehouseexp RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecoffeehouseexperience/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3P75RSN Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3Z9dsVn #TheCoffeeHouseExperience #DebashishBhattacharya #WhispersOfAnOrdinaryJourney #BanglaPodcast #PodcastIndia #SpotifyPodcastIndia #YouTubePodcastIndia #IndianAuthors #IndianLiterature #BanglaBooks #MemoirPodcast #CulturalConversations #InspiringJourneys #OrdinaryToExtraordinary #ThoughtfulReflections #IntellectualJourney #IndiaInternationalCentre #MulkRajAnand #MahaswetaDevi #APJAbdulKalam #ArunShourie #IndianPolitics #EducationInIndia #PolicyMaking #InequalityInIndia #PrivatizationDebate #ValueSystems #SocialMediaImpact #MinimalismInLife #PodcastBengali

CHE#60 | Bangla Podcast | Democracy at the Grassroots: Is Panchayati Raj in Crisis? | ​Suvojit ChattopadhyayIn today’s episode, we’re diving into the state of the Panchayati Raj system in India — a vision once rooted in grassroots democracy and self-governance, now facing serious challenges. Joining with us today is Suvojit Chattopadhyay , a seasoned development professional currently based in Nairobi, Kenya, where he works as Head of Adam Smith International. With a rich career spanning multiple countries—including India, Ghana, Kenya, and Somalia—Suvojit brings deep insights into governance and international development practice. He is the author of a recent article in The Hindu titled “The Panchayati Movement in Distress.” We’ll explore the relevance of Panchayati Raj in today’s rapidly urbanising India, the tension between fiscal autonomy and central control, political participation at the grassroots, and the evolving role of local governments in the age of digital governance and welfare delivery. The Hindu Article: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-panchayati-raj-movement-is-in-distress/article69227007.ece Suvojit Chattopadhyay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suvojitc/ 📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SHARE 📢 & SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more insightful discussions! _______________________________ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoffeehouseexperience Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeehouseexp RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecoffeehouseexperience/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3P75RSN Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3Z9dsVn #TheCoffeeHouseExperience #SuvojitChattopadhyay #PanchayatiRaj #GrassrootsDemocracy #LocalGovernance #SelfGovernance #Decentralization #DemocracyInIndia #VillageGovernance #SuvojitChattopadhyay #DevelopmentProfessional #GovernanceExpert #CHEPodcast #CoffeeHouseExperience #PolicyTalks #DevelopmentMatters #RuralDevelopment #LocalGovernment #FiscalAutonomy #DigitalGovernance #PoliticalParticipation #WelfareDelivery #IndianPolitics #Podcast #IndiaPodcast #BanglaPodcast #YouTubePodcast #SpotifyPodcast #PodcastCommunity

Ishita Tiwary’s book, published by Oxford University Press in 2024, offers a groundbreaking exploration of India’s analog video era. Through interdisciplinary methods—including oral histories, archival research, and recovered tapes—it reconstructs the evolution of analog video culture. The book also provides crucial insights into the socio-political landscape of the time, addressing gaps often found in digital media studies. Dr. Ishita Tiwary is an Assistant Professor of Film Studies and the Canada Research Chair at the Department of Cinema, Concordia University, Montreal. She also leads the research lab “Raah.” Her research focuses on video cultures, media infrastructures, migration, contraband media practices, and media aesthetics. Her work has been featured in Bioscope: South Asian Screen Studies, International Journal of Cultural Studies, JumpCut, Post Script: Essays in Film and Humanities, Culture Machine, MARG: Journal of Indian Art, and various edited collections on media piracy, video history, and streaming platforms. ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/cPFmFb6WsO4 #TheCoffeeHouseExperience #IshitaTiwary #VideoCulture #AnalogVideo #MediaHistory #FilmStudies #DigitalMedia #MediaInfrastructure #VideoArchives #FilmResearch #CinemaStudies #StreamingPlatforms #ContrabandMedia #MediaAesthetics #VideoHistories #CulturalStudies #BookLaunch #AcademicResearch #MediaScholarship #OxfordUniversityPress #ResearchLab #RaahLab #MediaPiracy #Podcast #TheCoffeeHouseExperience #MediaTalks #FilmPodcast #MediaDiscourse #HistoryOfVideo #MediaPolitics #Doordarshan #Hindutva #Osho #NEWSMedia #TVHistory #MigrationMedia

🔴 Can You Hack Indian EVMs? | CHE#58 | Bangla Podcast ft. Subhashis Banerjee 🔴 🎙️ The Coffee House Experience Can Indian Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) be hacked? 🤔 Does VVPAT matching actually ensure transparency? 🗳️ Is India's electoral process truly beyond manipulation? ⚖️ What about voters' lists—are they foolproof or prone to tampering? And why does an EVM’s battery charge matter in elections? Prof Subhasis Banerjee (ex HOD CS IIT Delhi) of Ashoka University has been studying Indian elections for many years now. He also served as a member of the Citizens' Commission on Elections, whose mandate was to evaluate & suggest improvements in India's electoral process. In this episode, we piggyback on Prof Banerjee's sagacious wisdom to hopefully debunk several shibboleths about Indian elections. 👉 Watch now and uncover the truth behind India's voting system! 🔗 More About Prof. Subhashis Banerjee: https://www.ashoka.edu.in/profile/subhashis-banerjee/ 📌 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SHARE 📢 & SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more insightful discussions! 📢 The Coffee House Experience: ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@thecoffeehouseexperience RSS Feed: rss.com/podcasts/thecoffeehouseexperience 📲 Follow us for more insights! 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/coffeehouseexp #TheCoffeeHouseExperience #IndianElections #EVMHacking #VVPAT #BanglaPodcast #SubhashisBanerjee #ElectionsIndia #ElectionIntegrity #VotingSystem #Democracy #ElectronicVoting #IndiaPolitics #ElectionTransparency #MachineLearning #TechAndDemocracy #CyberSecurity #JEEPhysics #WBCHSE #IITDelhi #AshokaUniversity

Autism in India - From Denial to Empathy | Bhismadev Chakrabarti 🎙️ The Coffee House Experience What is autism, and how do we move from misunderstanding to empathy? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bhismadev Chakrabarti, a leading neuroscientist specializing in autism and social behavior. The process of socialization in human beings has us responding to social stimuli and reinforcing those behaviours that are labelled as 'desirable' by our milieu. On the flipside, our species (Homo Sapiens) also abounds in agents who inherently don't find social interactions rewarding, therein upending the antecedents which frame 'social behaviour' for the rest. In other words, the process of mimicry that helps in forming affective social bonds doesn't come as naturally to individuals in the Autism Spectrum. Thus, acceptance and / or empathy plays a key role in not only appreciating the unique tapestries of the minds of such people, but in also leveraging these differences to strengthen the collective. Join us as we dive deep into autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Bhismadev Chakrabarti. In this episode, we debunk myths about what ASD is, discuss cutting-edge technological innovations designed to support children with autism, and dive into pilot studies in India assessing their impact. Dr. Chakrabarti also makes a compelling case for empathy in autism research and care, highlighting why understanding emotions is key to meaningful progress. 📢 Watch & Listen Now: ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/eIfx5WGic0o📢 The Coffee House Experience: ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@thecoffeehouseexperience 🎧 Spotify: spoti.fi/3P75RSN 🎵 Amazon Music: amzn.to/3Z9dsVn 📡 RSS Feed: rss.com/podcasts/thecoffeehouseexperience 📲 Follow us for more insights! 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/coffeehouseexp #TheCoffeeHouseExperience #Podcast #MentalHealth #ChildDevelopment #SpecialNeeds #AutismCommunity #Autism #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #AutismSpectrumDisorder #ASD #AutismAcceptance #AutismSupport #AutismEducation #AutismInIndia #Neuroscience #AutismResearch #EmpathyInAutism #AutismScience #AutismStudies

In this episode, we are honoured to host Dr Manas Ray, a renowned cultural theorist and storyteller, who revisits his childhood as a refugee in the vibrant yet tumultuous Netaji Nagar of Kolkata. From the struggles of displacement to the shaping of a unique cultural ethos, Dr. Ray offers an intimate glimpse into his personal experiences and reflections. Join us as we explore the profound stories that illuminate not only his past but the larger tapestry of post-Partition India.Youtube: https://youtu.be/fd-92iKXGVc#TheCoffeeHouseExperience #DrManasRay #CulturalTheorist #NetajiNagar #KolkataStories #PartitionStories #RefugeeExperience #PostPartitionIndia #IndianHistory #StorytellingPodcast #BengalCulture #CulturalEthos #ChildhoodStories #DisplacementStories #IndianIdentity #KolkataReflections

Today we are joined by Anirban - the founder of “ the Painted Sky “ which is an art-based training organization and the “ UBQT Design Thinking School “ (one of the first design thinking schools in India). He has been an executive coach and an experienced facilitator in various art-based behavioural programs for many corporate clients across geographies. He has also mentored different organizations in empathy-led leadership at various levels. In this episode, we delve deep into the nuances and mindset of design thinking and its applications along with how our country’s leaders and administrators can adapt this to solve “human problems “ with empathy. Do tune in for this engaging “adda” with Srinjoy and Souvik. Youtube: https://youtu.be/V1RjYhCrqHM

Manu Bhagavan is a historian and professor of history and human rights at Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He is also a senior fellow at the Ralph Bunche Institute. Bhagavan's research focuses on 20th-century India, intellectual history, human rights, and constitutional history. In this episode we discuss about his latest book ‘Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit’ published by Penguin India, which tells the untold story of India's First Woman Cabinet Minister, the First Woman to lead the UN General Assembly - Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, popularly known as Madame Pandit. Watch the author in conversation with Srinjoy and Souvik.Youtube: https://youtu.be/z0NHXIS0r7U #thecoffeehouseexperience #englishposdcast #srinjoyganguly #Indianpolitics #VijayaLakshmiPandit #ManuBhagavan #bjp #congress #nehru

Indian politics today - a ringside view Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y3mKoJIPMVk Hosted by: Srinjoy Ganguly Special #thecoffeehouseexperience #englishposdcast #srinjoyganguly #Indianpolitics #ruchigupta #bjp #congress #kejriwal